A River Named

Touching the wilderness in your name I became a part of its history

there were crops laid into a fever here once

rows and seeds, the start of the black rose is a lingering thought

not of corn, wheat or of scarecrow’s mind,

but of thistles, stones and memories

 

a milky sky attended to these memories, long well into the autumn light

The height and harbored flights of coming snow labored to reflect some strange triumph

 

a triumph dying cold and colder bound by seldom care

and by the old wooden fence that lay bent by the passing dreams, the paint sweating through

 

there were hinges that grew wilder at the entrance and just like a spike into fleshy meat, like bearing parasites over their host, the gate stayed all but closed, the cracks and chips revealing years of crops and wines denied telling me of that state and of your mind

 

you have left your doors in wretched poor reflection, and

you have left your hat out for the eastern wind to tumble with the summer’s rain

the best that dies, dies in everything

as it was very much alive, very much apprized of the coming weeds

as in all these things I see before your time

But then seedlings will grow where they will

 

I smile now as I close my fist with mind

Repairing to these visions from your name

your hair lending the sweeter light down to become my miracle

and even in this darkest hour I still feel some chance

understanding that this crop cannot be saved

yet a struggle is a fountain lost and I won’t give in to that voiceless end

though the heavens mark our smiles

we must leave the safety of our settled homes 

they must be broken into time for time again

to follow in a new name and wilderness 

somewhere with the deeper strains that run with a river of accord

Reviews

[lightsong]

You know when You feel You need to cry but You don't know exactly why? though I'm not well today but reading this was like (You can cry, even if You don't know why).

I maybe unable to grasp what You want me to grasp here, still I see a river of life, and You the solitary man sits beside it, witnessing, whatching, grasping the reflections of life flowing with it, see many times, many lives, many places... it's like it was there since the birth of earth, and here it's flowing near You in this life, in this time, now.... I thought again while reading, what a really deep reader You are, the spirit of Your educated reading self is reflected in the way You write.

well, now I surely wish You this night~dawn to be a very creative one ( this doesn't include editing :) ).

[Perdition]

hahahah..alright ..alright..alright..no editing..I promise..just maybe this one... SLAP! Yikes?. But such sweet words and as if you have walked the tracks beside me since I was just an idea trying to understand what ideas truly were...back then so many poets in my hip and so many correlations in the cold night ..How could I not say cry..it is far time we all did a little..night Light. and Thank You!

[Gypsy Warrior Queen]

Ah I see light has the same perception...I cried and didn't know why(exactly) much better worded in fashion than my clumsy review,,,

[Perdition]

Well you are two separate and yet a lot alike....you put it your way and she hers but at the end tears were shed and thats all poet can ever ask from this writing. It broke me first., Like I said, "if I'm not broken at the end of my write than it's just wrong..to me anyway. And yes..I have set aside the time for yours...but when the madness kicks..gotta answer that call or else..dun dun dun.. You know this silly rabbit.

[lightsong]

I might agree for editing this one "only", we will see🤔

and dear Queen, clumsy?! Your review is sincere, heartfelt and deeply emotional, NEVER clumsy!

[Perdition]

Agreed! On all accounts..but time will tell.

[Coyote Poetry]

A wonderful poem shared my friend. Your powerful statements took me with you to places and thoughts. I liked how you made the reader believe and understands your words. Thank you for sharing the amazing poetry.
Coyote

[Perdition]

Well it was either that or Christmas shop..lol. Seriously, a pleasure and soon as I finish these freaking cards I will pour the wine and see what new bold action you have offered in words. You are a very mindful and active oriented amazing poet as well and I do look forward to reading in the later hours when the ghosts in the wine start aspiring to read some quality words. Thank you for sharing your thoughts as always.

[Coyote Poetry]

I enjoyed this poem and you are welcome my friend.

[barleygirl]

As often happens, your poem is more a launchpad for me, than a script of what to imagine from your storytelling. Even tho you told a different story here, I was reminded of times I hiked the nearby wilderness & seeing how it takes back any attempt by man to claim it & tame it . . . traces of long-gone cultivation are waning pursuits like faint wheel ruts in an overgrown trail. Later my mind jumped the tracks & somehow I was seeing your message as somewhat resembling the way the USA has been kinda falling into a rut, like that overgrown trail analogy, & I'm searching for traces of the strong country I have always been so damn proud of . . . *sigh!* I don't know how that happened, but it makes sense to me (((HUGS))) Fondly, Margie

[Perdition]

Well then it makes sense to me as well. I like that you walked the same journey as I did when writing this..a stumble here and a stumble there..in my writing not the review to give it a sense of this writer walking the overgrown path. The hand and history was the image of almost a grave and a run down neglected land and home that generationally spoke of a sad ending as it once had dreams and voices and children that grew to learn of something less worthy than the original intent of the land and name ..Yes ..a country that hoped for what has obviously been left to the wolves. Not wanting to turn to any politics in my poems I turned to the images instead. You always catch me in that glorious way Margie..and leaving with a Hug..nothing better. You too have lived a part of the wilderness and names you have touched as well and can feel the history...especially in reading your stories ..Good "sigh" and wonderful review. Thank you as always for your talented insights. They lead me back to the tracks on an overgrown path where I began. Happy Holidays!

[Crowley]

From this one piece alone is a Steinbeck novel or an HBO series, it is that complete and that moving. I pictured it being read aloud as a monologue, spoken with a solemnity that can't be matched by anything except times eroding tendrils. You have the bravest voice that I have read in a long time. The writing and the thought process are nothing short of amazing and the emotive power is dizzying. I am always truly inspired.

[Perdition]

I think I would opt for the Steinbeck novel..lol. Thanks you so kindly Mr. Crowley I am overwhelmed, as usual by your kind words~ Happy Holidays

[Gypsy Warrior Queen]

42 views and all I hear in this space is the maggots chewing flesh and your voice reaping out this poetic justice...as I shift uncomfortably in my chair.... as my breath becomes emotional and my eyes leak truth....as the catch in my throat makes me want to bring up whatever bubbles beneath...I reach out and pause as I hear it...like the sound of a descending plane...whistling ....tapering as it leaves me slowly. Ill rest in this 20 more times...at least.

[Perdition]

Well fasten your seat belts and make sure that your trays in the upright position..lol. Thank you Queen...not sure I'm willing to walk away but the clearing in my throat says I can't do anything more with this so move on. I think i"ll take your advice. Smiles~