Where are the words
that frolicked
in my mind's recess
during the late afternoon
where are the words
that flowed
from my lips
lined
with laughter's scars
Where are the words
that freed
my aching spirit
from the shackles
of insufferable promises
where are the words
that call
me
home
OctPoWriMo 21 Day 11
I quit
trying to understand
why I started
how to stop
but then
I pause
a momentary phase
of non-doing
not stopping
for
ever
just
for
now
and here
in the quiet
in the cold air
in my quivering mind
space
to ask
is
now
the time
to
give
up
give
out
give
in
or simply to keep going until there is an edge visible
on the page
on the horizon
a place
to cling
fingers trembling
to hang
hopes draping
over the day
in
crocheted
memories
across
long
empty
laps
Inspired by the prompt to write a poem on endings
One wonders
what is worse
the view
or the sight
front facing
head on
a speeding train
a glistening gun barrel
a dive into the unknown
looking back
hindsight
lessons learned
swarming regrets
the haunting
the enticing
memories
of better
or
worse
times
over one's
shoulder
the last glance
adjust the dial
hashmark precision
take aim
fire
old woman
hold
my hand
she opens
deep within
offerings the winter
branch
see it grows
new leaves
forever
becoming
the tree
I let go
a bent branch
growing glorious
from the tree
I can see
the sky
above
the branches
one trip
around the sun
ago
I stood
teetering
on the edge
listening to the trickle
of possibilities
like pebbles
tumbling down
the cliffside
towards
the mysterious valley
below
It has always been my way
to step back
into familiar footing
however root ridden
it is
almost assuredly
I will trip
but at least
the grounds kiss
is quicker
but for some strange reason
I dove
deep
down
off the crumbling precipice
into the cavernous
space
of wishing
I made the other choice
so now
my known
a pit
dotted in red ochre
beckons me
with high pitch
resonance
randomized
ramiform
rooms
lure
and
loom
it is said
singing
is the most efficient way
to explore
caves
so
play the muzic
Listen
my own old words
bounce off
the weeping walls
I plan my ascent
with three
intentions
a triple knot
tied tight
around
a towering tree
Will I make it
to the top
of my day?
intentions
bloom
mantras
Repeated and written
in breath and ink
across my mind space
words
without
meaning
like echoes
in unfamiliar alleys
startle
and soon
I lose my bearing
utterances
without purpose
become
white noise
hissing
like snakes in shadows
a gas leak
warning to be heeded
catch
your
breath
and
ask
What do I really need?
meanwhile
an insistent tabby
runs hot laps round the table
seeking love and attention
knocking pens and papers and my concentration
onto the floor
as if to say the answer
is simple
Seek love
pay attention
Autumn is Summer
here in The City
for months
We wait
wrapped
in fleece
and
fog
until the heat
lays upon us
like a long lost lover
feel the weight
take our breath away
we are slick
in sweet sweat
Girls in short skirts
cast long shadows
on the crowded sidewalks
nights are a buzz
with revelers
drunk
in the delusion
that this will last
Alas
we
are like fireflies
in fields
of
damp grass
Trusting
We still have time
Come
Now
Watch
the sun set
in crimson screams
across the bay
Photo Credit - © Stephen Lefkovits 2017
Sand speaks
Journey now
with the ancient ones
Seek the one
the one who holds your stories
like smooth stones
for safe keeping
sleek obsidian
so many stones
in her creased cupped hands
they slip into the net of her robes
she smiles
keep going
I can hold more
the men dance
their feet
stained crimson
from clay and blood
as the drum pounds
calling all forward
to the fire
they keep their distance
faceless in the shadows
until I see
my father
and his father
and my mother's father
in the blur
the drum
heart
beats on
calls in
the women
they rush in
on my waters
a cerulean wave
bathing in their knowing
together
the men
the women
from all four corners
connecting
breath
with
all
life
OctPoWriMo 21 Day 3
Photo Credit - Kambo Naturista©
Seek
beneath
the surface
to where
my seedpod
rests nestled
deep
between
sagacious
folds
safe and sound
One wonders
when
if
a salacious
opportunity
will pierce
my hesitation
long hung taut
like a novitiate
hymen
sharp
like a single use syringe
pressing
against stippled skin
a silver slithering
subcutaneous
stabbing
serpent
it speaks
of salubrious
promise
the sentient needle
shivers
inside
and at last
I surrender
OctPoWriMo 21 Day 2
*Based on a spontaneous spewing of S words
Image Credit © Rogue Piercing 2021
the way
widens with well intended
weeds
flattened by footfall
and memories
beneath the crisp clay
of time's
greying
like the silver streaks
I now share
with my mother's
mother
we call this blaze
wisdom
and we are wiser for it
for we know the way
with its course curling
round roots
and over rocks
towards a once ineffable
now unavoidable
precipice
So I pause here
and be
happy
for this moment
is my life
OctPoWriMo 21 Day 1
with me
let thoughts
land
on
leaves
floating
downstream
Come hear
the om
in the humming gurgle
as water
winds
and
swirls
eddies
over and around
stone and shore
Come breathe
in the sweet damp moss
dark life
teeming soil
this moment
like memories
of chocolate cake
still warm from our grandmother's oven
and
lazy afternoons
still warm from the late summer sun
call us home
NaPoWriMo Day 30
Original Photo - © Jenni Astramowicz 2018
The work
is showing up
now
in this time
with questions and chances
in tow
dive deep
into the void
of avoided places
this place, this life, this space, this world
is richer than
any can understand
skip and step
stones
over
memories
hidden
search and seek
an infinite loop
of lessons learned
pick up
the pieces
gather stack and pile
it is your life
souk
all the sundry
spices
gems
and garbage
it is your life's
work
to sort
through
and somehow
not get lost
in the mayhem
NaPoWriMo Day 29
I am a wandering wordsmith and storyteller captivated by the beauty in imperfection.
Join me on this exploration of all that is authentic by acknowledging three simple realities:
nothing lasts, nothing is finished, and nothing is perfect .
