Thud

photo by Alberto Ciprian

              THUD

Maybe that's the sound?

muddied crossings on forests' floors

the sound of cotton dampened, 

heavy hammer

                              

thud

when the roots and roofs of things

are shaken and

people are fading in desperate

black alley corners

alleys of disquiet 

urine musk and ...... wet cardboard

we draw away

thud

i can almost see

but who am I to sing the sounds of things

I have never been there

never witnessed

never heard the 

trees falling alone .. in the forest.

never dared the alley.

never slept there.

Author's Note

Reviews

[mou]

"alleys of disquiet
urine musk and ...... wet cardboard"
Some lows are beyond imagination and question every belief. I love how 'Thud' transcends through different measures. My interpretation: for victims, it is the sound of the extreme below which nothing remains to get broken. for us: it is the hammer to make us grateful, (towards own blessings) and empathetic (for the victims). for almighty God: it the the sound of defeat from believers. It is a heartfelt write. '...trees falling alone...'. Your metaphors speak volumes!
- mou

[Einstein Noodle]

i can not feel more gratified to receive such a review, Mou ... ever so thankful .. blessings of peace and love
E.

[mou]

Thank you so much, E. I love your poems that demand an undivided attention and they deserve it. It is my pleasure.
- mou

[jacob erin-cilberto]

this is so powerful, E.
The images are so stark, I could feel the forest floor shake, and could smell the urine...
Poverty makes one feel so damn alone.
This is raw, this is real poetry.
We experience this poem so much...at least I did...I think I will go out and panhandle for quarters.
j.

[Einstein Noodle]

thanks for reviewing, jabob!! i am super humbled by your impressions in reading .. gratified you felt what i was trying to say .. i spent 10 days in County lockup for "begging" in Denver .. be careful who you hold your hand out to my wonderful friend!
E.

[Relic]

This to me is yet another sound of someone dying from neglect. Those allyways remind me of the same poverty as Whitechapel in the 1880's when Jack roamed around with a sharp instrument. A forest of people are coming to New York and there's nowhere to put them. This is a sad state of affairs. Drug addiction is a part of it too.

Whether my interpretation is accurate or not, that's what came to mind.

Well done.

[Einstein Noodle]

i can't say there is a right nor wrong interpretations .. as i'm sure you are well aware ... i love what you see in this and your reference to the "Ripper" is a whole 'nother ball game that this poem could take .. that being said .. you hear me Sir Relic .. i am appreciative of your taking time
E.

[W. Barrett Munn]

This is decidedly one of your best, EN. It is both delightful and chilling.

Winston

[Einstein Noodle]

what an encouraging review sir! i will keep in mind that is only in the scope of my "stuff" .. and far from much more ... i'm blessed by your review .. thank you.
E.

[Lydia Shutter]

Wet cardboard and urine musk....the homeless live in those alleyways and there are many who do look the other way as if seeing this side of humanity will somehow diminish them. Thud....strange word really. Is it the thud of realization that not everyone in life is able to make ends meet? The world would be a better place if more people did see those alleyways....and do something to help. Lydi**

[Einstein Noodle]

hi Lydi!! dear friend! so happy to read your review .. it is spot on as is your way ;))
E.

[Stella Armour]

"Thud" such a blunt, heavy noise .

Something falling, someone falling ; soft on hard or hard on soft ..

Not a pleasant sound Gene , frightening really

[Einstein Noodle]

thank you for taking time, Stella; and reading with sensitivity .. no .. not a pleasant sound at all .. love and peace
E.

[Lorry]

Ahh, Sir Noodle. Thud can rarely be a good sound, especially where I am concerned, where it usually proceeds a head ouchy, as I find a pointed corner of the kitchen cabinet to meet with my head, or the complete misery of stubbing your toe on something usually where you least expected it to be, usually in the middle of the night as you stumble off to pee.
I do however, at least know the magic words to make it all better, which I learned from that genius Billy Connolly... The only thing that will make it better is saying Jesus sufferin' (something that rhymes with buck!) through clenched teeth. I don't know what magic and mystical spell is releasesby saying it, but it certainly works! 😊
And wise words indeed, to beware alleyways. I've never met one that ever led to a happy ending.
Good to see you are still making good use of the pen. Hope you are well and perhaps happy too?

[Einstein Noodle]

Jesus, Lord of Life will, can and does release magical things in our lives no doubt ... my own utterances of anger, pain and dismay usually revert to the salty language of sailors ;) ... so happy you caught this one right away .. i have been inactive as a writer for what seems like years; but more likely a few months ... i am well, thank you, .. my schedule has been helter skelter and spending time just reading here has been sketchy .. i am trying to make sure i do more of it but things do pull us in different directions don't they .. thanks so much for reading and your responses ... peace, love and joy
E.