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Open Poetry #44
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Martie
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since 1999-09-21
Posts 28049
California

0 posted 2009-01-20 10:14 PM



Around the corner and down the block
heavy with memory,  I walk on sidewalks
torn by cracks and littered with the sunshine
of the ache in the gate that was home.

Bare-footed across the paved heat of the streets
where the leaves of autumn still fall and call,
all my lost thoughts flood the gutters and tombs
as the birds and I thrum with the clock.

A white linen blouse on a January day
writes its song on the shoulders of trees,
then stays like the strings of a familiar love,
lost in the culverts unseen but by me.

The smile of the child at the door I can't block
from the threshold that used to be mine;
I hope that he feels all the goodness I've known
for the place called my home now is his.  

© Copyright 2009 Martie Odell Ingebretsen - All Rights Reserved
Mysteria
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Member Laureate
since 2001-03-07
Posts 18328
British Columbia, Canada
1 posted 2009-01-20 10:19 PM


Sad but wonderfully crafted Martie.  I can't think of anyone but you that would stir a muse to this wonderful verse:

A white linen blouse on a January day
writes its song on the shoulders of trees,
then stays like the strings of a familiar love,
lost in the culverts unseen but by me.

Robert E. Jordan
Member Rara Avis
since 2008-01-25
Posts 8541
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
2 posted 2009-01-20 10:56 PM


Yo dear Martie,

When you walk those sidewalks, don't step on a crack, or you'll break your mother's back.

I'm sure you know that.

Love Bobby

Bill Charles
Member Patricius
since 2000-07-11
Posts 10619
highways, & byways, for now
3 posted 2009-01-20 11:09 PM


Martie - haven't seen you for a while. Hope this is just a writing and not true for you. Wish you well...

BC

Marc-Andre
Senior Member
since 2008-12-07
Posts 501

4 posted 2009-01-20 11:16 PM


A touching piece that demands both attention and reflection. The words just sank it as there would be no possible resistance. Have a marvelous day! Mark
Constance
Member
since 2001-07-28
Posts 393
Ohio
5 posted 2009-01-20 11:39 PM


Haven't been here in a long, long time, but so happy to come back and find you Martie. I can't remember ever being less than thrilled to read your work. This one is no exception of course. Just wonderful Martie!

smiles,
c

steavenr
Member Elite
since 2003-11-17
Posts 4058

6 posted 2009-01-21 12:43 PM


sweet poem with a lovely ending...I really liked this stanza:

"A white linen blouse on a January day
writes its song on the shoulders of trees,
then stays like the strings of a familiar love,
lost in the culverts unseen but by me."

...thanks for sharing...it's a good write worth the reading

suthern
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Member Seraphic
since 1999-07-29
Posts 20723
Louisiana
7 posted 2009-01-21 09:35 AM


Beautifully poignant.

I know I'll face this "not mine" with the farm where I grew up. But having literally been homeless for a couple of months in 2008, I find myself grateful for a roof over my head... even if it's not the one that sheltered memories. *S*

Wishing you the best... whereever you are.

Sunshine
Administrator
Member Empyrean
since 1999-06-25
Posts 63354
Listening to every heart
8 posted 2009-01-21 09:58 AM


There are homes; there are houses.

You are a home within yourself...
and you're very good at inviting
everyone in.

Love you, Sissie!

OwlSA
Member Rara Avis
since 2005-11-07
Posts 9347
Durban, South Africa
9 posted 2009-01-21 11:50 AM


Martie, this is beautiful, like the photos of your home and your garden you sent me a long time ago.  I ached with you when you moved and still do so now.  Keep those memories alive.  The pain they bring is less than the emptiness of not having them.  Write them in your inimitable style and post them for us, and read and re-read them for you.  

Hugs
Owl

moonbeam
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Member Elite
since 2005-12-24
Posts 2356

10 posted 2009-01-22 04:54 PM


"A white linen blouse on a January day
writes its song on the shoulders of trees,"

As ever, the flash of perennial brilliance.   Good work Martie.

Martie
Moderator
Member Empyrean
since 1999-09-21
Posts 28049
California
11 posted 2009-01-22 05:52 PM


Dear friends...thank you for your kind words about this poem.  I am happy to have written something new to bring here after many dry months.  You are all wonderful, as usual.
ethome
Member Patricius
since 2000-05-14
Posts 11858
New Brunswick Canada
12 posted 2009-01-22 06:03 PM


Well dear Martie the flower girl, it's been a long time since I read your words.
However they are as eloquent as ever although sad this time but still well presented with a poet's heart.

