"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

[...]

A city is hat it holds. What dwells within it's streets and and walls and lights.I prefer the country, myself. peaceful memories, lots of space, and no one to rob you blind...

[Chris]

Thanks for coming by Lynn...

[Justin Littlefield]

I think the portrait of this city is incredible. They all seem to blend together with time, a million memories mixed into a stew, unable to differentiate its ingredients. I see hustle and bustle, I see your observation, as though you proctor the ones who invigorate there, and you wait for the animation to somehow be more fulfilling, the people more free, more alive. I'm probably nowhere near your intendments but that's the beauty of poetry, isn't it?

[Chris]

Very good insight Justin...

[....................]

Love the title and the description (provides a foundation for the universality of the piece).

I really enjoyed this read and can see a number of possibilities. When I first read it I thought of the speaker sitting next to a window listening to, and coveting the dreams of a young girl who was singing her heart out, perhaps hoping she would make it beyond the city she was in...

On a second reading I thought the speaker was listening to the street and city sing, as he longed for something more, something beyond the familiarity of this place but knew it would never happen because he couldn't see what was beyond...

I sense a deep longing for something more and perhaps regret in knowing it is what it is and he is where is is and will always be.

I also see a little Alan Jackson in those neon rainbows except he chased them, not danced to them.

I love that this could be experienced in any window in many cities throughout the world... a beautiful write!

[Lyn Anderson]

ah, but who is the captive? very well done.

[Valentine]

So in the middle of a busy city a girl stands in the street and sings her tunes for all to hear. After being born in Detroit, I can see where that could happen.. Nice write. Valentine

[Ada]

"neoned dark" - I liked this description.

"Open fingers reaching toward the sky
reaching for the unseeable stars-"
And this was my favorite line, it gave a great sense of this person reaching for what he wants but can't have.

[Chris]

A city has few nights - ever... the streetlights are its stars and shadows inhabit the days...Reality has this edge you can taste. Hi and thanks for pausing with me.

[Annie Gryphon]

There is so much magic in your poem. I can see the window, the night, dark and full of lights. Nothing really happens and so much happens, everywhere, any time. I love the openess, it gives me space for my own thoughts and memories. Do you remember that night in Istanbul? Or the man from Rotterdam who nearly became your lover? And it was in London where i was in danger of getting lost ... Or am i dreaming? Look what you do with your words!

[Chris]

"Hi... I'm glad you chose this gin joint to pause within..."
pull up a chair - window seats are always near... and life is but a breath away.

[Annie Gryphon]

"i should have known this was magic right from the start cause baby you turn my nights to day ..."

[Chris]

chuckling here...

[sharonlee]

Sigh... again you arrest my breathe with emotive echoes.

x

[Chris]

"Windows" are as and where we find them...

[sharonlee]

Beyond the window-glow a night without stars
legend lore & love unfolds ‘neath smoky clouds and charred
remnants
of yesterday…

[Chris]

Cities never sleep
though the pauses drift round and through
like myst banks twinkling dew-deep
behind eyes of sparking view
...and where we come to play
eves turn into days
of nights and neon ways
and echo with the call
of so many dreamers ...
wonderers all.