poem: Doorways

poem: Doorways

A Chapter by Marie Anzalone
"

for my cousin Todd, on the day of his interment at Woodstock

"

Growing up...

     we all caught lightning bugs

  and deposited them in Mason jars

             to use as lanterns.

We always thought we

        were rich, beyond words

    with the most beautiful light in the world.

 

And the rain came softly

     with a half-turned shoulder, in the doorway

  bag packed

        "Mama, which way is East?

      I have a journey to take."

Then there was thundersong

          with angry rain

    Hendrix's guitar blaring crimson chords

as Bonham's drums kept time.

 

A beckon call

     of the type

we hold ourtselves powerless

           to refuse.

 

When we looked up in our sorrow

    we saw a line of purple shimmering

and drawn at the Western horizon

       but an achingly empty space at that doorway.

 

Our only explanation

       a note

    handwritten in the feathery strokes

           of a cirrus cloud

  "I am sorry," it read,

         "but we decided

                his kindness was more needed

here, in the East."

 

for the ancients always said Heaven is to the East.

    from whence the new morning dawns.

 

But at sunset, when those empty shapes

      loom emptiest

            we should remember the gifts.

    If we each catch memories,

          like those floating orbs of our childhood

                  dancing

to the tunes of passed heroes

         and aging rockstars

    the jar we fill now

        can light our own way through all future doorways

   in all worlds we must travel

until we meet again.

 

And what, we ask, could possibly be greater

     than that all-star show

on a warm summer night

         where fireflies danced in soft rains?

  

              



© 2012 Marie Anzalone


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Featured Review

You described so nicely about you and Todd in this piece.
Love the following stanza:
"We always thought we

were rich, beyond words

with the most beautiful light in the world."
Yea,you were really rich and you still are quite rich.
Wonderful write.

Posted 11 Years Ago


1 of 1 people found this review constructive.

Marie Anzalone

11 Years Ago

Thank you, Zainul... he was like a brother to me growing up. I tried to recapture that in this. Than.. read more
zainul

11 Years Ago

I feel that he is my brother too.
You perfectly offered your love to him through this piece.read more



Reviews

So many images, all tied firmly together with your masterful prose. I am glad you celebrate your Cousin. Love is all there is.

Posted 9 Years Ago


1 of 1 people found this review constructive.

You described so nicely about you and Todd in this piece.
Love the following stanza:
"We always thought we

were rich, beyond words

with the most beautiful light in the world."
Yea,you were really rich and you still are quite rich.
Wonderful write.

Posted 11 Years Ago


1 of 1 people found this review constructive.

Marie Anzalone

11 Years Ago

Thank you, Zainul... he was like a brother to me growing up. I tried to recapture that in this. Than.. read more
zainul

11 Years Ago

I feel that he is my brother too.
You perfectly offered your love to him through this piece.read more
Beautiful tribute to Todd. Hint of sadness, journey to the East. Nothing more to say.

Posted 11 Years Ago


1 of 1 people found this review constructive.

Marie Anzalone

11 Years Ago

Thanks, Mary. I know you understand all the levels of meaning in this.
oooh, this is perfect, soft and warm

Posted 11 Years Ago


1 of 1 people found this review constructive.

Marie Anzalone

11 Years Ago

thank you Emily. it was a year ago we lost him, and it still hurts
Emily B

11 Years Ago

i remember it well
This is stunning and beautiful. It is hopeful and only hints at sadness. It makes me feel like I slowly drifting watching the scenes unfold

Posted 11 Years Ago


1 of 1 people found this review constructive.

Marie Anzalone

11 Years Ago

Thank you, Poetic. I do not know a form harder to write than the eulogy- and yes, you are right. I w.. read more
Poetic Beauty

11 Years Ago

you did that very well. IT is one of the most beautiful passing pieces I have read.

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Added on July 27, 2012
Last Updated on August 13, 2012

A Pilgrimage in Epistles: Poems as Letters and Observations


Author

Marie Anzalone
Marie Anzalone

Xecaracoj, Quetzaltenango, Guatemala



About
Bilingual (English and Spanish) poet, essayist, novelist, grant writer, editor, and technical writer working in Central America. "A poet's work is to name the unnameable, to point at frauds, to ta.. more..

Writing