The Wagon with Planks

the horse drawn wagon with a wooden heart

climbs slowly without border planks

the old man drives his horse at the walk

as if he were counting in his mind

 

each tree has a heart

young ones answer with a faint voice

the poll of the axe strikes to test them

sometimes a stronger echo from the other trees

it’s a sign the axe will strike deeper

right in the heart with scarce sap

and all wood poles will go down tied to the wagon

as long as dew shines in the fields

 

now there’s only one road left

slowly in the wagon with its planks raised up

the old man lies tied at his ankles

behind the wagon small spiders are jumping

tired of all that sunlight and dust

searching for shadows under planks

and red carnations will fall from children’s arms

as long as tears are in the eyes

 

from time to time the others’ echo

is answering stronger

like a single heart in a forest

Reviews

[Shimmerbliss/CAF]

This speaks to me of the death of innocence, the death of us all really, and the effect each life has on all of us. A very visual piece, that touches my heart with your choice of words and the way you phrase. The last three lines give me a feeling, like watching children cry, or when I read something that breaks my heart, because it is so human, and so real. I do not know if I have missed entirely what you had in mind for this piece...if so, just know that it had meaning for me, and I found it to be poignant and beautiful.

[Cristina Moldoveanu]

I am happy that you found my poem beautiful. I wrote it in the memory of my grandfather who died in April this year.

[Shimmerbliss/CAF]

I am sorry to hear that. What a beautiful way to express your heart.