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Open Poetry #31
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Elizabeth Santos
Member Rara Avis
since 1999-11-08
Posts 9269
Pennsylvania

0 posted 2004-03-10 10:37 PM




The Heartbeat

I’m a little pigeon waddling on Ipanema’s strand
On an old mosaic puzzle that was hammered in by hand
And the artist was a poor man, but was richly blessed in life
For he made the sound of laughter more important than his strife

And his feet could dance the samba and his fingers strummed guitar
He was just a lowly peasant, but was February’s star
He descended from a hillside in the early morning haze
And the tapping of a hammer was the rhythm of his days

I am just a lowly pigeon hanging out among the eves
Higher than the ancient tiles, lower than the tropic breeze
I am humbled by an architect who built this palace wall
Which for centuries has withstood the beating drums of carnival

There’s a man among the masses who has come down from the hill
He has put a year of wages in his spirit and his will
I can see the schools of samba heading down the golden street
I can feel the hammer beating out impressions of his feet

I am  just a little pigeon, picking crumbs from tourist hands
I have risen to the Sugar Loaf to view surrounding lands
For the Bay of Guanabara wears a halo round her face
It’s the gleam of diamond beaches that surround this magic place

And from here I hear the tapping of a hammer down below
Its an old familiar rhythm that I love and that I know
It’s the heartbeat of a city like no other on the earth
Whose inherent grace and beauty lived before a hammer’s birth

I am just a little pigeon hanging out among the eves
In a city with a heart that never stops and never grieves

Elizabeth Santos

© Copyright 2004 Elizabeth Santos - All Rights Reserved
Martie
Moderator
Member Empyrean
since 1999-09-21
Posts 28049
California
1 posted 2004-03-10 10:47 PM


Oh my, Liz...this has to be one of my favorites ...I can't even say why..it just touched me so, but part of it is the rhythm!  
Elizabeth Santos
Member Rara Avis
since 1999-11-08
Posts 9269
Pennsylvania
2 posted 2004-03-10 10:58 PM


Martie, Or could it be the desire to sprout wings?
Enchantress
Member Empyrean
since 2001-08-14
Posts 35113
Canada eh.
3 posted 2004-03-10 11:02 PM


How wonderful Elizabeth!
Another keeper by you for my library.
~Smiles & Hugs, Nancy~

~ Time has cast a spell on you,
   So you won't ever forget me ~

Grover
Senior Member
since 2004-01-27
Posts 1967
London, ON, Canada
4 posted 2004-03-11 01:12 PM


Exquisite writing... you have a gift!
Earth Angel
Member Empyrean
since 2002-08-27
Posts 40215
Realms of Light
5 posted 2004-03-11 02:05 PM


Liz, I feel like soaring and cooing ~ & dancing!

A very enjoyable reading experience!

Love & Light,
Linda

Charisma
Deputy Moderator 1 TourDeputy Moderator 1 TourDeputy Moderator 1 Tour
Member Ascendant
since 2000-09-30
Posts 5906
lost in blue pages
6 posted 2004-03-11 02:10 PM


awwww Liz splendid write as usual, as always a joy to read you!

Charisma

Krishankins
Deputy Moderator 1 Tour
Senior Member
since 2002-06-23
Posts 972
Texas
7 posted 2004-03-11 02:15 PM


"For he made the sound of laughter more important than his strife"

We could all learn a bit from this line!

If you're not yourself, then there is no you.

nakdthoughts
Member Laureate
since 2000-10-29
Posts 19200
Between the Lines
8 posted 2004-03-11 03:06 PM


And from here I hear the tapping of a hammer down below
Its an old familiar rhythm that I love and that I know
It’s the heartbeat of a city like no other on the earth
Whose inherent grace and beauty lived before a hammer’s birth

such beautiful writing, Liz..

hugs
M

LngJhnAg
Member Elite
since 1999-07-23
Posts 3508
Boot+Kitty=Poetry in motion
9 posted 2004-03-11 03:30 PM


Liz,

Have you ever considered doing something that WASN'T perfect?  You have such an incredible "eye" for creativity.  I love your poetry because it is so wonderfully easy to read and appreciate. And, I hate your poetry because it makes me feel small when I try to emulate you.  You are so beautiful.

Kristabell
Senior Member
since 2003-11-29
Posts 678
Portland, OR
10 posted 2004-03-11 03:47 PM


Very powerful. Great write!! Sad though.
Sunshine
Administrator
Member Empyrean
since 1999-06-25
Posts 63354
Listening to every heart
11 posted 2004-03-11 08:07 PM


My dear Lady Santos, may I use this poem in a language arts class that my grand-daughter got me in to this coming Monday?  She told her teacher, "My grandma is a poet" but even I know I need to pull some "new art" from some of the best, and I'm asking you now, may I use this?  Not only will it each a grace in poetry, but geography as well.

Please?

Elizabeth Santos
Member Rara Avis
since 1999-11-08
Posts 9269
Pennsylvania
12 posted 2004-03-12 12:22 PM


Of course, Lady Sunshine. Hope you enjoy reading it to them.
THank you, my fellow cariocas, for your very touvhing remarks.
Liz

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