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Spring in St. Petersburg
| Open Poetry #7 |
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Spring in St. Petersburg |
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Martie
Moderator
Member Empyrean
since 1999-09-21
Posts 28049California 
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Spring in St. Petersburg It is spring in St. Petersburg and the ice is growing thin. The fisherman in sheepskin hats, backs hunched and loaded, their corkscrews in hand trudge by the thousands across the changing season, listening for a shift in mood a sudden change in color… avoiding the slush called porridge. The days are longer now and a treasure glistens in silver slither beneath the surface in daring catch me, man of Russia, man of foolishness man who walk for miles in solitary company to read the ice. They jealously watch each other, for to catch one tiny smelt is an act of courage, and of love and survival, for the belly of Russian families is hungry and the pride of these men walks quietly with them. It is said the ice is seductive, that it breathes and beckons with its frigid mood, that it sings with the wind, and changes color to give a hint of salvation, for knowledge saves a life and carelessness brings death in crunching and slashing ice floes that shrink ‘til breath is swallowed and time’s flailing arms sink. It has been this way and will be again, for it is spring in St. Petersburg and the ice is growing thin. [This message has been edited by Martie (edited 05-04-2000).] |
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| © Copyright 2000 Martie Odell Ingebretsen - All Rights Reserved | |||
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Temptress
Moderator
Member Rara Avis
since 1999-06-15
Posts 7136Mobile, AL |
What a great poem!  The 6th stanza is definetely my favorite. Is it just me, or do I detect a hint of something else in the mood or meaning of it? Nothing can deter a poet, for he is actuated by pure love. Who can predict his comings and goings? "Thoreau" |
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Martie
Moderator
Member Empyrean
since 1999-09-21
Posts 28049California |
Temptress--I was reading about these ice fisherman and found it so interesting...and yes, it is somber and bleak...and so cold...but, I didn't have any hidden meaning in mind. Thank you so much for reading this and for liking it. |
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Marge Tindal 
since 1999-11-06
Posts 42384Florida's Foreverly Shores |
Martie~ This is so fascinating. These nomads of the ice are so vivid through your words. I could almost see their breath. Must be a frightfully harsh way of life. Thank you for sharing this look at the men of St. Petersburg. ~*Marge*~ ~*The pen of the poet never runs out of ink, as long as we breathe.*~ noles1@totcon.com |
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jwesley Member Rara Avis
since 2000-04-30
Posts 7563Spring, Texas |
You painted a great picture Martie, I could see the ice and fishermen and feel the cold and the muscle aches and hear them praying for a good catch.... Thanks, j. |
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Seymour Tabin Member Empyrean
since 1999-07-07
Posts 31720Tamarac Fla |
Martie, An interesting and wonderful story. Well done *L* |
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Martie
Moderator
Member Empyrean
since 1999-09-21
Posts 28049California |
Marge--I'm so glad you liked this....and thanks for always watching my back! j--I'm glad you could see this picture..thank you so much for replying. Sy--Thank you...a wonderful from you is wonderful for me! |
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Corinne Member Ascendant
since 1999-10-28
Posts 5167state of confusion |
The second to last stanza, awesome! Images painted perfectly. Corinne |
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Martie
Moderator
Member Empyrean
since 1999-09-21
Posts 28049California |
Thanks Corinne, that's my favorite too. |
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Sudhir Iyer Member Ascendant
since 2000-04-26
Posts 6943Mumbai, India : now in Belgium |
What a nice narrative poem!!! Truly wondrous. There is no need to have hidden and second and third meanings, if you are depicting the way you do, Martie... Regards, Sudhir In any moment of decision, The best thing you can do is the right thing, The next-best thing is the wrong thing, And the worst thing you can do is nothing. - Theodore Roosevelt |
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Meadowmuse Member Elite
since 1999-12-27
Posts 3263 |
Martie, with the gift of your words, placed just so, you bring this scene directly to the reader...one has only to begin reading your work to be seamlessly propelled into the sights, sounds and sensibilities of the fishermen, at the ready, upon the thinning ice. I loved this gifting, and I must thank you, in earnest, for sharing it here. ~ Claire Could a greater miracle take place than for us to look through each other's eyes for an instant?......Henry David Thoreau |
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Jeffrey Carter
since 2000-04-08
Posts 2367State of constant confusion! |
WOW great imagery and great story telling. This is definitely one of the best I have seen from you. All my love, Jeffrey I lie awake in a world filled with dreams, but dreams can be so real when you don't know you're asleep |
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Denise
Moderator
Member Seraphic
since 1999-08-22
Posts 22648 |
Fascinating tale told only as you can, Martie! Beautifully, flawlessly written! Denise |
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Martie
Moderator
Member Empyrean
since 1999-09-21
Posts 28049California |
Sudhir--I'm so glad that you liked this poem. Claire--Love to share with someone with as much appreciation as you. Jeffrey--Thanks for the wow...you are sweet! Denise--You say the nicest things! |
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