Gathering Strength

beyond the steady drumbeats

            within my skull,

pulling at my temples like the tide

coaxing the shore back into her womb,

the empty parts of me are filling

            --slowly--

 

dawn dreams on the far side

            of paned windows,

spotted with ill-care and discontent,

staring through me as disappointed deities:

            I have not the strength

            to wipe clean their ailing eyes

           

just one more day -- perhaps two --

            I shall remain here,

in this clapboard cave, muddled by shadows

cast from calcium deposits and fingerprints,

            ignoring the clamor of children

playing shadow tag on an empty street

 

I shall run a bath -- scented with lilac and lavender --

two cups of the Dead Sea to abrade my flesh

            until I am pure -- translucent --

            as the paper-thin skin of an angel

                        waiting to be reborn

Reviews

[TL Boehm]

just one more day -- perhaps two --
I shall remain here,
in this clapboard cave, muddled by shadows
cast from calcium deposits and fingerprints,
ignoring the clamor of children
playing shadow tag on an empty street

you just penned my life. Except for the leaving part.

[Girl Friday (Sarah W.)]

So glad you could find something in this one...this was a personal piece for me; carved from my very heart. Thank you.

[Anand Sehgal]

the empty parts of me are filling

--slowly--



dawn dreams on the far side

of paned windows,


Did you read some India based novel recently ?? Just asked.. Loved the write .Saw Distinct images in your write :)

[Girl Friday (Sarah W.)]

Well, I was working on an autobiography for a man who lived in India for much of his life not too long ago...it was published recently, so perhaps some of his stories found their way into my head :) Glad you could see something in this to relate to!

[Anand Sehgal]

:D I could relate straight-away :) that is why I asked !

[Richard]

it's a little bit drab ....

[Girl Friday (Sarah W.)]

Well, I'll take that as a partial compliment considering the subject matter I was writing about was innately drab. Sorry you didn't like this one as much as usual, my friend.

[Richard]

oh I did a lot! :)
I just meant yeah like it was dark ...

[symmetryAsymmetry]

Woke up early today and on a whim logged in to WC after a long time...was greeted by many lovely pieces of poetry...but this one tops them all...heart breakingly beautiful...just made my day! Thank you for sharing this.. :)

[symmetryAsymmetry]

Woke up early today and on a whim logged in to WC after a long time...was greeted by many lovely pieces of poetry...but this one tops them all...heart breakingly beautiful...just made my day! Thank you for sharing this.. :)

[Girl Friday (Sarah W.)]

Thank you so very much...I am humbled! You have made my day!

[wunder]

~ahh-very beautiful-kind of put a lump in my throat-
you are a better writer every time i read...i love~ ;)

[Girl Friday (Sarah W.)]

thank you so much, James; humbled...

[wunder]

~my pleasure~ :)

[Frieda P]

Deep ache read on these pages, yet hope prevails in the end to be reborn. Absolutely adore your bath water Friday!

[Girl Friday (Sarah W.)]

Thank you, Frieda. So glad you saw the light at the end of the tunnel with this one.

[Rafia ~ Yellow Girl]

This one was little different, it was bright but i felt the shadows looming around while reading this one, never experienced so in your writings. Overall, it was another fabulous read again! :)

[Girl Friday (Sarah W.)]

Yeah, I can't seem to get away from those "shadows" :) Thank you.

[kublakhan27]

I fear my reviews are getting redundant my friend...I can only express in so many ways how much I admire your work...if I become half the poet you are, I'll be content.

[Girl Friday (Sarah W.)]

But you know I always like to hear it... :) You are an amazing friend here...I truly appreciate you.

[kublakhan27]

All poets do ;) I don't say it a whole lot, but your friendship means the world to me...thank you Sarah.

[Girl Friday (Sarah W.)]

:) You just made my night...

[kublakhan27]

I'm so glad that I can be a positive influence in your life, as you are mine :)

[Dean]

Sarah, the girl who challenges my thinking...and I need it. Here I can come, and expect to be changed. I think you demand it in this poem, and I thank you for it. I know that says a lot, but I see it as truth.

[Girl Friday (Sarah W.)]

Thank you, Dean :) You humble me!