navwin » Archives » Open Poetry #45 » Not Yet
Open Poetry #45
Post A Reply Post New Topic Not Yet Go to Previous / Newer Topic Back to Topic List Go to Next / Older Topic
Osprey
Member
since 2009-04-12
Posts 249


0 posted 2009-11-01 01:48 PM


A tornado of starlings whisked
a cacophony of squabbling chunter
that drilled a hole into
the peach and turquoise ceiling
of a cold-steel, November night.

Windless:
the chill that varnished thoughts,
captured melancholy
with a careless lack of empathy.
Lifting shoulders and collar
for the lunacy of a cigarette.

I could see her through the window,
ward four abustle, she oblivious.
Head back, mouth agape,
face as grey as school socks.

Oh, yes,
she looked eighty-five tonight;
a little girl filled with age.
They were dancing the Charleston
when she was learning to read.

Betty Grable legs, you know;
an ice-skater's legs.
She often spoke of that little, maroon skirt:

"Whatever happened to those white skates?"

But, quick, she's waking now;
she'll need my hand.

A hurried, door-swinging walk
through the thick warmth of disinfected air
snuffed the white flame of vapoured breath-
and I was there.

Lost lips battled to part
the vice of dehydration:
"A sip of water please, son?"
And yes, those pacific eyes,
mantled in a moistured grey
beneath a thank-you brow
that effortlessly claimed a gentle touch.

Not yet, mum, eh?
Not yet.



© Copyright 2009 Osprey - All Rights Reserved
martiniat8
Senior Member
since 2003-06-21
Posts 897
Prague, Bohemia, Czech Republic
1 posted 2009-11-01 01:54 PM



the chill that varnished thoughts,
captured melancholy
with a careless lack of empathy.
Lifting shoulders and collar
for the lunacy of a cigarette.

oh, wow, this really hit home with me!
thanks for sharing!

good write!

Marchmadness
Member Rara Avis
since 2007-09-16
Posts 9271
So. El Monte, California
2 posted 2009-11-02 01:24 PM


What a touching and sensitive write, Osprey.
Hit home for me too.
                                Ida

ThisDiamond
Member Rara Avis
since 2002-02-22
Posts 9353
Michigan, USA
3 posted 2009-11-04 09:55 AM


Much enjoyed the depths of this, twirl of the maroon skirt, and vivid imagery.
Pilgrimage
Member Elite
since 2001-12-04
Posts 3945
Texas, USA
4 posted 2009-11-04 10:25 AM


This one hit too close to home.  I'm tearing up as I write.  

Nan (Pilgrim variety)

Post A Reply Post New Topic ⇧ top of page ⇧ Go to Previous / Newer Topic Back to Topic List Go to Next / Older Topic
All times are ET (US). All dates are in Year-Month-Day format.
navwin » Archives » Open Poetry #45 » Not Yet

Passions in Poetry | pipTalk Home Page | Main Poetry Forums | 100 Best Poems

How to Join | Member's Area / Help | Private Library | Search | Contact Us | Login
Discussion | Tech Talk | Archives | Sanctuary