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Open Poetry #45
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suthern
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Member Seraphic
since 1999-07-29
Posts 20723
Louisiana

0 posted 2009-09-15 10:36 AM


I stare out from the balcony,
My chilled arms crossed in misery
With sorrow seeping to the bone
I feel I’m in this world alone

Then two appear upon the beach
I see lips move but hear no speech
Still touching hands, a playful shove
Speaks volumes to me of their love

I wonder if they’ve known such pain
As I've endured, yet walk again
With shoulders back and heads held high -
Silhouettes of joy against sky

Have they been stymied by their fears?
Was failure theirs? Have they shed tears?
Have either ever been adrift
Mourning loss of life’s greatest gift?

Having each other there to hold
Can their hearts even feel the cold?
Their laughter seems offensive now
To one who has forgotten how

Then he looks up as if he knew
That I'm there watching, out of view
He smiles, and though I hear no voice
I realize weep is my choice

So many things cannot be changed
But attitudes I’ll rearrange –
I’ll go outside, walk on the sand
Without destination or plan

By finding beauty in a shell
I may find respite from my hell
Depression that has long enslaved
May wash out to sea on a wave

Perhaps out in the fresh sea air
I’ll learn again to laugh, to care -
By giving someone else a smile
I may remind them life’s worthwhile

One piercing look from a stranger
May have shaken me from danger.


© Copyright 2009 suthern - All Rights Reserved
Alison
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Member Rara Avis
since 2008-01-27
Posts 9318
Lumpy oatmeal makes me crazy!
1 posted 2009-09-15 10:41 AM


Ruth,

What can I say? Poetry is supposed to touch us deeply.  This, my friend, is poetry.  I am touched and moved almost to tears.  You write with such feeling - and you take me by the hand to peek inside you.

Thank you.  Thank you for smiling and sharing the heartache too.

Love,
Alison

Midnitesun
Deputy Moderator 1 Tour
Member Empyrean
since 2001-05-18
Posts 28647
Gaia
2 posted 2009-09-15 10:44 AM


Yes, pure poetry, the feelings flowing gracefully.
Good to read you!!!

deleeme
Senior Member
since 1999-10-09
Posts 1766
NEW ENGLAND, USA
3 posted 2009-09-15 11:24 AM


This is so touching and lovely. A masterpiece of words and feelings stressing the need of human interaction and the awful things in life that often distract us and keep us from such a purposeful experience of giving AND receiving.

Thank you, SUTHERN, for blessing my day with this one. My poem is quite different, but it seems we are on the same wave length!

I thank the LORD everyday
He has given me something to say
And to share with others,
My Friends, my sisters, my brothers!

To God Be the Glory!

Margherita
Member Seraphic
since 2003-02-08
Posts 22236
Eternity
4 posted 2009-09-15 11:51 AM


Dear Ruth, your sensitive heart and your poetic skills have produced a wonderful work here.
While reading your words the energy is felt, as it is unfolding through your awareness of being your own master of your fate. But sometimes indeed this awareness, so precious, comes as an effect of a simple heartfelt smile, a caring gaze etc.

It's wonderful that you are back and with such a significant, uplifting poem.

Love and hugs.
Margherita

Earth Angel
Member Empyrean
since 2002-08-27
Posts 40215
Realms of Light
5 posted 2009-09-15 12:08 PM


Ruth, I love you. Tears are streaming down my cheeks. I felt ~ and identified ~ with every single word you wrote. It was a change in attitude that pulled me out of a sea of dispair. When I was thinking dark ~ more darkness came into my life. When my attitude changed as did yours, I drew more light into my life ~ and light attracts light!

You wrote this incredibly well.

Let's hold hands and walk along that beach together! Smiling at the world and having the world smile back at us! I am reminded of the song "Sisters".

You are beautiful from the inside out. The man who wins your heart, is a fortunate man, indeed. ~ and he better be worthy of you or he'll have this feisty little fairy hitting him over the noggin with her magic wand!

Sending much love and understanding, your way,
Linda

Earth Angel
Member Empyrean
since 2002-08-27
Posts 40215
Realms of Light
6 posted 2009-09-15 12:11 PM


Goodness gracious, I forgot to save this moving heart spill.

........SAVED!!!

Love you!
Linda Lou

Honeybunch
Member Rara Avis
since 2001-12-29
Posts 7115
South Africa
7 posted 2009-09-15 03:19 PM


A most touching write, Ruth, to which I can relate.  I do indeed think you were saved from danger which just goes to show that the little things in life are the most important things.

Love
Helen    

Artic Wind
Member Rara Avis
since 2007-09-16
Posts 8080
Realm of Supernatural
8 posted 2009-09-15 03:54 PM


Where have ya been! ~ WE missed your poetry.


