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poof
| Open Poetry #40 |
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poof |
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serenity blaze Member Empyrean
since 2000-02-02
Posts 27738
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I had three seconds it could have been more I was too busy seeing her to pay attention to the time it all stood still then anyhow a cameraman must have zoomed in by accident or providence or he is an artist and took some license without cue. Her hand was grasped about a broom gripping on the handle tight her clench, determined, desperate, the angle of the shot showed white skin between the wrinkles of her knuckles, they looked tough enough to knock me on my fat white ass as I watched her through the glass of my television screen. They were cleaning up the place-- dustpans, Mr. Clean, and Glade pretending that there was no line of mold that measured tripled time spores were splotched in patches we never dreamed of swatches--green-- is the color of the bend of trend return to forestry. They didn't say from whence she came but only that she had returned and was willing to do work for not a cent, but just a dream of sleeping where she usedta be without a clue of what it means to live in mud contaminated by benzenes all chlorinated compounded by the chemicals that will never be disclosed by conglomerates discreet raped and plundered (we agreed) blinded by the temporal of what we thought it was we need... I nodded at the evening news thinking that she had tough hands that I had never seen the truth so close, and she don't understand that this place she knew as home never was a place she owned and no it isn't fair that she is willing to transform debris into some facsimile of life that she once knew as hers. I wanted her to "stop it"--now-- I wanted to dive through the screen and hold her tight and tell her things are never really as they seem and not too many give a damn about the things they haven't seen all up close and personal. There are things we can't reverse-- tides are not a witch's curse and places of the heart are worse than sandcastles of crumbled verse as wishes will not pay the rent as moneymen count fractioned cents knowing it adds up to be monuments of our own greed conveniently remembering scripture that we pick and choose according to the moment's need "the lilies of the field" don't spin-- life is not a game to win. And all the birds aren't gathering-- they do not sew nor do they reap-- and that is when my weep began because I knew the truth of it. Birds and bees do reap and sew, just doing what they know to do and if the world was just and true that ought to be the end of it and faith would not be argument if life were easily cross-stitched as homilies beneath our heads and proof was just a count of rib-- so easily assessed. "You're not coming home again." I said this to the tv screen and blessed the cameraman who slipped-- or had a moment of a sense of truth within the wrinkles of a woman, black, with bleach-white hands. I turned the tv off and then I shook the shatters out my head and cooked some supper for my kids-- just because I could. *poof* |
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| © Copyright 2007 serenity blaze - All Rights Reserved | |||
Janette
since 2001-07-20
Posts 2843Chicagoland for now |
The hands of time reveal much and seem to be amplified via our TV screens. Rivoting write, I was enthralled. always seeking joy, adventure and romance and wishing you find the same |
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Honeybunch Member Rara Avis
since 2001-12-29
Posts 7115South Africa |
Wonderful write, Serenity! This: "Birds and bees do reap and sew, just doing what they know to do" Something to take to heart for me today and to remember - thank you! |
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Midnitesun
since 2001-05-18
Posts 28647Gaia |
this: "she don't understand that this place she knew as home never was a place she owned and no it isn't fair that she is willing to transform debris into some facsimile of life that she once knew as hers" and: "the lilies of the field" don't spin-- life is not a game to win are just two reasons why I read everything you write for your words are always true and written from a heart that sees and feels LIFE...passionately Damn, but I love you, lady! |
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Mysteria
since 2001-03-07
Posts 18328British Columbia, Canada |
Reality brought forth such a worthwhile poem. Another great look at life through your eyes K. I kind of love ya too.  |
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MGROVES
since 2004-02-01
Posts 3802california |
an awesome write~ My spirit will rise |
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Allysa
since 1999-11-09
Posts 1952In an upside-down garden |
You always say that I know how you feel. You know how I feel. Kudos, lady. |
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Enchantress Member Empyrean
