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Martie
Moderator
Member Empyrean
since 1999-09-21
Posts 28049
California

0 posted 2000-11-18 10:21 PM



The Inevitable March of Time
(this was previously posted in DP)

A certain gray quality
to that morning
pressed into my skin
held my steps back
prevented the perfect breath.

         If only I could
         put out my foot
         and detain the stars

I could feel
it hitch there in my throat
but, of course, I had to breathe.
I couldn't just decide that today
I didn't like the quality
of the air
and choose not to.

       and stop the
       the breath of morning

The car whined
purred then choked,
a living thing,
cohort companion
in this agony of breathing.

      but there is only movement forward

She beside me,
red hair corking out the window
disturbing the air with exuberance
its fiery threads.
She knew the way
into this place,
her story was locked
my gaze not shifting her stillness
into telling.

     I can’t lock the door of time

Into the noisy faces
and the congestion of smells
like ripe sewage
leaking into the air
cried a baby
and the poverty of children's faces
insisted as we squeezed past
brightly colored pedestrians.

     or freeze the noisome crowd

I followed her
to the cracked corner,
past the swollen silent buildings
past the glass tomb store fronts
her freckled long fingers
had trapped the beige flutter of mine

      pulling me into
      the inevitable march of time


© Copyright 2000 Martie Odell Ingebretsen - All Rights Reserved
ethome
Member Patricius
since 2000-05-14
Posts 11858
New Brunswick Canada
1 posted 2000-11-18 10:33 PM


I agree with the title Martie but I'm having a hard time understanding the content, mind you that's not a bad thing because it makes the old mind go to work...is this a reflection on your youth or something? it's beautifully written!!
Wilfred Yeats
Member Elite
since 2000-08-04
Posts 2704
Wilmington, Delaware
2 posted 2000-11-18 11:21 PM


Memories - can be so vivid - the best we can do is treasure in the forefront of our minds and hearts - only the best of them - Save them all we must - they will always be engraved as they should but keep the best where they will make us cry happy tears

You brought forth tears with this - as you knew you would {{{hugs}}}

Sven
Deputy Moderator 1 TourDeputy Moderator 1 Tour
Member Laureate
since 1999-11-23
Posts 14937
East Lansing, MI USA
3 posted 2000-11-19 09:36 PM


*sigh*. . . if only we could stop it. . .

wonderful Martie. . .  

-------------------------------------------------------

That which gives light must endure burning
--Victor Frankl


jwesley
Member Rara Avis
since 2000-04-30
Posts 7563
Spring, Texas
4 posted 2000-11-19 09:40 PM


Beautiful Martie.  Unfortunately we're all hooked to that chain and inevitably drug along with it...

Enjoyed this much.

jwesley

Martie
Moderator
Member Empyrean
since 1999-09-21
Posts 28049
California
5 posted 2000-11-19 10:57 PM


Ethome--I know this poem doesn't really explain intself...It was a sad thing...from my youth..the point was...it happened...and before it did...I knew it would, but still could not prevent it.

Bill--sometimes a sad memory...is remembered more and has more power to change our lives...this one did...thanks for your thoughts, my friend.

Sven--a sigh takes only a minute...and cannot stop what comes...that's just the way time works, yes...

jwesley--I guess it would be pretty strange to be stuck all the time in the present...how would that work, anyway?  

Denise
Moderator
Member Seraphic
since 1999-08-22
Posts 22648

6 posted 2000-11-19 11:06 PM


Great writing, Martie! You brought across the mood perfectly!

Denise

Janet Marie
Member Laureate
since 2000-01-22
Posts 18554

7 posted 2000-11-19 11:12 PM


A certain gray quality
to that morning
pressed into my skin
held my steps back
prevented the perfect breath.

         If only I could
         put out my foot
         and detain the stars

I could feel
it hitch there in my throat
but, of course, I had to breathe.
=================
She beside me,
red hair corking out the window
disturbing the air with exuberance
its fiery threads.
She knew the way
into this place,
her story was locked
my gaze not shifting her stillness
into telling.

     I can’t lock the door of time
================
I followed her
to the cracked corner,
past the swollen silent buildings
past the glass tomb store fronts
her freckled long fingers
had trapped the beige flutter of mine

      pulling me into
      the inevitable march of time
=============
you already know how this one will touch and effect me...
how it mirrors things of me so well ...
and I hope you already know how amazing I find your poetry...and your gift ... and you.
love ya
me

Martie
Moderator
Member Empyrean
since 1999-09-21
Posts 28049
California
8 posted 2000-11-20 12:35 PM


Denise--Thanks for always being so true.

Janet--yes I know...Hugs to you!

Poertree
Senior Member
since 1999-11-05
Posts 1359
UK
9 posted 2000-11-20 06:28 AM


Martie

I think the contrast between the two poems you have posted in the last few days is an indication not only of the resilient person you are but also of the resilience of humanity generally.  That you can still live "whistle days" having suffered such tragedy is the clue that, while seemingly real, death and pain are not the end, are not the reality.  

"but there is only movement forward".....

that is the truth.  There is only "forward" movement, and what was dark will pass.  I come back to the conviction that these two poems were "meant" to be posted together, yet of the two, strangely, I find that this is the more beautiful, the more uplifting and the one that offers the real basis for hope.

You don't need me to tell you it was it pretty impressive literary achievement too.  Sorry to go all philosophical on you Martie ~smile~

see ya

Philip  

Nan
Administrator
Member Seraphic
since 1999-05-20
Posts 21191
Cape Cod Massachusetts USA
10 posted 2000-11-20 07:46 AM


Yesterday is history... and we hopefully learn from it

Today... We do our best to use that knowledge...

Nice writing, Martie..

Celeste
Senior Member
since 2000-11-11
Posts 597

11 posted 2000-11-20 08:28 AM


Outstanding.......You coax the reader gently, deeper and deeper into your thoughts.  Excellent imagery. A definite hit!  

To capture and live a moment is truly living

Martie
Moderator
Member Empyrean
since 1999-09-21
Posts 28049
California
12 posted 2000-11-20 10:50 AM


Philip--I love it when you're philosophical.

Nan--Thank you for you reply...and for stopping by.

Dreamkeeper...I'm glad you liked this poem...you're reply was great!

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