The Rain has such Small Hands

...a tribute to e.e. cummings

i was lost in a poem by e.e. cummings,

lost in the rain having such small hands

 

such fervent emotion stirred me prodigiously

the manner in which he spoke

of falling in love

 

i read the line over and over again

eager to know his intent,

learning that only she could get to his heart

and could do so more easily than

the rain, reaching a closed budded flower.

 

skillfully and masterfully,

the articulation leapt from its page

flowing through my consciousness,

like breathing in and breathing out

 

this was somewhere i have never traveled,

gladly beyond

 

my eyes were lost in the epic silence,

the syntax of his words

i dog-eared the page

hoping that my lover would share in the juxtaposition

of my hands, to

those of the rain.

Author's Note

My inspiration for this piece came from a poem, actually a line from the poem, by e.e.cummings, “Somewhere I Have Never Traveled, Gladly Beyond.” Upon reading it, I instinctively had to write something in ode to it, and I wanted the inclusion of the title to be within the context of the poem. I am quite pleased with the results, and wanted to share it upon the coming anniversary of his death, September 3, 1962. Thank you.

Reviews

[willweb]

And once again I sit here in awe of what I have just found, what I have just read, what you have created with your own two hands! Hands, that from what I see, whether compared to the rain or a sun filled day continue to create such beautiful works of art. This one deserves a sigh. *Sigh*

[Kelly Scheppers]

I am deeply flattered you read this, Will...leaving me something tangible of what it meant to you!

[Franky]

You are superb. I am a very impatient reader, so I often roll my eyes and quit reading what I believe to be crap. But your writings are cerebral and skilled.

[Kelly Scheppers]

Wow! That's some affirmation, Frankie. I'm so fortunate to have read the poem by e.e. cummings that nurtured this into being. And I thank you for reading it today, for the joy it brings me!

[Franky]

You're welcome! I'll read more

[Fabian G. Franklin]

I recognized the ee cummings lines immediately and it drew me in. He's a wonderful American poet and one of my favorites. Sadly, we lost both him and Robert Frost within a year of each other when I was still just a young boy. But I've always treasured both their words and worlds left behind for us to enjoy. "somewhere i have never travelled, gladly beyond" is one of my favorites by cummings. I have also learned to treasure things "which i cannot touch because they are too near". This was quite lovely and a wonderful tribute to an American master poet. I enjoyed! F.

[Kelly Scheppers]

...within a year of each other. Wow, I wasn't aware of that. I too, have come to treasure their words by acknowledging them in some small way. Thank you dearly, Fabian!

[Fabian G. Franklin]

My honor, you are a very talented poet and a pleasure to read.

[Ken Simm.]

Love poems of this subtlety are few and far between.

[Kelly Scheppers]

It's a little out of my wheelhouse, but I love how it turned out. So glad you appreciated my efforts, Ken. Thank you!

[Coyote Poetry]

Life is simple dear Kelly. We need to feel important to someone.
"my eyes were lost in the epic silence,
the syntax of his words
i dog-eared the page
hoping that my lover would share in the juxtaposition
of my hands, to
those of the rain."
I loved the above lines. A hand in our hand. The best place to know. Thank you dear friend for sharing the amazing poetry and your thoughts.
Coyote

[Kelly Scheppers]

You are always a much welcomed sight, John. Thank you!

[Coyote Poetry]

Hello dear friend and you are welcome.

[Travis Gibson (poetic h..]

Very well done, and affecting... to inspire our peers or the generations who will eventually replace us is a tremendous accomplishment. We all can only hope to leave such a mark that inspires such powerful words as this.

[Kelly Scheppers]

Hello Travis, how are you? It's been a while, but it's always good to see you on these pages. Take care, and thank you for your presence here!

[Travis Gibson (poetic heroics)]

Yes, it has been awhile, hasn't it? I've been well, thankfully... I hope the same is true for you. I'm trying to get back to prioritizing time to write. I really do miss the Cafe.

[Zoe Richardson]

What a touching tribute to something and someone that moved you deeply. I feel the same way when I read Longfellow's "The Fire of Driftwood." To capture that feeling of loss, in the moment you recognize it, is transporting. Beautiful poetry does something to you, it changes you, and after you read it, you are not the same.

[Kelly Scheppers]

It does change you. I was so moved after reading the poem. It's not like he was someone I could call and say how much it meant to me - but in writing my poem, maybe he knows what it meant. And maybe I can touch someone by it, the way he did me. Thank you, Zoe, for giving me something magical and empowering in that last line of your review. I'll embrace it for all its worth!

[.]

What a great tribute to e.e Cummings!Certainly his poem can inspire you but your prolific lines shows how passionate you are towards poetry! It was a delight to read this poem....so well penned

[Kelly Scheppers]

Thank you for the kindness your words bring me today!

[red93]

Ooh this is a Meisterwerk Kelly and a real Poetic Gem. Love it love it love it. Strangely enough, the 'Oxford Girlfriend' I referred to in the Simon and Garfunkel piece yesterday, was also a massive e e cummings fan. How strange and beautiful is that :)

[Kelly Scheppers]

...thank you most kindly, Tony. That was a masterpiece, indeed!

[Laz K.]

Your poem, and the way you pay tribute to e.e.cummings, is very impressive. It's a testament to the power of words, and of how poetry can touch souls.

[Kelly Scheppers]

It's truly a circle, isn't it? How a poem continues to touch the hearts, the minds and the souls of readers. Thank you, Laz!