Poetry by Dead Men

Poetry by Dead Men

 

 

my feet were crossed

within his lap

as he read to me

poetry by dead men

 

i listened with earnest intent

as the atmosphere around me slipped

into oblivion

as the spine of books

crackled  upon opening

to pages in sepia tones

spoken in the tenor of his voice

 

there were offerings of Robert Frost,

of how the woods

were dark and lovely and deep…

e.e. cummings,

who wrote about the rain with all its obscurities

having such small hands.

 

the afternoon was well spent,

like Hemingway’s fisherman was to the sea

my heart became a voyager

to the past

as winter was no more an intrusion

with an accumulation of snow

 

as he read to me

poetry by dead men.

 

Reviews

[Jibey]

Dreamy moments... lovers caressing each other with words - which live beyond the lives of their authors. Your poem flows easily and wastes no words; it holds together well in its structure and poise. Intensely enjoyable.

[I only wrote this for the foot rub, lol]

[Kelly Scheppers]

Lol, I love it!! You may go to the front of the line, Jibey. Thank you for noticing!

[Neville]

Alas, alack, I do so fear that most of the best one's are now dead .. Present company excepted of course .. But boy, I know and only too well how they do come alive when read like that, sat in the lap of a loved one .. You leave behind some of the most exquisite ink Kelly and no messin .. Kindest Regards, Neville

[Kelly Scheppers]

You make such a difference in my day, my friend. I wish you and your beautiful little Wren a most lovely of springs. Thank you, Nev!

[Thomas W Case]

Tremendous work Kelly. You make this come alive.

[Kelly Scheppers]

Thank you most kindly, Tom!

[JD Major]

Thanks Kelly,
In high school, reading dead poets was a drag, but this lovely poem inspires me to revisit Frost and the others with fresh eyes.
JD

[Kelly Scheppers]

Now, that's a review that makes me smile! Thank you, JD. Nice meeting you!

[Ken Simm.]

So complete an atmosphere. A series of feelings of love and cosiness experienced with considerable effect. A lovely lovely piece. It indeed made my poor male feet curl with pleasure.

[Kelly Scheppers]

Foot rubs - for all who review here! Lol, how's that, Ken? Thank you so much for brightening my day!

[Ken Simm.]

Can I say groaning?

[Fabian G. Franklin]

Brava! You are such an eloquent painter of subtle light and transformation. I had a lady friend (now deceased) who wrote poetry and we spent hours together in bookshops, cafe's, flea markets, yard sales looking for old books (especially poetry) I harvested about a half dozen Rod McKuen hardbacks for 25 cents each on one of those trips. She was so jealous. So I gave her the books. It was a decision well made considering she always had a pot of chili and coffee made on rainy days. ;) Your poem reminded me of her.

[Kelly Scheppers]

Your friend sounds wonderful, Fabian. Having a pot of chili on rainy days is the best. I love looking for old books, rummaging through thrift stores and flea markets. You never know what gems you're likely to find. I have about eight hardback books of Rod McKuen myself. My mother would always buy them for me for Christmas and birthdays back in the eighties, before she died. How I miss the joy of those mornings. I loved your review. It left me wishing I could have known your friend, too! Thank you for your presence here today, Fabian. God bless!

[Fabian G. Franklin]

You too, my friend. (smile)

[IC]

Sounds like a nice way to spend a winter evening trapped indoors, especially if the tenors voice has just the right tone for the words being read. It sure beats having a television droning in vicinity. You have described a very lovely evening and one you certainly must have enjoyed. 🙏🏻

[Kelly Scheppers]

I love being read to. It certainly beats watching television! Thank you, Izabella.

[Sami Khalil]

One of your best; I love it. So comprehensive and deep.
I like the ending too.

[Kelly Scheppers]

I am smiling from ear to ear. Thank you, Sami!

[Sami Khalil]

You are welcome Kelly.

[Seriana]

I LOVE this....
It carried me away to a place I should not be but for a moment. And then, another. Place. Which is right in every way.
I can hear the crackle of the fire and his voice...as one drifts off...
A favorite for sure!

[Kelly Scheppers]

Thank you most kindly, Seriana. And welcome to my page!

[Patricia Wedel]

dear Kelly.. of all the Poetry to ever read… this Poem is Indeed the Hideaway of Romantic Bliss … softly, Pat

[Kelly Scheppers]

I'm so thrilled you enjoyed my first offering of the new year. It took me a while, but I finally got my mojo back! Thanks so much, Pat!

[Patricia Wedel]

dear Kelly .. you are an Angel soaring … softly, Pat