Like China

 Like China

 

 

 

He talks to me of business
in the hurried moments

of a cellular conversation,
tells me without fail

how much he misses

the warmth of my body

against him

and how much I would love

the Nebraska snow.

 

My voice cracks at the mention
of sleeping alone,
with a northeast wind
that rattles the shutters at night
coercing me into

a fetal position.

I listen for the exhale of a sigh.

It is the tenor of his voice

that breaks me,
like china.

 

 

 

 

photography by / Ernesto Garcia Pena

 

 

Reviews

[g.r.]

Fine job, Kelly. Your last two verses were so honest and well constructed that your last word hit me like a punch. thank you, g.r.

[R.E. Ray]

What beautiful china you’ve laid before us, Kelly. I imagine a lovely figure, wrapped in flowers, encircled in gold, fractured where two hands meet in the middle, pieces lying in the snow. I always enjoy your poems and artwork.

[Kelly Scheppers]

...and I always enjoy your presence upon my pages. Such a lovely interpretation, Robert. Many thanks my friend!

[C. M. Miller]

I tend to stay away from "china,' too fragile a metaphor for my hesitant pen . . . give me a sturdy, heavy beer stein that I can hide behind. But you . . . you are no poets coward.

[Kelly Scheppers]

You leave me with a smile and flatter me beyond words. What else can I say to that, other than thank you? I am blessed to have you as a friend. The pleasure is all mine!

[Dave]

You make it seem as though you are so beautiful and yet so fragile. Needing and yet giving warmth and yet like delicate china so easy to shatter. Nicely done and thank you.

Take care - Dave

[Kelly Scheppers]

Sometimes, hearing the voice of someone we love, is enough to break us. It can shatter our resistance, and that is what I was aiming for here. Thank you, Dave!

[Antoñyo]

Beautiful and vivid, as like the smallest memories becoming the most meaningful.
Glad I read this in the stillest hours. Thanks for sharing

[Kelly Scheppers]

Thank you for the pleasure, Antonyo!

[lightsong]

and how You can turn simple words into magic itself... I certainly adore all the poems I read from Your ever original splendid pen, and this one here hits me in special way, (Like China) what's more enchantingly fragile, tenderly powerful than these deeply impressive words?! and I think of the delicate fine porcelains. marvelous one, and the photo, like always perfect!

[Cassie]

Hey, Why like China? As always you write so beautifully

[Kelly Scheppers]

Simply a metaphor, comparing how the tenor of his voice has an effect on her, the way in which china so delicately breaks. Thank you, Cassie!

[Moonie]

It's a very gentle and romantic poem, and the image you used goes pretty well with it. "Like china" elicits a very vivid picture of china shattering in my mind. Good writing!

[Kelly Scheppers]

Thank you most kindly!

[aubreydiamond]

Wow, this is really beautiful! I felt every emotion in every word. It’s amazing how short poems can have such strength! 🌺✨

[Kelly Scheppers]

I take pride in making mine that way. Thank you, Aubrey...good to meet you!

[aubreydiamond]

It definitely has the desired effect 🤩 and likewise! 🥰🌈