Summer Dresses

On the line behind the house,

twisted round and grown into two trees

older than the ownership of our land,

mother hangs summer dresses in the sunlight.

 

Like paper doll clothes, all primary colors

and geometric designs, they taunt the wind

as her hands, once young and tender,

put them in their places, side by side.

 

Cross-legged and still, I am the intent audience,

the entranced observer consciously unaware

of the wonder I am witnessing, moments

that one dark day I will weep to relive--

these precious, flashing instants with her.

 

Breathing down the mountain, the wind gusts

and one of my dresses defies the prison of the pin,

taking to the air like a startled seabird,

and I smile as my mother laughs like a child--

gleeful and perfect in the last lonely hours of afternoon. 

Reviews

[Poetic Beauty]

The imagery in this poem is breath taking. The flow of the poem is smooth and natural feeling. It brought back memories of me sitting as a young girl in my grandmother's front yard watching her hand the clothes on the line as I used a spoon to dig in the dirt. I so miss those days with her but they are good memories and this poem has brought back a special childhood memory. This is a magical transporting piece for me. It sends me back in time. Lovely writing

[Fabian G. Franklin]

This is fabulously beautiful. It's so delicate and warm; crisp and clean like the smell of sun dried clothing on the line...it made my soul move inside my skin. I think I was trying to shrink back down to a child again; in memories with you. Delicious poetry...simply yummy!

[An owl on the moon]

You draw such wondrous connections of past and present, and in the wind the dresses come alive like dancers. Here is a peaceful scene that melts away the cares of the world. Absolutely wonderful!

[Terry Collett]

Excellently put. Took me back to a former time. So many good examples of words put in the right place to convey the imagery exact. I am going to place this amongst my favourites.

[The Analog Kid]

This reminds me of another era when mothers had the time to hang clothes outside and enjoy the day with the kids. I like the way you beautifully portray the mundane chore of laundry and marry it with nature. Just great imagery too. Also, the sadness of the fleeting moments of our memories.

Patrick

[The Rock And Roll Cowbo..]

That was very magical... to me it showed a connection between mother nature and a human being... it was like a friendly exchange as a reminder they are not alone.

[Ferg]

Beautiful traces of buried memories that surface in peculiar moments, punctuating our days like exclamation points. Happy and carefree and wonderfully written!

[G. Marie"floating on an..]

Oh my i WAS for this brief moment transported back to another time. yes those magical moments can never come again. this was a refreshing, sweet memory thanks for sharing this. very nice job!!!!