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Open Poetry #4
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Corinne
Member Ascendant
since 1999-10-28
Posts 5167
state of confusion

0 posted 1999-12-12 02:24 AM


Glass trinkets on a sill
Cobalt jars, jade jugs,
Amber faces of presidents
LBJ and Nixon memorialized
On salt-n-pepper shakers
Dreaded childhood visits

Lonesome lackadaisical lady
With her “Fire Engine Red” wig
Siamese cat snatched it up
While she snored loudly
Covered chintz couch
Perfectly bald, mouth agape
Cruel kids cackling,
Sharp eyes sponging

All night cocktail hour
Lawrence Welk blaring
Peanuts sparingly served
Wooden bowl on glass table
Cloying White Shoulders
Triggering bad memories

Disappointment de jour
Uninspired callous wit
Pining for a dead father
Slurred salutations,
Her hand held high
Glass of vodka on ice
Rattling tall bottles
So carefully chilled
As though running out
Might signal disaster

Reclusive last days
Escaping at night
Fast food receipts
Car wallpaper

A neighbor called
After it was over
I imagined
Flames flicking
Glass shattering
Searing last breath
Echoes elongated in
Ashen shadows

Unforgettable stench
Sliding glass door now
Wavy Object de Art
Charred, crispy casualties
Glass knick-knacks
Melted mysteries
Plus six liters of vodka,
Saved by the refrigerator

© 1999 Corinne Bailey


© Copyright 1999 Corinne - All Rights Reserved
Nan
Administrator
Member Seraphic
since 1999-05-20
Posts 21191
Cape Cod Massachusetts USA
1 posted 1999-12-12 07:36 AM


Such a sat testament to a life, Corinne - Isn't it odd the insignificant details we remember...??
Marge Tindal
Deputy Moderator 5 ToursDeputy Moderator 1 TourDeputy Moderator 1 TourDeputy Moderator 1 Tour
Member Empyrean
since 1999-11-06
Posts 42384
Florida's Foreverly Shores
2 posted 1999-12-12 09:57 AM


Corrine -

I felt the tragedy in this.
You have written well of the lonely
desperation of one consumed by consumption.

This is a heartfelt piece.
Your portrayal was vivid.

The saddest thing is that it is unfortunately not an isolated event.
Thanks for sharing.


 ~*The pen of the poet never runs out of ink, as long as we breathe.*~
noles1@totcon.com



lostboy
Member
since 1999-11-21
Posts 275
New Hampshire, USA
3 posted 1999-12-12 10:00 AM


Wow Corinne, I could see as I read, all this unfolding. Very sad indeed.
Saxoness
Deputy Moderator 1 Tour
Senior Member
since 1999-07-18
Posts 1102
Texas
4 posted 1999-12-12 10:02 AM


Somehow saying this is a wonderful poem just doesn't fit...so I'll say it's a definite work of art.

 "Glory remains unaware of my neglected dwelling where alone
I sing my tearful song which has charms only for me."

-Charles Brugnot


U K Hero
Member
since 1999-08-08
Posts 266
England
5 posted 1999-12-12 10:18 AM


Enjoyed the read Corinne.
Its a style I'm still trying to get the hang of and I have to say you've handled it beautifully.

hoot_owl_rn
Member Patricius
since 1999-07-05
Posts 10750
Glen Hope, PA USA
6 posted 1999-12-12 10:32 AM


Wow, this is absolutely packed full of visual imagery. Well done  
Denise
Moderator
Member Seraphic
since 1999-08-22
Posts 22648

7 posted 1999-12-12 03:59 PM


Sad tale.  Well done, Corinne.

 Denise



Mike
Member Elite
since 1999-06-19
Posts 2462

8 posted 1999-12-12 04:08 PM


Very impressive work.  Enjoyed.
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