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Elizabeth Santos
Member Rara Avis
since 1999-11-08
Posts 9269
Pennsylvania

0 posted 2004-10-07 07:17 PM



White Peaks, Red Canyons

For all the heights of euphoria
reached by fiery flames
burning of closeness, one to another,
so is the deepness of the valleys
hollowed out by the ache of distance.

And there is no common ground.

For even a small stream of separation
is as a sea in width and depth.
Even a small dune of sand
is as the Sahara in dimension.
And a small sapling between the two
is as a great northern forest.

Only the passionate touching of skin
can raise up the valley floor
to the powdery white peaks of ecstasy.

I have spent a lifetime in the crevices
carved by streams of yearning waters.
But on a few starry nights have been lifted
to the brisk edges of ice topped mountains,
and from there, was spectator
to all the joys of life
only visible from such a perspective.

I can truly say that I have been
higher than most, and relive these
moments while riding the small streams
that meander below.

Yet the ache continues to carve
my heart beats into the sand
and my very soul into the rocks.
And when my life is done, you will see
my sculptures in the walls of
red canyons that echo your name.

Elizabeth Santos
Oct. 7, 2004

© Copyright 2004 Elizabeth Santos - All Rights Reserved
Mysteria
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Member Laureate
since 2001-03-07
Posts 18328
British Columbia, Canada
1 posted 2004-10-07 09:20 PM


I decided to sit on my hands and not be cheeky just this one time and just say, "Good grief lady when you get the fire within you it sure as heck is one mighty flame!"

Here I thougth this was for me for a second there

Bee-oout-e-full!  How was the bluegrass?  

James_A_Fraser
Senior Member
since 2003-09-03
Posts 972
Out Making Anticlines
2 posted 2004-10-07 09:41 PM


I came for the possibilities in the title, but I stayed for the reality of the poem. This is simply beautiful, and for whatever the reason, I'm glad I came.



~~J

serenity blaze
Member Empyrean
since 2000-02-02
Posts 27738

3 posted 2004-10-08 04:19 AM


WOW.

can I type it again?

WOW.

and laugh if you wanna, and I know you will, but lady, there is some steam under them thar metaphors.

wow?



Tastefully done tho, painted sensuality with naught a grind of crude.

If you could teach me how to do this, I would be a lady indeed!

(you do that yanno, you make me wanna be nicer)



not to mention a better writer as well! <--grumps me




LeeJ
Member Patricius
since 2003-06-19
Posts 13296

4 posted 2004-10-08 07:18 AM


For even a small stream of separation
is as a sea in width and depth.
Even a small dune of sand
is as the Sahara in dimension.
And a small sapling between the two
is as a great northern forest.


AMEN sister!  Reading you is like eating a great holiday feast, the more you chew, the better it tastes, and you bring forth a buffet of simmering tea to settle the fullness of life...where remains such peace.

Lovely lady, thank you

suthern
Deputy Moderator 1 TourDeputy Moderator 1 Tour
Member Seraphic
since 1999-07-29
Posts 20723
Louisiana
5 posted 2004-10-08 10:31 AM


For even a small stream of separation
is as a sea in width and depth.
Even a small dune of sand
is as the Sahara in dimension.
And a small sapling between the two
is as a great northern forest.

Only the passionate touching of skin
can raise up the valley floor
to the powdery white peaks of ecstasy.

Like Lee... my first reaction was AMEN! *S* This is so very beautiful, Liz... with such a touching, heartwarming ending. *S*

Mark Bohannan
Member Rara Avis
since 2000-06-21
Posts 7269
In the winds of Cherokee song
6 posted 2004-10-08 12:23 PM



Only the passionate touching of skin
can raise up the valley floor
to the powdery white peaks of ecstasy.

*********************

And some ask me where I learn to write my imagery?  Well, I tell them honestly, I learned from Elizabeth.  If you recall, it was your work I studied the most when I joined this place, and this poem of yours is exactly why.  Your use of metaphors, bringing the images to life until the reader can actually feel and touch them.  Excellent writing as always.  So much enjoyed but yours I always do.  Thanks also for continuing to teach.

Mysteria
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Member Laureate
since 2001-03-07
Posts 18328
British Columbia, Canada
7 posted 2004-10-08 01:05 PM


After Mark's beautiful praise, do I dare tell these people that you can write these in all of what, less than 5 minutes!

Lizzy ma girlfriend!  You have a fire stoked in your soul, and I for one am hoping you intend to write it all out?  Karen is right, that you lady, can sure up do sexy with some ladylike class   You go girl!
You just get out there and show the world that older means better! (now admit it, ain't it the truth?)

Martie
Moderator
Member Empyrean
since 1999-09-21
Posts 28049
California
8 posted 2004-10-08 02:19 PM


Liz, dear friend...you write the heart of many who love.  What beauty of heart and spirit you share here.  Thank you.  
Elizabeth Santos
Member Rara Avis
since 1999-11-08
Posts 9269
Pennsylvania
9 posted 2004-10-08 03:25 PM



Sharon, where in the world did you find that picture of me?

Mark your words touch me as do all of the comments. THank you dear friends for your kind thoughts.

Liz

VAS
Member Rara Avis
since 2000-11-16
Posts 7450
Oregon
10 posted 2004-10-08 04:11 PM


This may be my favorite of all of yours that I've read...speaking of euphoria...I'm speechless with it. This is more than wonderful!

Whether on the shoal or on the shore,
I'll seek the lighthouse evermore.

passing shadows
Member Empyrean
since 1999-08-26
Posts 45577
displaced
11 posted 2004-10-09 04:03 AM


BEAUTIFUL!
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