"Shadowland..."

Presented on World Poetry Open Mic, 06/19/2015

Begins 00:14:05 into the file for those that want to hear.

 

http://www.worldpoetryopenmic.net/uploads/5/1/8/3/5183702/wpom-2015-06-19.mp3

Remembering Baltimore or was it London ...Rotterdam... Istanbul... Kin... Tokyo... L.A. - New York... yesterday...tomorrow

"Shadowland..."

Do you know what it's like

to sit by the window - each night,

just to wait in the neoned dark

gazing out into the tenements,

streets criss-crossed with shadows

moving, swaying, drawing

all - as you listen and listen for  ...her...

her to start singing -

singing so softly into her echoing night

singing with a lil girl’s heart

and a woman's soul flowing through the words

the tones

the moments, all the dreams - silly nothing wishes.

Open fingers reaching toward the sky 

reaching for the unseeable stars -

and the sheer sound within the words of her knowing

KNOWING it ain’t gonna be -

can’t be,

won’t be

neverever ever …be

BUT …she still flies in the streetlights

and dances to neon rainbows

and holds me here

forever captive of her dreams.

 

Chris

 

Author's Note

feel free

Reviews

[JayceeC]

There are similarities between cities, but each sings her own song and has slightly different shape and rhythms that make them unique. A lovely bit of personification to remember them each.

[Dara]

There is something hauntingly beautiful about this poem. I remember sitting in a room near John's Hopkins, looking over the neighborhood at children sitting on front porch steps perhaps having similar dreams. This write is just exquisite.

[Chris]

Gay, Madison, Monument, Wolfe - Aisquith... quite the area. There is a lot of "from" in my thoughts sometimes. Hi, hope you pause with me again.

[Renée]

Yes, I do..
Your piece brings memories of an elderly gentleman in our neighborhood, every Thursday beautiful classical music would pour out the windows as he practiced with friends! Sometimes we would sit on our front lawn listening, but ALWAYS I would open my windows to let this joy surround me.
We really don't realize how easily we affect others lives..such joy they brought to mine..as this woman brought to you..

As always, lovely

[Chris]

Dreams are as we find them and when we are lucky enough to hold them

[jacob erin-cilberto]

i think the "she" is the city herself...and cities have lost much of their luster now...this is a wistful yearning to bring that luster back....i remember the Bronx when i was a kid....even though i preferred the country of Vermont...the city had its draw, its attraction...the old fashioned apartment buildings...

the Hudson River, the East River...all that jazz...

i felt the pulse here.

[Chris]

You know me Jacob... well.

[Ana B.]

A beautiful, soft yearning.....like the journey of an alchemist....

[Chris]

So many cityscapes, so many dreams...

[Crowley]

If everyone could just put this to use....it would be a different life for each and every one. These words fly alright, give hope, tingle those nerve endings that exist in possibility instead of limitation. Yeah, I loved it.

[Chris]

Nice of you to pause - glad you're back.

[Josie E. Cook M. A.]

Wonderful expressions and captivating places.
Golden moments in time to be cherished and thought about later in life.

[Chris]

I'm glad you paused Josie...

[Roxie M]

I love it! Fanciful and real...our dreams. I must remind myself to read aloud...you have perfected it.

[Chris]

Poetry is meant aloud - the power of the tones flows and weaves at will.

[Coyote Poetry]

I liked the place and the memory in the poem. Memories are like gold. Take us to places and thoughts left behind. I like the way you led to the very good ending my friend. Thank you for sharing the excellent poetry.
Coyote

[Chris]

Thank you John.

[Coyote Poetry]

You are welcome my friend.

[J. J. Nightingale]

Rainbow flowers bloom
Pennies fill the wishing wells
And souls sing, to lift their spirits
Above and beyond a Silvery moon..


So much more than a Poets thoughts....
......♥♥... Jazz

[Chris]

How you doing Jazz? Good seeing you again.

[J. J. Nightingale]

Breathing .. Thanks....... Always Good to read you...♥