cliff dwelling
before I left home
we pranced like monkeys under the mangoes
then dropped like coconuts at night
to rest in the sand
below my cliff
blackbirds travel west into the wind
last years berries still hang from dead fingers
red buds stretch and shed their skins
my fire curls to sleep
against the white sky, the dry sun rings like a bell
white birds vault seamlessly
sinews, blood and bone, in a coat of snow
before I left home
Adam with his tan hand dismissed
the pit from the peach, the questions from my soul
the heart out of the albatross
we pranced like monkeys under the mangoes
then dropped like coconuts at night
to rest in the sand
below my cliff
blackbirds travel west into the wind
last years berries still hang from dead fingers
red buds stretch and shed their skins
my fire curls to sleep
against the white sky, the dry sun rings like a bell
white birds vault seamlessly
sinews, blood and bone, in a coat of snow
before I left home
Adam with his tan hand dismissed
the pit from the peach, the questions from my soul
the heart out of the albatross
posted by Yes at 6:58 PM
10 Comments:
It was so tropical.. until you mentioned snow!
the coconuts dropping to rest in sand is such a good image - have you lived in the tropics/islands? this is very real to me (from my childhood)
I loved the last verse actually the best... the dismissive hand... leaves me with more questions!
Sounds like the tender petals of youth were fully bloomed when you left home. Love it!!
what a treat!!! i ate this poem like a juicy peach. YUM!!! thank you again for sharing your astounding talent.
oh this is good.
the first stanza brings such a sharp clear image to mind - i can see the prancing and the kerplunking down to rest.
i can make up stories in my head from this poem.
white birds in a coat of snow - ahh...
- the last stanza brings -oh that dismissive adam.
though i wonder, was it a good thing that the questions were dismissed, or is that a lack of acknowledgement, awareness on adam's part?
that last stanza could lead a reader to more than just one assumption, more than just one interpretation - i like that some possibilities are embedded in the poem.
i'll have to send my friend, the red woodpecker here - the woodpecker might appeciate this poem.
It is like venturing out on a journey. You know this suits the sunday scribblings post.
You do know how to take us all in by the beauty of your verses.
Gracie--I've lived in the tropics all my life--in my dreams only!
Where did you live? I grew up on an island (Manhattan), among many immigrants from the tropics, who bring their vivid culture with them...Thanks for commenting on the last verse, I'm glad you could relate!
Pat--I like to think that our petals keep on blooming more and more as we reach middle age...
surely you agree...
ss--Thanks for the juicy comment! Yours are always a treat for me...
bird--Oh, such a joy to see your shining image, and read your generous comment! The "white bird" line was one of my favorites--of course--I was up in a top floor office watching seagulls soar past, inches from the window--no, we don't have awesome birds like terns here, but they are still breathtaking!
I really appreciate what you say about "stories, possibilities, and interpretations"--I was afraid that it would be misunderstood--it's great that you enjoy the exploration!
Gautami--thank you for what you say about "venturing on a journey"--I feel you are going along with me, and I appreciate your company!
Things were simpler back then. Or were they. For some, they're never simple. This poem isn't simple... I enjoy wandering between its layers.
Oh, and those lines about the birds and the sun are beautiful!
mb--I love your comment--you really get the essence of the poem--and I'm so pleased when you reread, wonder, and puzzle through the images--you do me such an honor...
The lines "we pranced like monkeys under the mangoes/then dropped like coconuts at night" are wonderful! You write so beautifully -- each line of each of your poems creates such a clear picture and feeling. I'm so happy I found your site!
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