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Open Poetry #43
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Gaelynsgirl
Member
since 2008-07-18
Posts 175
Ont. Canada

0 posted 2008-08-14 06:29 PM





Lilies wrap my legs
In ribbon curls
To pull the limbs of my being
beneath the meniscus
of my thoughts.
Their vagrant castings
of  crimson coils,
promise to preserve
that virgin nerve
from the pickling white brine
of memory.
They encircle an ankle  
and linger with suckling pull
within a tender hollow
to shudder and
cull a liquid sigh,
a last response
to what was left undone.
Are these the keepers
Of  last breath,
Of life, or death,
Or simply a servant
of a drowning mind
That spirals down the spirit
Curling into the pit
Of my unconscious.
A darkling process…  but from
this  deep      
            cold    
                  storage,
A baptism of belief
In promise and possibility  
Will rise with the lilies
Come spring.


© Copyright 2008 Lynda G. Smith - All Rights Reserved
LindsayP
Member Elite
since 2007-07-28
Posts 3410
Australia, Victoria
1 posted 2008-08-14 10:06 PM



Great write my dear enjoyed.

Lindsay

Gaelynsgirl
Member
since 2008-07-18
Posts 175
Ont. Canada
2 posted 2008-08-14 11:41 PM


Thank you Lindsay. A Park ranger took a group of us on a canoe trip in a provincial park and taught us a great deal about water lilies. He told us that when the lakes freeze over in the winter months, the lilies pull themselves down to the bottom of the lake below the ice by coiling their stems. I realized the metaphor for a difficult time I was going through and the poem was born.

I'm glad you enjoyed it.
with smiles
Lynda

OwlSA
Member Rara Avis
since 2005-11-07
Posts 9347
Durban, South Africa
3 posted 2008-08-15 12:49 PM


Kin, all the way down, I just knew there was an up!  Loved every step of the way, and every nuance of the thoughts.  Going on nature trails - well, that proves what kin we really are.  I have led many nature trails myself, as well, as being led on others by many.


- Owl

Gaelynsgirl
Member
since 2008-07-18
Posts 175
Ont. Canada
4 posted 2008-08-15 04:03 PM


Kin... I'm so glad you found this. We do tend to speak the same language do we not! If I can make it to Africa, perhaps we could hike one of your trails. I have a hunch we would have a hard time keeping quiet...lol

I shall start saving my pennies.

Lynda

Margherita
Member Seraphic
since 2003-02-08
Posts 22236
Eternity
5 posted 2008-08-15 04:58 PM


quote:
A darkling process…  but from
this  deep      
            cold    
                  storage,
A baptism of belief
In promise and possibility  
Will rise with the lilies
Come spring.



Exquisite, dear Lynda! I also enjoyed reading where the inspiration came from.

Love,
Margherita

Gaelynsgirl
Member
since 2008-07-18
Posts 175
Ont. Canada
6 posted 2008-08-15 05:43 PM


Thank you Margherita. It is a rather revealing poem but those are usually my most honest. I'm glad you enjoyed it.
with smiles
Lynda

kaile
Deputy Moderator 1 TourDeputy Moderator 1 Tour
Member Ascendant
since 2000-02-06
Posts 5146
singapore
7 posted 2008-08-16 11:20 AM


"meniscus of my thoughts" and "white brine of memory" are very cool phrases! liked the quiet optimism in this
OwlSA
Member Rara Avis
since 2005-11-07
Posts 9347
Durban, South Africa
8 posted 2008-08-16 12:33 PM


Kin, that would be wonderful.  However, our "not keeping quiet" would have to be in whispers while we are on the trail - and mostly about the trail - but before and after, chattering and raucous laughter would be most welcome and great fun!

The sad thing is too, that it is no longer safe to go on trails in South Africa on one's own (my favourite) or just with a friend or a few friends, or even in small groups.  Big groups are not my cup of tea on a trail as they usually frighten away all the wild life and talk about anything except what is on the trail, but it is still better than not going on trails, I suppose.  

- Owl  


Gaelynsgirl
Member
since 2008-07-18
Posts 175
Ont. Canada
9 posted 2008-08-16 01:04 PM


Thank you Kaile -- Visual imagery works for this brain of mine. Painting with words is my new art form. I'm glad you enjoyed it.

and Kin,
We shall simply have to find us a handsome hunky park ranger with Tarzan tatooed on his arm. We will tell him we need him for safety reasons...hehe...Then if we see some animals...bonus!

Marchmadness
Member Rara Avis
since 2007-09-16
Posts 9271
So. El Monte, California
10 posted 2008-08-16 03:24 PM


You have been painting some very lovely pictures with you words lately. They just keep getting better.
                             Ida

Gaelynsgirl
Member
since 2008-07-18
Posts 175
Ont. Canada
11 posted 2008-08-16 11:36 PM


I hope what you say is true, Ida. There is much to learn; about poetry, about myself, about the universe. Thank goodness I was born curious!

with hugs..
Lynda

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