since 2001-08-14
Posts 35113Canada eh. |
Awesome write lady. Love ya~Nance  In the midst of winter, |
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The Lady Member Rara Avis
since 2005-12-26
Posts 7634The Southwest |
and this too Karen... "I wanted her to "stop it"--now-- I wanted to dive through the screen and hold her tight and tell her things are never really as they seem" and you know how I feel about your work makes me mad |
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serenity blaze Member Empyrean
since 2000-02-02
Posts 27738 |
I just wanted to say "thank you" as always, for reading. This was written pretty much the way it reads--I have been haunted lately by a spot on the local news, which depicted the former residents of St. Bernard housing projects, who had taken it upon themselves to come back here, from whatever place they had found refuge, and it just broke my heart. They all seemed to earnestly believe that if they just cleaned it up, they could make things like they were, and stubbornly commenced to cleaning although the housing project that had been their home, some of them for twenty years, has been slated for demolition. It broke my heart. They honestly believed that their hard work would be rewarded. They honestly believe that if they took the matter into their own hands, the right thing would be done. sigh I'm grateful to be home, but my joy is shadowed and cautious, knowing others were not as fortunate, knowing that this year might be the year my own home gets taken back by nature. (It is already starting to look like it has--I really need to dust my cave.) But anyhow, I tried not to inundate you all with our local sob stories, but there are some poems that won't go away in my head until I write them. It's like they are standing stubbornly in line, glaring that it is "thier turn." I'm nuts.  Thanks again.  |
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Martie
Moderator
Member Empyrean
since 1999-09-21
Posts 28049California |
Dear Karen, not nuts...It is ok to talk to the TV...heck, you can turn it quiet whenever you want, but the things in your head from your heart, those things, just speak into the air, then share. |
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Angel4aKing Senior Member
since 2006-09-27
Posts 1372USA |
it's amazing what we take for granted. Good poem!!! ~~~kingsangel~~~ |
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vandana
since 1999-10-22
Posts 10463USA |
good read |
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serenity blaze Member Empyrean
since 2000-02-02
Posts 27738 |
As difficult as things have been, my Katrina experience was a "cakewalk." I had seen these videos before, but I don't think they sank in--I apologize, because I have been, quite often "not right in the head." And I was one of the ones who got out. I am one of the ones who got to come home. I'd like to thank Chrislane and Mysteria, for being my literal link to the past and I urge you all to watch the following the videos from youtube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_4oEX_bL158 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dcxy1h4wZas&mode=related&search= http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DhySZq_dNZY&mode=related&search= http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0Cqr54nxh1I&mode=related&search= and I promise you, this is just one puzzle piece--there are many, many more stories, some that will never be told. I'd like to take a moment to say a solemn thank you to my friends, who made the unthinkable as painless as possible for me. Ron? The consistency of this site allowed my family to maintain communications (cellphones down, and using computers that were mostly dinosaurs, and had corporate restrictions on chat programs as well--and smile, let's face it--my sister knew where to find me! And um? Until Katrina? I thought "blackberries" were just good for cobbler and "more bars across America" meant the drinks were NOT on me!) The generosity and compassion of the people I never met, here, online, left me with hope--and a very long list of "paying it forward." Please continue to support our friends, not just in New Orleans, but everywhere there is poverty and despair. (I will mention neighborhoods such as Flint, Michigan, again and again too, until we find a way to bring back those abandoned places and revitalize them) Vote responsibly for people who have eyes to see the rampant unemployment and resulting loss of options for our people here in the United States. Let's not just "talk" about ecology, but practice it, in our minds, in our hearts, and our spirits. smile I'm the luckiest woman. Guess what? I am not a Katrina victim. Thanks to all of you. And THAT, dear poets, is why my Katrina related poetry was limited. I felt loved, protected and cared for, and I won't stop saying thank you. So if yer sick of me already?Too bad. Thank you. |
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Sunshine
Administrator
Member Empyrean
since 1999-06-25
Posts 63354Listening to every heart |
