North Country Lady

inspired by artwork & Bob Dylan song . . .

Wandering up in the north country fair
a lady with an owl caught me unaware
cascading me with steamy snowflake tea
her knowing eyes scorch a chasm in me.

Her ten-point reindeer idly chews his cud
as wet snow nuggets go thud-thud-thud
dampening her long wavy auburn tresses
my thirsty yearning her face possesses.

Bound by her indigo corduroy coat
sage green muffler wraps a cryptic throat
I dream of days when the rivers unfreeze
bare arms dimpled by a blustery breeze.

Someday again I hope to trek up north
stop for a smooch and some back-and-forth
she won’t be as pliant as she used to be
but she’ll dig this variation she sees of me.

Traveling the distance I’ll conjure the guts
hellbent to tell her, no ifs ands or buts
bound to be a wanderer without regret
belatedly I’ll beg her to forgive my debt.

Reviews

[jacob erin-cilberto]

and her wisdom sits on her shoulder and confers...as the conifers drape with snow.

"she walks just like a woman, she talks just like a woman, but she breaks just like a little girl"---

and I am reminded of another Dylan line I just love, from "I want you"---
"I wasn't too cute to him, was I?" My second ex had auburn locks...still does....mixed with silver...we can never really go back, can we?
j.

[barleygirl]

One of my favorite performances of all time (which I have on DVD, of course, which I watch regularly) -- the Bob Dylan 30th anniversary concert with multiple awesome artists. Just like a woman sung by Richie Havens never fails to transport me. I love all your shares in this review. It makes me feel like you really related to my poem (((HUGS))) Fondly, Margie

[jacob erin-cilberto]

and how about the version of "My Back Pages' with neil young, clapton, Harrison, Petty, the Byrds lead singer Roger McGuinn...that is such a great version of that song...yes, I related my friend....

[barleygirl]

Off to go listen to the version you recommend . . .

[barleygirl]

YESSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[lightsong]

I'm happy to read this today in this rainy morning, I've been waiting and wishing for the rain, unlike last year this year we have been having long sunny and warm days, and it's not suitable for Winter, anything about the snow ice and winter I will love to read, it always touch a special place inside me, so does Your perfectly painted poem, You always know how to paint with words along Your amazing rythem. I love the artwork as well. Peace and Love 💕

[barleygirl]

I am the opposite of you. Here in California we need rain desperately -- only 1.5 inches since last spring! Fire season will be bad! But still, I'm loving these 80* winter afternoons, even if I am still hand-watering my garden in January! *smile* Fondly, Margie

[lightsong]

I pray rain for Your California dear Margie 🙌 I'm SO happy here that for the fourth day we are having rain smile, hugs and wishes for the rain ❤️✨🌧️

[rew]

this is good this is evocative of an ' old time ' ballad or even older, although the lines here are too well structured it does give the flavour of the '' Highlands of Scotland '' or the '' Borders. ''

The dance '' reel'' comes to mind or perhaps a ''polka '' although that may well be only in my mind.
I do like it although as i've said '' I think the structure is too strict ''
tho' that is my personal opinion
but as it stands, it looks to me, like art.

[barleygirl]

I have tried to loosen up my structure, but you're talking to a mechanical engineer with 30+ years of technical writing to cement my perfectionist tendencies! *wink! wink!* I have the greatest respect & awe when I read poets who can throw down their words & lines in a messy, haphazard, but meaningful & thoughtful way. But we can't BE each other. Let's just admire each other (((HUGS))) Fondly, Margie

[rew]

(sotto voce - mechanical engineer= goddess)

I must say, quite formally, that your poetry borders on the sublime - (please don't strike me dead with magic)
And, also, if you need any detractors made dead do not hesitate to make a royal gesture towards that miserable creature, it shall be done
Now, if I may withdraw from your presence, (make obeisance, etc)
i shall continue with my lowly existence - erm, could you change a light bulb for me please...
sorry, i'll, erm...see myself out, then
Ow!

