Penelope's Night Swim

“So she spoke, and our proud hearts consented. Then day by day she would weave at the great web, but by night would unravel it…” The Odyssey Book 2: Lines 104-106

 

I find myself at water’s edge on nights

When the humid air turns soft and fragrant

with the sea.

I soak my hands that throb

with a familiar ache and wait for you.

All that is before me is stretched too long

and wide.

I wish simply that I could fold up

it’s edges and bring closer the dog eared corner

where you are.

I want to feel the water lap

at the small of my back and against my skin.

To have it deliverer me.

I feel the coolness ease

my cramped fingers. My hands are like starfish

shining in the moonlight, they wiggle

                                    and dance with life.

I return to my work. Examine carefully

The beauty that I have created and slowly

With renewed fire

                                    Destroy it again.

 

 

Reviews

[Relic]

deliverer?

Wasn't there a poet who destroyed a lot of his work? Or am I thinking of a painter? Hmm?

In any case, I like the style here. I like the images that come up when I read each line.

I like this.

[Heather Hooper]

Penelope herself destroyed her husband's burial shroud every night to put off being forced to marry again.

[Eternal Poet]

"my cramped fingers. My hands are like starfish

shining in the moonlight, they wiggle

and dance with life"- brilliant!!!