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Open Poetry #41
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For The Storm
| Open Poetry #41 |
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For The Storm |
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Allysa 
since 1999-11-09
Posts 1952In an upside-down garden 
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Marigold, in midnight's sun counts the petals one-by-one, coughing, slowly licks her lips and draws grass straws in fingertips waiting in the darkened night, and watching- for the storm. She'll raise a hand to touch the wind, the raindrops pooling on her skin, flip the pages of her book, pausing now to take a look, at the streets once filled up with flood, tonight, they're quiet. Marigold, in Autumn's sun, counting houses one-by-one, spray-paint numbers fading now, it all just disappears somehow, and familiar eyes can always find the marks, the scars. I cannot hold in this small hand enough to make them understand my feet know the dips of these streets and every single jazz-drum beat, I hear them in my head, all singing- for the storm. |
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| © Copyright 2007 Allysa - All Rights Reserved | |||
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serenity blaze Member Empyrean
since 2000-02-02
Posts 27738 |
I'm more than astonished here--I feel like this was written just for me--do you, or did you know what marigolds mean to me? (I don't want to repeat that story, since I have told it so often) but just know that you managed to write, for me, a touch of my father's reassurance. *tears* thank you, and yes, I knew you could do it better |
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soul drifter Senior Member
since 2004-09-08
Posts 711Colorado |
Damn. You've wowed me yet again. Gotta save this. I need to know how to write such wonders. I feel inspired. "Hey, it's me, I'm dynamite and I don't know why" -- Van Morrison, 'Sweet Thing' |
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JamesMichael Member Empyrean
since 1999-11-16
Posts 33336Kapolei, Hawaii, USA |
Nice writing...James |
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Allysa
since 1999-11-09
Posts 1952In an upside-down garden |
*blush* Thanks guys. And Seren? Better? I don't think so. I think it's just easier for me. Because I'm not there.. I just live there inside my head. |
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Mountain Shadows Junior Member
since 2007-09-03
Posts 11Texas |
Allysa, This poem is wonderful. I loved the rhythm and meter you composed so beautifully. It makes me think of New Orleans and the flood of 2005, especially this part: "Marigold, in Autumn's sun, counting houses one-by-one, spray-paint numbers fading now, it all just disappears somehow," |
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Earth Angel Member Empyrean
since 2002-08-27
Posts 40215Realms of Light |
This is the kind of poem that has more meaning with every read. ~ and I should know! ~ I just read it three times and gained more insight ~ and appreciation of it ~ with each subsequent reading. I was immersed in the atmosphere that you created. You engaged my senses ~ and my attention. Well done!  EA |
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serenity blaze Member Empyrean
since 2000-02-02
Posts 27738 |
bumping this--so that everyone can understand how remarkable you, and your poem actually are--your tale of marigolds and mine should be read as companion, if I might be so bold to say so. Just for the sake of understanding... thank you again  |
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Gentle Spirit Member Patricius
since 2000-10-09
Posts 13989 |
The storm, the aftermath, and the starting new...you cover it all here and with such insight and delightful rhyme....Very well done. I so enjoy reading you when the chance presents itself. Nicely done.  after a fall I get back up, |
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Sunshine
Administrator
Member Empyrean
since 1999-06-25
Posts 63354Listening to every heart |
 A beautiful side-by-side of sisterhood... |
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adagio Member
since 2005-03-19
Posts 449Marrero, La. |
I saw those number when they were fresh. I knew what they meant. Only three weeks after the mud everywhere. now I flench at the slightest storm. When before I loved to watch them. adagio |
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latearrival Member Ascendant
since 2003-03-21
Posts 5499Florida |
I just read Serenity's story in answer to this. Together they have so much meaning. You two should go on tour! "late" |
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Sunshine
Administrator
Member Empyrean
since 1999-06-25
Posts 63354Listening to every heart |
Dittoing Late's comment...for she is never late with the right idea! |
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secondhanddreampoet Member Ascendant
since 2006-11-07
Posts 6394a 'Universalist' ! |
most excellent!! serious, long-sustained applause!! |
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Larry C
since 2001-09-10
Posts 10286United States |
Allysa, SB is right, as usual, this is an excellent write. For those of us who have never been there let alone experience "the storm" it is good to have somebody provide at least a sense of what it has meant. Well done and thank you. If tears could build a stairway and memories a lane, |
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Mysteria
since 2001-03-07
Posts 18328British Columbia, Canada |
I knew Karen's story and the importance of marigolds to her, and in her Dad's honor I plant a patch for him and her brother every year. You dear Allysa, have probably no idea just how special a poem you wrote, and it certainly should have been written for her, and what the heck - let her claim it.  Beautiful! |
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Midnitesun
since 2001-05-18
Posts 28647Gaia |
Wonderful!!!! You always leave a reading treat but this time? you've really outdone yourself. I the soulful heartbeat of this, the way it feels on the tongue to read it out loud. |
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LindsayP Member Elite
since 2007-07-28
Posts 3410Australia, Victoria |
Allysa, A heart touching poem that I read and reread, much enjoyed, thank you. LindsayP |
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Allysa
since 1999-11-09
Posts 1952In an upside-down garden |
Thanks everyone.. Ya'll are making me blush.  |
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The Lady Member Rara Avis
since 2005-12-26
Posts 7634The Southwest |
I can think of only one word amazing no, make that absolutely amazing! |
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Janet Marie Member Laureate
since 2000-01-22
Posts 18554 |
Marigold, in midnight's sun ~~~~~~~~~~~ She'll raise a hand to touch the wind ~~~~~~~~~~~ I rarely reply here anymore...but I've come back to read this hauntingly beautiful portrait many times since the nite you posted it and so felt it was only right to let you know how your words touched me. I cannot hold in this small hand enough to make them understand ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ oh but you did poetess Allysa ... and you did it with poetic brilliance and eloquence. *library* |
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Allysa
since 1999-11-09
Posts 1952In an upside-down garden |
Oh Janet Marie! I've missed you. Your comments always were wonderful to read. |
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OwlSA Member Rara Avis
since 2005-11-07
Posts 9347Durban, South Africa |
I would have missed this stunning poem, if it hadn't been for Karen. I live in sunny South Africa and so know nothing of the horrors firsthand, and could only experience Katrina through television reports and Pipster poems and Announcements and emails. That was shattering and my heart went out to all those who suffered from it, and I am sure, are still suffering. Thank you for this moving tribute. - Owl |
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Martie
Moderator
Member Empyrean
since 1999-09-21
Posts 28049California |
Allysa This poem told me in imagery of feeling, what it feels like to know home. I'm impressed. |
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Marchmadness Member Rara Avis
since 2007-09-16
Posts 9271So. El Monte, California |
Hi Alyssa. Wonderful write. Ida |
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