ARCTIC WIND

jwesley
Member Rara Avis
since 2000-04-30
Posts 7563
Spring, Texas
9 posted 2009-09-15 04:28 PM


Wow! All comes down to a perfect last two lines that say it all, my friend...sometimes just the slighest things can have such an impact on one.

Been there...


j.

Toerag
Member Ascendant
since 1999-07-29
Posts 5622
Ala bam a
10 posted 2009-09-15 05:32 PM


when Suthern puts her poetry down it's nearly always perfection...as is this...
nakdthoughts
Member Laureate
since 2000-10-29
Posts 19200
Between the Lines
11 posted 2009-09-15 06:04 PM


I so agree, Toe ( by the way good to see you too)

Ruth, I think that as we age especially,we  realize both the positive and the negative events in life and I once felt and at times still do,as your words.
I find that by subbing and being with the young and so innocent little ones,that I am smiling almost all the time. And trying not to laugh at some of their thoughts and actions until I am home,so as not to encourage their behaviors.

I am not near a beach or close to a mountain but I do have my property of gardens and  sit on my porch swing, watch the traffic while listening to soft music and get  smiles returned and comments as others walk by or turn the corner in their cars.

They see me relaxing and I think that makes them feel the same.

It took me a very long time to get to this place and I am hoping it will sustain me.

Sending some hugs and friendly thoughts your way~~


M

Gentle Spirit
Member Patricius
since 2000-10-09
Posts 13989

12 posted 2009-09-15 06:21 PM


Ruth, you lay your words down so softly, with a gentle perfection that not only astounds me, but reminds us all of just how much one smile can instill hope in others..

as always m'dear friend, I enjoyed your musings.  It is a treat, to read you again hon. ~D

LindsayP
Member Elite
since 2007-07-28
Posts 3410
Australia, Victoria
13 posted 2009-09-15 11:21 PM



Dear Ruth where have you been, we have all missed you so much. It's great to see you back again and with such a sad but heart

touching poem. I think that through writing
such a poem must lift your sadness somewhat,

I certainly hope it does as we all feel for you dear Lady. Love and a big hug.

Lindsay

WTBAKELAR
Deputy Moderator 1 Tour
Senior Member
since 2008-09-09
Posts 1089
Utah, USA
14 posted 2009-09-16 09:38 AM


Ruth,,  I have always felt that the pain we feel for a love lost, is oppositely equal to the joy of the love we had. Knowing that pain, is a sad but telling reminder of the love you were capable of sharing, and will again.

Smile, you never know what may happen.
That's how I met my wife,  I asked her to smile for me.  We married 2 months later.
(true story)
Love always,
Tracey

suthern
Deputy Moderator 1 TourDeputy Moderator 1 Tour
Member Seraphic
since 1999-07-29
Posts 20723
Louisiana
15 posted 2009-09-16 11:52 AM


Alison: You washed away a million doubts with your sweet words... thank you so much! *S*

Midnitesun: It's good to be here... thank you! *S*

deleeme: You humble me... and fill me with thankfulness... thank you! *S*

Margherita: Before Timothy McVey and the Oklahome City bombing, Invictus was one of my favorite poems. *S* If this echoes it in any way, I'm thrilled. *S* Thank you so much!

EA: You dear... I love you, too! *S* Your response(s) gave me both laughter and tears... but more... immense gratitude for the friendship of feisty little fairies. *S* Thank you! *S*

Honeybunch: Indeed they are. *S* Thank you! *S*

Arctic: And I've missed you. *S* Thank you so much! *S*

jwesley: And we usually don't know when or to whom we make a difference. *S* Thank you, my friend! *S*

Toerag: Your kindness and encouragement are some of the major reasons I post, dear friend... thank you so very much!!

nakdthoughts: I love the way you've made your own sanctuary and share it with others... you deserve the smiles, dear lady. *S* Thank you! *S*

GS: Thank you so very much... you've given me such a smile. *S*

Lindsay: I've missed you, too. *S* Thank you so much for the kind comments and the hug! *S*

WTBAKELAR: I think you're right... even if it seems the time in hell far exceeded the glimpse of heaven. *S* Thank you so very much! *S*

Roniece Dawson-Bruce
Member Ascendant
since 2000-01-29
Posts 5689
Sydney, Australia
16 posted 2009-09-16 01:26 PM


Dear Ruth.. it is so good to read you again... I'm sorry you felt despair..I agree with your thoughts.. changing one's attitude can help a lot... I will have good thoughts for you.

love and bisous de Paris
RDB

Be kind at heart....for everyone you meet has their own battle to fight.........

suthern
Deputy Moderator 1 TourDeputy Moderator 1 Tour
Member Seraphic
since 1999-07-29
Posts 20723
Louisiana
17 posted 2009-09-28 04:18 PM


RDB: Thank you so much... those good thoughts are very appreciated! *S*
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