Standing Up/Kneeling Down

Response poetry. Travel metaphors. Miscommunications.

Standing Up


You only say
I love you
when you stand on
the windswept,
white cliffs of Dover.

At home,
your smile turns
to craw and scowls
when vacations
can't be talked about
or afforded.

In the car,
on the way to work,
there is only
black silence,
as if you're dreaming
of England.

Not to meet the Queen,
or to catch glimpses
of cockney accents,
or to climb the bell tower
of St Mary-le-Bow,

but to stand once again

overlooking the grey strait
as the soil, unnoticed

crumbles beneath your feet

that I have been
kneeling in front of
for years.


Kneeling Down- Response to Standing Up

I stand
staring into the fog
looking for the coast
of Calais,
the passion of the Burhgers,
the heart of Rodin.

I've been to St. Mary Le-Bow.
So much of it restored
from old fires and wars,
there's nothing left
original.

Even the bells ring
like an imposter,
a cheap tenor,
the jang casing
an obnoxious decor.

I stand on the white cliffs
of Dover
as ancient
as my spirit,
my body,
modernity,
my soul
rising from antiquity
to the maelstrom
of today.

There's too much strength in me now
to kneel,
even though
I am growing tired.

I see you
at my feet,
as I have for years,
always wanting to hear
I love you.

As if that could be said in words.

If only you had the strength
to stand up,
you might know
how much

I don't need jolly old England.

Reviews

[Penlady]

Wouldn't it be wonderful if the object of our adoration could see what we see and mirror back in reflection all the love that could fill the two. Reflection...
Two exquisite poems spilling with raw need and the promises that would be kept if responded to. Beautiful writing

[T]

this was wonderful! i love it... u have a great style. this ones going in my favorites! thnks for sharing

[Legion]

I like the contradiction of the two pieces. Well stated and shows the miscommunication of so many couples perfectly. Good write.