While it is Sunday here in Brisbane, the lights of Friday night are still rattling in my head and sparking from my eyes. This week Ashley, Cindy and I riff on marbles, childhood, distance and Fourth of July picnics. So, what did you wrap your mind around this Friday night?
**********
Every year it’s the same story: winter approaches
and I empty myself of names. I empty my wallet
my shoes. I walk down to the lake and leave it
all behind. Moonlight through pines turns the water
to milk, something I have never lost my passion for.
In this miraculous hour, wind bends with the voice
of my mother. Childhood stirs. In the distance
there is a light and people are waiting. Every sound
is merged into a distant humming. I turn and sing
what’s left of the boy to sleep.
GN
**********
CK
**********
Because my sleeves are damp at the wrist
I ease each button through a tightly stitched slit and
consider the feasibility of wearing
a backless dress to a picnic where there will be
too many mosquitos and too much distance
from that Fourth of July we traced stars
with sparklers cooler than our touching hands
AM
Can I say it’s a cracker? Love the whole thing!
Cracker! 3 well deserving of cracker status.
Thanks MWJ! It just keeps getting better!
ah…love both of the poems but esp. fell in love with yours..think it’s one of my favs my you honestly..magical images..moonlight turning water to milk..the connection to childhood…awesome
The photo made me thing of:
life
playing death
marbles for keepsies
Love this Friday series.
Gorgeous work, you two. x
Both poems are terrific (cracker jacks – hahaha). Make sure the boy just goes to sleep and doesn’t disappear completely Graham. And Ashley, that ending is perfect (we were just ‘playing’ with sparklers the other night). Tied together nicely by Cind’s lovely photo.
The boy isn’t going anywhere soon Gabe! Glad you enjoyed the collaboration this week, G
I second Gabrielle’s suggestion that the boy sleep rather than disappear entirely. And, glad to hear the ending works. I love sparklers; they’re just so much magic. I especially love the sound they make.
and the smell
Ha ha, I was going to say that as well, but worried it might sound a bit weird
I’ll go ahead and say it now, though.
Oh yeah, they smell so good. One of my fave childhood smells!
A sense of nostalgia in all three – lovely