TRIBUTE

04 28 14

No way for her to ascertain
the ashen carpets of erasure
randomly assigned to the tapestry of garish
hope's circumstantial hopscotch squares
with a body already incommodiously perched
upon legs submissive to the here and now's
drunken mercury
Alone she has been left to sweep up
the gravity that hobbles optimism
in the hops of faith around the ambivalence
of horizontal authenticity
Left alone to weep on twitching roots
and theorize a rally bloom in spite
of severance in tune with sparks of closure
The shadow of her sunken chin emits
embroiled tributaries of respawning yesterdays
Queen of checkerboard embodiment
her rhythmic rule entails zephyrs of endurance
in the vacuum of fulfilling prophecies

Author's Note

She's been through so much...

Reviews

[Eric Pudalov]

This is a wonderfully tragic and sad piece, Steve. Though I know not the woman of whom you speak, it doesn't really matter. This seems a very touching tribute to a friend who is suffering untold misfortune in her life (am I wrong?). And I also get the sense that all of these circumstances are beyond her control, in verses like this:

randomly assigned to the tapestry of garish
hope's circumstantial hopscotch squares
with a body already incommodiously perched
upon legs submissive to the here and now's
drunken mercury

She sounds like an extremely vulnerable person, placed into circumstances that she isn't prepared to handle, and something that would almost kill her if she just took a step further. What a sad and horrifying story. No one deserves that, I would think!

Though I obviously haven't read *all* of your work (assuming you have a large unpublished volume), I find that all of what I've read so far has so much depth, symbolism, and a multitude of meanings. I feel this urge, sometimes, to want to decipher everything that you've written out, but that's probably impossible. It's the analytical academic in me.

100/100, by the way!

[kublakhan27]

You've hit the nail on the head perfectly my friend...you may know her, I'm sure you've seen her on the site in the past...she's one of our most beloved members but has been away for a while as she deals with some serious personal issues. She is vulnerable only in the sense that she's been dealt some circumstances that are beyond her control, but she also happens to be the strongest woman I've ever known, and I tried to inject a bit of optimism in the piece to reflect that. As always, I must point out how invaluable your support is to my writing...it really does mean the world. So glad you enjoyed this one my friend :)

[Eric Pudalov]

Aww, glad I can help support your writing - that's the other reason I like being here, other than promoting my own writing. And now that you mention it, I think I *do* know to whom you're referring...I won't say her name, but I hope she'll be OK. I want to be supportive too, if I can.

[John Anderson]

beautifully expressed. Great diction and flow help to make this a fine poem

[kublakhan27]

Many thanks for the kind words my friend.

[Frieda P]

Sigh Benji, what can I say....there are no words adequate enough to articulate how much this affected me. I've missed you to pieces and beyond. I'm touched by your sweet sentiments, truly my dear friend. xo

100 hugs on a zephyr coming your way

[kublakhan27]

What can I say that hasn't already been said Mrs.R...writing it was an affecting experience as well, but you are a muse, and that trumps all of the trials that come with writing such a personal piece...you are dearly missed as well, but as you can see, your presence overcomes all. xo

[Robbie~xoxo~]

Your expression of her pain is heartfelt, Stevie... she seems to have much to endure...
This tribute is unequivocally filled with sadness for a dear friend...

Yet, there is also hope...

"Queen of checkerboard embodiment
her rhythmic rule entails zephyrs of endurance
in the vacuum of fulfilling prophecies"~Ending in "possibilities".

A Riveting write, filled with sorrow~xoxo~

[kublakhan27]

Thank you my friend, the original version did not have those lines but I wanted to acknowledge her strength and perseverance...I hope she returns to us soon, I miss her very much...so glad you enjoyed it Robbie :) xoxo

[Robbie~xoxo~]

So do I, Stevie...so do I...
It's always a pleasure to read your work of art. ~xoxo~:)

[kublakhan27]

Thanks so much Robbie...love and hugs :) xoxo

[Robbie~xoxo~]

Love and hugs to you as well, sweetie!~xoxo~:)

[Frontier]

"horizontal authenticity" - very interesting concept, similar to some that I have used before. Somehow the horizontal seems to allude to the authentic..

Love this part:

"with a body already incommodiously perched
upon legs submissive to the here and now's
drunken mercury"

We must strive to not let gravity hobble our optimism :)

[kublakhan27]

You certainly speak my language my friend, so glad you enjoyed and understood this piece :)

[Rita L. Sev]

Steve, the words you weave in tribute are amazing. At once a poem universal and personal, an homage to all (and one) who continues on. May those zephyrs of endurance make the journey easier...

[kublakhan27]

I hope so as well my friend...glad you enjoyed this one, thank you Rita.

[MsJewel]

Left alone to weep on twitching roots
and theorize a rally bloom in spite
of severance in tune with sparks of closure
Your imagery is incredible. You never cease to amaze me.

:) Julie

[kublakhan27]

Thank you for the support as always my friend :)

[Shirlena]

I needed a good poem to read and so I knew where to come...the only problem I have, is that I didn't get enough. I studied the image, it was hard not to reflect on it while remembering the words in the poem. Who ever she is she must be a sweet, long suffering soul with a good deal of strength. She must also be immensely flattered that someone would write this unforgettable tribute in her honor. I know I would be-smile. Don't nobody write about me...I'm lying. Excellent kub.

[kublakhan27]

Thank so much for the support my friend, it means more than I can articulate here. This was not an easy piece to write...she is a dear friend of both of us, and the strongest person I've ever met...it required the two years (give or take) that I've known her to be able to produce such a piece. Never assume that you won't be written about at some point in the future...I'm still getting to know you and your work ;) Actually it was her that introduced us to each other, and i'm glad she did for I already consider you a good friend and one of my favourite poets here. Thank you Shirlena.

[Shirlena]

I new who you were talking about...but I didn't want to let on cause I didn't want to give away your secret. Yes, I agree from the little time I've known her it is obvious her gift and strength. Very worthy subject she is and thank you for thinking of me that way kub because you already know how I feel about you :).