Between

I stay here because I can --

a cat -- camel arched -- on a fence,

too high for the barking dog to reach

 

trees with purple leaves turn to plums,

as day breaks like a tired vinyl record:

jagged and sharp, music lost to the loam

in black-ridged chips

 

aurora sweeps night back under the rug,

while I sit in a chair on a porch with chipping paint --

for right now -- in this moment --

life seems uncomplicated

 

I stay here because I can --

because there is nothing to make me leave,

even if no one has asked me to unpack my bags

Reviews

[icelandicblue]

I love the stasis of the piece; nothing is quite committed but the peace that resides in the cracks seems to bring a sense of freedom. The descriptions in the first stanza are really memorable. I also loved the vinyl record imagery. As always you are a pleasure to read.

[Girl Friday (Sarah W.)]

Thank you so much, my friend.

[Ken Simm.]

You use words as brushstrokes as you paint a scene and a series of feeling, emotions that go with that scene. I find your visual take on writing truly remarkable.

[Girl Friday (Sarah W.)]

You humble me, Ken. Thank you :)

[Kleio13]

I love the repetition,' I stare here because i can". An avenue against those who oppose nature, no reason to pack your leaves before the season is over.
beautiful

[Girl Friday (Sarah W.)]

Thank you, my friend. I'm glad you enjoyed this one.

[Rita L. Sev]

Staying where life seems uncomplicated is wise. Some people follow drama, even when it does not invite them. I like the laid-back, just hanging out feel of this piece.

[Girl Friday (Sarah W.)]

Thank you, Rita! I'm amazed at how many unique interpretations of this one there are!

[Astro]

Great line about the day breaking like a tired old record, I liked it a lot. The feeling one gets when they just can't seem to pull the trigger and shoot off from their comfort zones to find adventure in the field of dreams is a great idea to express. My advice, if the bags are packed and you can't seem to leave all alone, ask a 'friend' to go with you into wonderfully beautiful places that paint the backs of your eyes and beg to become a reality. Another well expressed moment/thought in your style which is so apropos to tranquil considerations of life, love and the desires of a woman in the 21'st century.

[Girl Friday (Sarah W.)]

You always write such great reviews, my friend :) This was a piece that came to be after thinking on the past, actually, but then I brought it into my current mood as well. I guess the last line is really the "giveaway" in this one. Thank you for reading!

[Astro]

You're so welcome, my reviews are only reflections of the quality art I come in contact with. Kudos to you Sarahfor another great ine.

[DJ]

I like the last stanza the most,
" I stay here because I can --
because there is nothing to make me leave,
even if no one has asked me to unpack my bags"
Tranquil and at peace with your own company, yet a subtle undertone of, it would be nice to have someone else here with me. Nicely written, very intriguing.

[Girl Friday (Sarah W.)]

Thank you so much, Cairo!

[K. Louis]

There was a nice simplicity to this one--but it didn't take away from the layers. I thoroughly enjoyed this piece...the in between is felt.

[Girl Friday (Sarah W.)]

Thank you K...sometimes things just need to be simple, you know. Though, as you said, there are always layers, and though something may seem simple on the outside, there is usually something deeper beneath. Thank you for always being one to look deeper!

[Pete Langley]

Interesting....a place to rest...impermanent...a waystation for a singleton who wants to be a pair, but has started to appreciate being unencumbered. I like this. P.

[Girl Friday (Sarah W.)]

Thank you, Pete :)

[Kelly Scheppers]

I loved the cadence of your words, Sarah. Their offering was warm and welcoming, like a homecoming.

Always a delight to read you!

[Girl Friday (Sarah W.)]

Thank you so much, Kelly.

[Pryde Foltz]

I stay here because I can --
because there is nothing to make me leave,
even if no one has asked me to unpack my bags

I find this last stanza the most intriguing. A rare moment where one's own company is enough, but, of course, having someone to join you would be all the better. Love the atmosphere on this piece.

[Girl Friday (Sarah W.)]

Thank you, Pryde :)