Eric

serenity blaze
Member Empyrean
since 2000-02-02
Posts 27738

13 posted 2009-01-22 06:11 PM


"A white linen blouse on a January day
writes its song on the shoulders of trees,
then stays like the strings of a familiar love,
lost in the culverts unseen but by me."

I wonder sometimes if you know how lovely you are with your grace in the power of words.

This made me actually gasp, and pray fiercely that you are well.

<--tightly

JamesMichael
Member Empyrean
since 1999-11-16
Posts 33336
Kapolei, Hawaii, USA
14 posted 2009-01-22 06:21 PM


Wonderful writing...James
ThisDiamond
Member Rara Avis
since 2002-02-22
Posts 9353
Michigan, USA
15 posted 2009-01-22 10:15 PM


Martie,
This is awesome.

Margherita
Member Seraphic
since 2003-02-08
Posts 22236
Eternity
16 posted 2009-01-23 09:31 AM


quote:
The smile of the child at the door I can't block
from the threshold that used to be mine;
I hope that he feels all the goodness I've known
for the place called my home now is his.  



Oh, dear dear Martie!! This hurts, yet you are a most beautiful soul and I am sure the child who lives there now feels your presence and feels the special atmosphere that permeates the site.

As always a wonderful poetic offering. I have missed you so much!

May you be well, it is not easy I know.

Love and hugs.
Margherita

"Love is the One who masters all things;
I am mastered totally by Love."
(Rumi)

Richy
Member Elite
since 2003-05-03
Posts 3050

17 posted 2009-01-23 09:32 AM



My dearest Martie, we may leave the walls and cracked sidewalks behind, but the echoes of memory's joy follow us, as we keep them with us wherever we abide.

Wishing you and yours, a most pleasant new transition.

p.s. your picture is just too cute!
Richy

Midnitesun
Deputy Moderator 1 Tour
Member Empyrean
since 2001-05-18
Posts 28647
Gaia
18 posted 2009-01-23 10:15 AM


Martie, this piece reaches deep within both heart and spirit, brings sighs of understanding coupled with wishes for serene moments steeped only with wonderful memories.
I've truly missed your words, and am so happy to see you posting again.
XXX,
Kacy

Earth Angel
Member Empyrean
since 2002-08-27
Posts 40215
Realms of Light
19 posted 2009-01-23 11:12 AM


I do so enjoy your writing, Martie Flowers!
Each stanza is a floral bouquet.

Your uniquely poetic turns of phrase are very creative and appealing.

"A white linen blouse on a January day
writes its song on the shoulders of trees,"

Lovely to read you again!


Linda

Ratleader
Deputy Moderator 1 Tour
Member Rara Avis
since 2003-01-23
Posts 7026
Visiting Earth on a Guest Pass
20 posted 2009-01-26 09:33 AM


It's hard going back to the place we left behind, seeing all the changes.....for years after returning to Kansas City in the mid-70's, I lived within a mile of my childhood home and never once went to it. Not brave enough, I guess. I could see it up on the hill as I rode past on North 72nd Steet, but I never made that left turn onto Prospect, to get a closer look.

Reading this, I'm kinda glad.

~~(¸¸¸¸ºº>   ~~(¸¸¸¸ºº>  ~~(¸¸ ¸¸ºº>    ~~~(¸¸ER¸¸ºº>
______________Ratleader______________

Artic Wind
Member Rara Avis
since 2007-09-16
Posts 8080
Realm of Supernatural
21 posted 2009-01-26 11:27 AM


A sad write here Martie


ARCTIC WIND

Marchmadness
Member Rara Avis
since 2007-09-16
Posts 9271
So. El Monte, California
22 posted 2009-01-28 01:48 AM


This is a sad write, Martie but I'm glad to see you writing again.
                                  Ida

SEA
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Moderator
Member Seraphic
since 2000-01-18
Posts 22676
with you
23 posted 2009-01-28 09:07 AM


I know what it's like, to leave the house you love and have built so many memeories into. It does hurt. It's hard, but in the end? It's reallly just a place. Your heart is where home is, and look in your husband's eyes. That...is home.

You'll find your place again.


you will

threadbear
Senior Member
since 2008-07-10
Posts 817
Indy
24 posted 2009-01-28 03:17 PM


Hi, Martie!  
We're all hoping the muse has reattached itself to your writing hand.
Your work is always inspired and well-written.  You have my deepest respect and well wishes!
Jeff (ShadowRider)

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