»
Archives
»
Open Poetry #47
»
My Study at Night (re-re-post reworked slightly)
| Open Poetry #47 |
|
My Study at Night (re-re-post reworked slightly) |
|
|
OwlSA Member Rara Avis
since 2005-11-07
Posts 9347Durban, South Africa 
|
MY STUDY AT NIGHT ±1976 The day’s tattered, shattered nerves bathe their wounds in the stillness. This haven - book-impregnated - stimulates my mind, soothes my spirit and I again become my friend. The cheap prints above me cannot mask the serenity of the Dutch and Flemish masterpieces. Vague shapes on another wall sail into seas of blue-grey mystery. Brown and ochre soften white in the autumn of the day. My clock, wood-carved and old, slowly ticks away each pregnant minute. At quarter hours, I hold my breath and listen to the mellow notes soft-echoed soon by other clocks in other rooms. Age and time and grace are mingled into one, in this, my sanctuary à moi. My massive, hand-built, yellow-wooded desk bears marks of character and stains of use dealt by hands unknown to me. My music is now symphony of passionate wind and sighing trees, now tenor-voiced crickets penetrating the depth of night in poignant song, now haunting oboes creaking odes to Rain, now Rain herself, whispering at my window-pane or thundering on the roof and gurgling in the gutters. My friends are all around, bound in leather, cloth and paperback, free to speak and speak again. Brown canine eyes look into mine and we delight in our mutual understanding. Psychiatrists say the world lacks communication. Friends know, but acquaintances ask why I work so late. Owl |
||
| © Copyright 2011 Diana van den Berg - All Rights Reserved | |||
|
Margherita Member Seraphic
since 2003-02-08
Posts 22236Eternity |
This has been a wonderful visit with you in your study, peeking over your shoulders and taking in the intimate "cozy" atmosphere. I also heard all the sounds ... the clocks, the winds ... Amazingly beautiful, dear Diana! Each line has its own charm. Love, Margherita  |
||
|
OwlSA Member Rara Avis
since 2005-11-07
Posts 9347Durban, South Africa |
Thank you, Margherita, for sharing the intimacy of my beloved study with me so beautifully. Owl |
||
|
ice Member Elite
since 2003-05-17
Posts 3404Pennsylvania |
All this poem lacks is a Raven above the door. It is classic in its delivery, but most certainly modern in its approach to subject...I do beleive that Poe would like this as well as I do, and that is a lot. |
||
|
Nicole Senior Member
since 1999-06-23
Posts 1835Florida |
What a lovely place to be; and so artfully penned. I could see it, smell it, and feel the serenity. A pleasure to read, as always. |
||
|
OwlSA Member Rara Avis
since 2005-11-07
Posts 9347Durban, South Africa |
Wow, Ford! You say the loveliest things and make me feel like a real poet! i am flattered that you think Poe would have liked it, but I am not too sure that he would be too charmed with the comparison with his work! But thanks, anyway. I feel most honoured! I'd love a raven - I am sure you meant a real one, and not a stuffed one. Smiles. Thank you, Nicole, for sharing my study with me and loving its ambience. Smiles. Owl |
||
|
secondhanddreampoet Member Ascendant
since 2006-11-07
Posts 6394a 'Universalist' ! |
superb 'slice of life' impressionistic imagery; fine writing! |
||
|
luminosity Senior Member
since 2005-11-18
Posts 813 |
I agree with dream poet...fine writing, makes one want to be there with you, though it would interupt the beauty of the solitude |
||
|
OwlSA Member Rara Avis
since 2005-11-07
Posts 9347Durban, South Africa |
Thank you, Bruce, for your lovely words. Thank you, luminosity, for your deep understanding of the ambience. Somebody who understands that as you do, wouldn't disturb the solitude, because you understand the depth and beauy of that solitude - and what a delight it would be to read poetry to each other and anybody else of like mind, in my study-haven! Owl |
||
|
bel1e Senior Member
since 2006-07-24
Posts 1631 |
quite a sanctuary in your imagery, Owl...always a pleasure to read your work. |
||
|
|
⇧ top of page ⇧ |
|
| All times are ET (US). All dates are in Year-Month-Day format. | ||
