Perspective

A different thought stream and perspective to my poem 'Animate objects.'

Unlike the seemingly 

unbending structure 

of a century stood bridge,

I bend, grow old; 

which is a strength

iron does not possess.

Nor will it ever, because

although it exists,

it can only function

under instruction. 

It cannot see the horizon

be equally loved and lonely;

hear the farm dog bark,

or observe the morning mist

that shrouds its silhouette.

Nor can it ever despair,

which is a strength

I do not possess,

or would ever wish to;

it simply stands.

Sometimes though, at least,

I imagine this to be true,

it can feel the vibrations that 

course through its carbon content.

Though not so much as I do,

which is quite understandable 

given my content is higher,

my awareness heightened

by a knowledge of where

heaven and earth embrace.

Still and all, if only for a moment

I would like to be a bridge.

To span chasms as yet uncharted,

Instruct myself to observe the 

comings and goings of my species

through different eyes; peruse

the motion of the tide at leisure.

As chilled with dew, I shiver

in a silence made more still

by a suddenly observable 

early morning mist;

when the ghostly glide of a 

hunting owl among my buttressed 

cables, is one of the most beautiful

sights a bridge will never see.

Reviews

[gram linski]

thought the personal perspective of the bridge was a great idea, Beccy,, you draw the reader in with some fine imagery, thought the last 4 lines were class, the bridge might never see the owl, but might feel the changing air current at the buttressed cables, great poem,

[Fabian G. Franklin]

This is quite wonderful and I thoroughly enjoyed reading it. I've often felt like one of those pigeons nesting under the bridge, alone in my nest listening to the cars and trucks roll overhead. The world keeps moving faster and faster and some day soon, my bridge too, shall fall. Brava on a splendid write!

[Robert Trakofler]

Just read this again and I still love it:)

[Unspoken poet]

This is such a beautiful write, Love the imagery you write with. Awesome write

[Norman 223]

Beccy, I really liked your analogy of the stability of the bridge as a viewpoint to observe the ebb and flow of life.
I see perspective as a view that converges to a finite end. Something, which in this age of instant gratification remains diffuse and never reaches that conclusion. Perhaps a change of view from your bridge could be what we need to change our horizons.
Norman

[Chris Shaw]

Wonderfully creative. What a talented poetic perspective you offer your readers here. Some breathtaking imagery Beccy. A first class write. Much enjoyed and one that will be remembered.

I think I too would like to be a bridge, especially one built by Brunel, a hero of mine.

Chris

[h d e rushin]

what struck me about the ending here is your lucidity about how generally sudden beauty is and how it must be experienced as personal but can be grasped and transferred in metaphor. You dug deep here and it takes great courage to dig deep since most modern poetry is excitable and ambitious; self-revealing and personal, like opening an address book to the soul.
I too was left in tears by the last few lines here..Crying carries tears and salt equally....love dana.

[barleygirl]

Just finished reading a highly detailed account of managing a huge Everest expedition (Chris Bonington) & your poem reminds me of how some members prize the chance to summit, while others are content to be "bridges" . . . accepting that it takes hundreds of support people to put a half dozen on top. Your poem sounds like the ones who want to summit, but I would propose that most people are content being bridges. Also, I believe a bridge made from carbon steel would have a much higher carbon content than a human, but I'm not sure about this. All in all, you write an energetic & convincing argument for NOT wanting to be one of life's bridges (((HUGS))) Fondly, Margie

[emmajoy]

'As chilled with dew, I shiver in a silence made more still by a suddenly observable early morning mist;
when the ghostly glide of a hunting owl among my buttressed cables, is one of the most beautiful
sights a bridge will never see.'

Every word superb, the above to comfort heart and mind, images created that fill everywhere with warmth and insight. Perfection.

[Beccy]

Thank you for a such a lovely comment. Stay safe, stay well. X.

[emmajoy]

Sending you and your darling my hope absolute for your safety and everything else, dear friend. Affectionately, Emma

[Robert Trakofler]

I simply just love this! Wow Beccy how wonderful a painting