I borrow a smile, or a gesture. The way he walks, The way she styles her hair, A certain laugh, A way to shake a hand. I pin these things I find to my chest Like discarded leaves from the forest floor, Dead layers of camouflage, But underneath I disappear.
Tag: poem
Catching fish
Together in the water, Knee deep in it, I feel so unsteady, uncertain, It might as well be up to my neck. My surefooted neighbour stands poised, Keenly watching the flow, Understanding the form and movement, Knowing when to dip and flip out a fish. I don't see what she sees. The patterns of the … Continue reading Catching fish
A time to rest
And now it’s night and so to bed To soothe this aching in my head. To let the bright of day depart And rest this burdened mind and heart. This busy world too much to bear, So much to do and not much care, A thousand things and all are tough, My fragile mind is … Continue reading A time to rest
At it’s heart
I was lost, I don’t know where In a place I call despair. Too far one day I strayed inside Looking for a way to hide. There is no rest in this dark place Where wrongs and hurts and monsters chase. A day, a week, a month, a year Lost in this mess of evergreen … Continue reading At it’s heart
Her skin
Traces of lines are contours Detailing the rise and fall of shape Of a body's bud, blossom and fruit. A map of the present and the past, Her skin has its own history, From the defiant teenage rose (She shows me the secret hearts of a lover, now faded) To the birthdates of her children … Continue reading Her skin
Reframing
On arriving they gently took my coat. Fond wool and warmth, Buttoned high, Moulded to fit and pass Protected through crowd and storm. Its comfort was missed. What they gave me back wasn’t mine. Its shape all wrong, Seams sewn haphazardly, hurriedly What had fitted now hung awkwardly Heavy on my shoulders. The wool itched … Continue reading Reframing
Hâf Hapus/Have hope
In a hinterland of frost and snow No living thing would dare to grow. We lie dormant in the ground Fearing hope cannot be found. Until the sun in glory brave Once again warms up the days. Soothe our souls with gentle rain, While hedgerows leaves and blossoms gain. Rejoice once more to be set … Continue reading Hâf Hapus/Have hope
Our Pompeii
The ground trembles almost imperceptibly where he lies. Under the surface heat and pressure build. I lie down in ashes but I rise as a phoenix. Beside him I flutter and fan into glorious flame. When the desolation comes he’s there beside me. All the world and time is swept away. Long after the burning when the ground is cold Our bodies can be found in the dust Clinging to one … Continue reading Our Pompeii
The unknown thing
I was born under the sun and stars and rain I was shapeless and unknown I had no form or purpose I rejoiced in the sun and I cried in the rain I could not be defined . They came with sticks and stones To put me in my place Not knowing I was already … Continue reading The unknown thing
The Big Deep
“You can swim!” They say as I dive right in, The water so vast and cold on my skin. Someone swiftly front crawls by, On their way to meet the sky. I flap and founder all about Looking for a quick way out. . I'm not a swimmer, no not at all. Not a backstroke … Continue reading The Big Deep
E. Travelli 