navwin » Archives » Open Poetry #23 » Crooked Arrows
Open Poetry #23
Post A Reply Post New Topic Crooked Arrows Go to Previous / Newer Topic Back to Topic List Go to Next / Older Topic
Sandpiper
Senior Member
since 2002-06-15
Posts 738
land of flora and fauna

0 posted 2002-11-17 10:53 AM


(This poem is about a homeless man who "lives" at a bus stop near where I work.I spoke with him one day and he told me his life was a target filled with "crooked arrows."He calls himself the "Merry Fool."Quite talented artistically,he painted a pastel titled "Crooked Arrows" which I bought from him for $5--I gave it to a charity for an auction, it sold for $300.When I gave him a copy of this poem, he smiled.)


CROOKED ARROWS

it emptied in the street
pacing a gutter belly-crawl
until the steam
kissed a ghostlamp;
never realizing
it was nothing more than
a freeze-dried cold stain
on winter cement

ah, the muse, the muse,
amusing crooked arrows
to a sing-song target,
game food
for the hungry
and starving

in a prison
of homeless bliss
the Merry Fool
kissed lip-prints
of a daydream nightmare,
chasing pastel pouts
in the wind;

and the passers-by
never knew
the underside
of their shoes
had been kissed~~

"I am a sky where spirits live.
Stare into this deepening blue,
while the breeze says a secret."
Jelaluddin Rumi

© Copyright 2002 K. Addison Elliott - All Rights Reserved
VAS
Member Rara Avis
since 2000-11-16
Posts 7450
Oregon
1 posted 2002-11-17 10:59 AM


Fantastic poem and fantastic outcome for the charity.  I love all of this poem, but the last 7 lines are my favorite, they stand out as spellbinding.

Whether on the shoal or on the shore,
I'll seek the lighthouse evermore.

regards2you
Member Elite
since 2002-10-01
Posts 3940
California
2 posted 2002-11-17 11:24 AM




Oh, my gosh! Such a great poem...so many good lines and phrases, I can't get my bottom jaw off my chest.

I truly enjoyed the write and the sentiments that go along with it.
Great artists, both of you...

          ~Fantastic~

Warm Regards, Pat  



..without surrender, be on good terms with all persons..
        "Desiderata"

[This message has been edited by regards2you (11-17-2002 11:27 AM).]

ecrivan
Member Elite
since 2001-12-10
Posts 3923
my own state
3 posted 2002-11-17 11:38 AM


I sell my art for far less than is merited, otherwise I'd be buried in canvasses (no exaggeration)...and when I die, I don't want to know what they'll go for..nice poem.


Earth Angel
Member Empyrean
since 2002-08-27
Posts 40215
Realms of Light
4 posted 2002-11-17 11:44 AM


This is so full of humanity and inspiration.
It is also a wonderful reflection of you as a person. This is a very special piece of writing and it is definitely one worth saving.

~ warm hugs to you and to the "Merry Fool"

Earth Angel

garysgirl
Deputy Moderator 10 ToursDeputy Moderator 5 ToursDeputy Moderator 1 Tour
Member Laureate
since 2002-09-29
Posts 19237
Florida, USA
5 posted 2002-11-17 11:52 AM


Sandpiper, I love this...the poem, the sentiments....all of it.
It seems as though you have certainly captured the thoughts of the homeless man you write about....and that he has found a friend in you.
It's amazing the talents in this world that go unrecognized, isn't it? There are so many talentd people in institutions, (prisons, hospitals, etc.), and as you have told so well, on the streets. People homeless and destitute.
I hope and pray that this man you told us about can stay as warm as possible in this cold weather that's coming, as well as all other homeless and needful people.
Thanks for sharing this with us.

"Love makes the world go around"
~~with love and hugs from Ethel~~
                  

passing shadows
Member Empyrean
since 1999-08-26
Posts 45577
displaced
6 posted 2002-11-17 12:55 PM


oh my

that's beautiful!

Mistletoe Angel
Deputy Moderator 10 ToursDeputy Moderator 10 ToursDeputy Moderator 5 Tours
Member Empyrean
since 2000-12-17
Posts 32816
Portland, Oregon
7 posted 2002-11-17 02:02 PM




(big hugggsssssss) God Bless You, sweet friend, this poem speaks of the beauty of humility in which we all need so much, and also how loving and compassionate you are to those who need it most! (sigh) You have brought a smile to his heart as you bring to us all, sweet friend, God Bless You, we all love you so much! You have such a beautiful heart, sweet Sandpiper, thank you for sharing!



May love and light always shine upon you!

Love,
Noah Eaton

"Underneath your clothes there's an endless story..."

Shakira

Sunshine
Administrator
Member Empyrean
since 1999-06-25
Posts 63354
Listening to every heart
8 posted 2002-11-17 02:47 PM



So many of us never realize our talents...I enjoyed both the poem, and the story that created it...thank you!

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

9 posted 2002-11-17 03:13 PM


chasing pastel pouts
in the wind;

and the passers-by
never knew
the underside
of their shoes
had been kissed~~
========================
a wonderful enlightening story and poem...
thank you for sharing the inspire behind the words ...
well done Poet sandpiper..
thats so cool that the money from the sale went to charity.
jm

No one has ever shown me how to see the world the way I see it now ...
and I never saw blue like that before.

~Tom Kimmel~

RSWells
Member Elite
since 2001-06-17
Posts 2533

10 posted 2002-11-17 03:32 PM


Those "straight 'n narrow" should know such freedom. The fast paced business walkers pass blind to those deemed "fallen". You, to your credit slowed your heart's beat long enough to care and as important share. Tres bon.
Seymour Tabin
Member Empyrean
since 1999-07-07
Posts 31720
Tamarac Fla
11 posted 2002-11-17 03:45 PM


Sandpiper
Well done, enjoyed the read.

Magnus
Deputy Moderator 1 TourDeputy Moderator 1 Tour
Member Laureate
since 2001-10-10
Posts 14135
South Carolina, USA
12 posted 2002-11-17 04:06 PM


Tres Bon indeed as RS said...  Yes,  this
poem complemented your words perfectly...
Enjoyed and happy to have your poetic
acquaintance..

Enchantress
Member Empyrean
since 2001-08-14
Posts 35113
Canada eh.
13 posted 2002-11-17 04:15 PM


"and the passers-by
never knew
the underside
of their shoes
had been kissed~~"

------------------------------------------
Amazing write...much enjoyed.
~Hugs~

~I've loved you forever, in lifetimes before~

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 #23 » Crooked Arrows

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