[barleygirl]

Oooooops! *wink! wink!*

[Coyote Poetry]

Amazing words and beautiful artwork dear Margie. I could write Winter poetry. I prefer to write about a Summer day. Hello dear friend and thank you for sharing the amazing poetry.
Coyote

[barleygirl]

I usually NEVER write about winter, since I have almost no experience with it! We've only gotten 1.5 inches of rain since last spring & I'm seriously hungry for some semblance of winter! I never thought I'd say that! Thanks for a great review & treasured friendship (((HUGS))) Fondly, Margie

[rlmanning]

I so envy your ability with poetry. Thank you for sharing your inspirations with us :)

[barleygirl]

Thanks so much for boosting my confidence mightily! I'm feeling a little distracted lately, so it's good to know I'm not too irrelevant! (((HUGS))) Fondly, Margie

[John the Baptist]

A Dylan song, you say? Yes, I can hear him singing the lines. The lady does have a unique taste in pets, though. I must wonder if they are symbolic of something.

[barleygirl]

Jacob suggested this lady is carrying her wisdom on her shoulder, which is a great way to interpret such pets! My ability to spot symbolism might be a little weak lately (((HUGS))) Fondly, Margie

[Einstein Noodle]

love the story telling ..clear scene setting and title, pic and poem all certainly belong together .. that owl (fantastic omen in my books) sits a friend on her shoulder ..i recently joined "Classmates" because of their $9 special and connected with an old high school buddy i had been wondering about ... a joy and site for sore eyes if ever ... i have a hard time letting go of old friends .. i remember them and think and pray for them ... many are certainly lost to me .. but i hope my thought/prayers go skyward for some bit of good ... you gal is going to visit .. pretty exciting ... i love your imaging .. stellar rhyming .. nothing trite .. overall a light hearted tale .. of good friends still around ... "..steamy snowflake tea" and "..scorch the chasm in me" ... good stuff says i!
E.

[barleygirl]

You & I are polar opposites, I guess. While you would pay money to connect with old pals from high school, I just did a sweep of my facebook friends to get rid of the people from high school who have never reached out to me once & especially those I reach out to all the time! If they can't participate in friendship, screw 'em! But I do honor that you're much nicer than me (about some things) *wink! wink!* Fondly, Margie

[Einstein Noodle]

well…I would never want a one way relationship .. those never end well … we can agree on that eh!?

[Watercress]

A truly unique ability to view brush strokes and turn them into keystrokes. To look at the picture with each verse is to see it recreated. Thank you for that pleasure!

[barleygirl]

"brushstrokes into keystrokes" is such a brilliant line, someone should make it into a poem! *smile* Thanks for sharing (((HUGS))) Fondly, Margie

[Mauricio Montoya]

a north county fair you know its cold, but a lady at night with an owl only because snow flecks and scorching eyes makes this so steaming its has to be night but this write is something to warm anybody's mind. a good time read.
Excellent write.

[barleygirl]

Love your free-association riff on my poem/artwork! Nicely imaginative! (((HUGS))) Fondly, Margie

[Mauricio Montoya]

its funny how we see what we want to, but some words can warm a heart even when its cold.

[Mauricio Montoya]

hugs and kisses

[Dave Brown]

I have to confess my ignorance if this is relating to a song (Bob Dylan)
It is, however, a very nicely done piece which almost makes bundling up and going out in cold weather an exciting prospect
I understand there are people that do love the winter (?) and its true a cupa hot chocolate on a freezing, but clear blue winter day can make for a pleasant moment or two, that is until, your nose starts freezing, your face cracks, both ears fall off and your loving dog turns into an ice cube
And, that little girl's tea will freeze before it hits her cup, both breaking the cup and shattering her fragile frozen fingers
However, this has a warm feeling about it and I have to say it is situated well up in your impressive array of high quality poetry
BG

[barleygirl]

Thank you for a spiel that easily surpasses the poem being reviewed! It would be fun if both of us took some piece of art & we each wrote a poem-story about it. It would be fun & amazing to see how much more orbital your story would be! *wink! wink!* Fondly, Margie

[Dave Brown]

That is a scary concept
Think of the extreme pressure my sadly limited vocabulary would be under when contrast with one of the greatest writers on this constantly malfunctioning site
I would be derided for grasping at your coattails, looking for any summarily discarded adjective, adverb or even a noun!
But I have always enjoyed humiliation so what picture have you previously selected to highlight my sorry inadequacy
Bg

[ArundassTP]

This poem motivates me to visit northern country side. But just a dream. You painted very well. Feels like a painting in large frame

[barleygirl]

Being averse to cold climes, for me the north country has always been just a dream for me. I even named a german shepherd "Montana" -- a place I've mostly admired from afar. Thanks for sharing your northern thoughts with me (((HUGS))) Fondly, Margie

[ArundassTP]

Thanks friend