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

[Einstein Noodle]

a stirring tribute Kelly! funny how small hands and rain can flood the mind body and soul ... in the hands of a poet. of course i had to check out the poem and at the top of the search was video of his own voice reading ... stunning of course .. great job expressing your own experience in reading his remarkable work.. great joy to see you had posted anew Legs! big hugs ... best wishes always!
E.

[Kelly Scheppers]

I'll have to check out that video - thanks for the heads up, Gene! It wouldn't be worth sharing if you weren't here. My best to you, always. x

[Einstein Noodle]

be still, my beating heart. ;)

[Chris Shaw]

It is not often I get lost in the lines of a poem, but when that happens it can be memorable. Here e e cummings has done that for you Kelly and you are totally inspired by one line and the meaning behind it. This is a fine tribute to a remarkable poet. Hope you are happy and well. It is always a delight to find a post from you.

Chris

[Kelly Scheppers]

It always amazes me how I become inspired by just a line or a word. I'm sure its that way for all of us, still, it never ceases to awe me every time. Thank you, Chris. It's a delight for me having you here!

[jacob erin-cilberto]

as the rain gently touches the flowers, hers gently touch his skin...and there is a bloom in love...
such an excellently drawn out tribute to e.e..
he would say this is "puddle wonderful"---

j.

[Kelly Scheppers]

Having the validation of poets such as yourself has always carried much weight for me. Thank you most kindly, Jacob!