»
Archives
»
Open Poetry #16
»
The Kitchen Window
| Open Poetry #16 |
|
The Kitchen Window |
|
|
RMW Senior Member
since 2001-03-21
Posts 1424 |
The Kitchen Window I'd wanted most his way with words. He rarely spoke, but when he did The eyes of folks would pool to listen. Mostly though, he chose to let his work speak, Yet now and then, in unison they would talk As when he'd "yep" or "nope" Just as the stroke of his axe Split a piece of kindling Before sinking deeply Into the oak block. He hired out. Some still say That he could split and stack a cord of wood In half the time it took two men. It's true I think. I use to watch him from the porch, Starting out just as the firs' soft tops Began to orange with the sun. Later, as the morning warmed He'd pause to peel his flannel shirt, Slipping arms and then each shoulder From underneath his coverall straps Till nothing but tan and denim Inhibited his strength's movement. I'd mimic him And flex my muscles. Even now I'm certain that they pale in comparison To the tight knots of his biceps. Then, I'd amble up As if a critic. He'd laugh And shoe me off to a safe distance With the chuck of a wood chip. There I'd plop While for a time the "whish" and "knock" sound Staked me out upon the ground, as though a tent. I'd take deep breaths and fill my nose and lungs With the fragrance of pitch. At night, through my open window, That same scent would sneak back And climb into my bed To get all mixed up with how I felt When I went with my mother Down the aisle in which the drugist kept perfumes. A young boy's room collects such things; The smell of cows one field away; A catalogue by mail that comes With order forms laid between Women's nylons and the latest farm machinery. When I stare back I think of these That morning as I watched him first Lay down his axe, then pause and look As did a window, Curtain delicate. RMW [This message has been edited by RMW (edited 09-26-2001).] |
||
| © Copyright 2001 RMW - All Rights Reserved | |||
Lady In White
since 2001-02-12
Posts 2799USA |
I think I just grew up with this boy come man... well done, Sir...a good trip, this... |
||
|
Zinsser Senior Member
since 2001-02-27
Posts 1641Calif. |
Great write here..... |
||
|
Martie
Moderator
Member Empyrean
since 1999-09-21
Posts 28049California |
Bob--I see the small and reverant growing of the boy into a sensative man. This is beautifully done! |
||
|
Cpat Hair
since 2001-06-05
Posts 11793 |
as always.. your words impress and touch me with the things you ahre... very well done sir... well done indeed. |
||
|
Corinne Member Ascendant
since 1999-10-28
Posts 5167state of confusion |
Great stuff here, Bob. Gee, in watching my son's total lack of regard for his surroundings, makes me wonder if you perhaps were more observant than most boys! Cor |
||
Marge Tindal
since 1999-11-06
Posts 42384Florida's Foreverly Shores |
RMW~ What wonderful cataloguing~ A most impressive write ... made a most intriguing read~ Thank you~ ~*Marge*~ ~*The pen of the poet never runs out of ink, as long as we breathe.*~ |
||
|
Dee Member Elite
since 2000-08-19
Posts 2330Queensland, Australia |
RMW thank you for the glimpse into your life and heart. Dee I wish you every happiness and may you always have the best of the good things in life. a brand |
||
|
rwood Member Elite
since 2000-02-29
Posts 3793Tennessee |
Wow! I love a write that makes you drink in all surroundings. Such details that most don't even realize. Thank you for letting me have a peek through your window. It was as refreshing as the autmn air. Sincerely, Regina |
||
|
Interloper
since 2000-11-06
Posts 8369Deep in the heart |
Bob, you have surpassed your previous heights. You have almost equalled the heights of Surabachi. What a delight to read your work my friend. Semper Fi! |
||
|
Enchantress Member Empyrean
since 2001-08-14
Posts 35113Canada eh. |
Thoroughly enjoyed!!
|
||
|
|
⇧ top of page ⇧ |
|
| All times are ET (US). All dates are in Year-Month-Day format. | ||
