..
one step forward, two steps
back
(it’s a cha-cha-cha, really)
and we smile anyway
and graffiti our gratitude
on broken planks.
the world is leaking in,
sneaking up and filling cups
with all manner of bitterness
and dis
-traction.
we’ve learned a few things
and burned a few
strings that perhaps
should have been re
-membered. we’ve crossed
our I’s and dotted our
teas with chamomile
and jasmine, pomegranate
seeds and sage, the quiet rage
that steeps itself in
distant seas.
we seized the day
and shook it; took it
……..(for a walk)
one day at a time
and then pulled it apart
at the seams. good thing
stuffing makes for soft
landings. we’ll mute
tomorrow’s borrowed
sorrow with
………………..each
………………………new
……………………………...breath.
..
Written for OctPoWriMo, day 14.
Recycled, each cliche regains life, and the sighs of each weathered carving are in the wind again.
Sheesh, girl. This is crazy good!
I love this section:
“we’ve crossed
our I’s and dotted our
teas with chamomile
and jasmine, pomegranate
seeds and sage, the quiet rage
that steeps itself in
distant seas.
we seized the day
and shook it”
So clever, what you did with the stacking at the end, creating something like this: “tomorrow’s sorrow with each borrowed, new-wed breath.” To me, the ending makes the poem be about a damaged (or at least roughed-up, weathered) marriage that you’re trying to put back together or strengthen. Life is rough on lovers!
I really like how you put words together. The rhymes and images, flow so easily to the ear!
Like the transitions, loved the poem
Love this! I’m going to reread several times.
I agree – this one needs to be read several time. There is so much meaning here – going on an adventure – crossing a bridge but not sure of where it will take you – hoping for the best.
and graffiti our gratitude
on broken planks.
Loved these lines, especially. This poem is a gem. The last verse is also brilliant!
Maybe we cannot seize the day though.. I think it seizes us…