knowing it adds up to be monuments of our own greed conveniently remembering scripture that we pick and choose according to the moment's need ~*~ I picked out this line before I read all of the responses... you see, yesterday was voting time in our little burg, as I am sure it was in others, as well. City commissioners. Of the 12 or 13 that were "out there" to be picked up by the non-voting public, I was glad to see that 2 of my three votes counted for something. Because I know them personally, I think they can make a difference. IF, that is, they are not over-ridden by the old school of the boys meet the girls old school of boys meet girls in the old school. No, I am not saying that one gender is better than the other. All I'm saying is, like the lady with the white hands... it's time to recognize the possible. Thank you, sweetheart, for just being who you are, and putting it where a whole lot of politicians never do. Standard: Honesty. so I'm glad I felt your heart. |
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iliana Member Patricius
since 2003-12-05
Posts 13434USA |
Ser, hi....it was too hard to pick out my favorite lines....but I think the poem peaked with the verse beginning about the lilies of the field. I love this poem. Love it. Love it! .....yes, just because I can! *hugs*....jo |
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LeeJ Member Patricius
since 2003-06-19
Posts 13296 |
I wanted her to "stop it"--now-- I wanted to dive through the screen and hold her tight and tell her things are never really as they seem and not too many give a damn about the things they haven't seen all up close and personal. darlin, this packed a punch, unnerving, despite the knowledge that someday, this to shall end...your savvy ability equals rare, alchemic, blends of ripeness, wisdom and artistic finesse, each write you compose becomes an absorbing and deeply moving world. thank you |
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Juju Member Elite
since 2003-12-29
Posts 3429In your dreams |
Wonderful as always, Makes me feel for britney spears kinda. Hollywood- in the end every one is the same. It shouldn't take long for one to end up like the other. -Juju -"So you found a girl Who thinks really deep thougts What's so amazing about really deep thoughts " Silent all these Years, Tori Amos |
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Dr.Moose1 Member Elite
since 1999-09-05
Posts 3448Bewilderment , USA |
Serenity, Poof! And I remember a time when you said there would be no " poofing" allowed. O.K., I'm the guilty one, but I'm glad to see you're still in such good form. Enjoyed very much. Doc |
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Paula Finn Member Ascendant
since 2000-06-17
Posts 5546missouri |
It's so easy watching disasters on TV and theres always this tiny little space inside that sighs and thinks better you than me...you I know are living this...and your neighbors...I can't imagine trying to make things like they used to be...trying to bring back your home... |
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RavenSmith Member
since 2007-03-02
Posts 53Oregon |
Loads of insight here. I know how this feels too. That inward, wanting to slap truth in someone and knowing, if we go missed. Loved this ~ " Birds and bees do reap and sew, just doing what they know to do and if the world was just and true that ought to be the end of it and faith would not be argument if life were easily cross-stitched as homilies beneath our heads and proof was just a count of rib-- so easily assessed. Life isnt simple but then it is. If we all sat down and left out details of our plaques, and just narrowed it down to such words as fear, loneliness, lack of hope, etc., we all have similar stories. Wonderful poem! ~Best Regards,Raven Smith |
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suthern
since 1999-07-29
Posts 20723Louisiana |
I've read through this a couple of times... picking first one part to highlight, then another... and realizing every line should be highlighted... and read in city halls and after every casino commercial chirping "we're back!" So much will never be back... in New Orleans or along the Gulf Coast from Port Arthur to Mobile... the double whammy left only the unknown forward. Dinner can wait... let the words out onto a page... they should be heard. *S* |
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Sphinxen Junior Member
since 2007-03-03
Posts 38U.S. |
"There are things we can't reverse-- tides are not a witch's curse and places of the heart are worse than sandcastles of crumbled verse as wishes will not pay the rent as moneymen count fractioned cents knowing it adds up to be monuments of our own greed conveniently remembering scripture that we pick and choose according to the moment's need" BEAUTIFUL, SIMPLY BEAUTIFUL. Ive liked all the poems ive read of yours, but this one I really related to beyond the others. Thank you for that write. You've got quite a talent. |
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