Permutation

I am aware of the sand beneath my vulnerable feet,

as I walk the frothy line where land and water unite,

balancing like some circus performer gripping a parasol,

            but my rope is thin -- occasionally

            I tip toward the sea.

 

Each step is a rearranging of values.

 

It is a curious thing, this land between land --

I imagine it to be a transitory edifice, where upon

a migration toward the blushing sun of the afterlife

            would be easy,

            if I could only keep walking.

 

Sanity and Hysteria are sisters, held in opposite hands.

 

The earth shakes -- I stumble -- my footsteps are uneven,

as I look back upon the scarred distance I have traveled,

littered with brimming suitcases and shattered seashells --

            corpse flowers bloom white

            in my sinking footsteps. 

 

Mnemosyne holds nine candles, lighting redemption’s path.

Reviews

[Einstein Noodle]

yes ...thank the gods for expression and the inspiration..i agree with Kelly S. ...another book for these wonderful poems...my world expands because of them..brilliant poetry thinks i.
E.

[William J. Marsh]

How relevant to todays world. Life is truly a balancing act and so many are seduced from that thin line.

[Kelly Scheppers]

You should write another book, Sarah, entitled "Metaphorically Speaking..." your metaphors are simply imcomparable!

What a brilliant presentation of "voices", as Horizon so adeptly pointed out. Oh, I am such a fan!

[jacob erin-cilberto]

yes, we could go so easily either way...sanity or hysteria...

i really like how you incorporate your surroundings into your poems...in both positive and negative ways...

breathtaking images...and what lines..."corpse flowers bloom white/ in my sinking footsteps"

[Horizon K.]

.... occasionally / I tip toward the sea... I love these metaphors, as I love the sea and its evanescent presence across the sand. You and I, I think, are both ocean-bound, so your metaphors always capture me.

There is an interesting thing i notice about your poetry... in a way there are often two voices, like a conversation with the self, or with another in the ether. Very cool, as one spins the questions and the other, perhaps enlightens the path to the answers... here in this piece, the journey we take, each step an evolution of the self, uneven along this transitory world as we search for what is right, sometimes straying toward the hysteria of the wide ocean, and hoping that redemption will come when we dare to look back and study the steps we have taken... profound...

[Girl Friday (Sarah W.)]

I do often write this way, now that you mention it... Usually when I italicize lines they are in another voice, and that is usually the voice of reason, though sometimes the voice of doubt. You taught me something about myself, this was totally unintentional. LOL

[Horizon K.]

Lol... I love when my reviews teach me about my own writing! But I have noticed this style you have:)

[4$H]

Mind-blowing :O
Your titles

[Girl Friday (Sarah W.)]

Glad you like them :) Thank you so much.

[MsJewel]

As always, your use of metaphors and imagery is stunning. Your poem captured this readers attention and held me there with you - tipping towards the sea on rearranged values. Ending with Mnemosyne - the goddess of memory...how clever of you! Exceptional writing my friend. :) Julie

[Girl Friday (Sarah W.)]

You are very sweet...I am always humbled by your kind reviews!

[Anand Sehgal]

as I look back upon the scarred distance I have traveled,
littered with brimming suitcases and shattered seashells --
corpse flowers bloom white
in my sinking footsteps.

blend of realism and surrealism :) loved it. loved the flow of introspection.

[Girl Friday (Sarah W.)]

Thank you, Anand :)

[David Scott]

Well, I learned a new word, "Mnemosyne". It was a good day to live. ha.
You hit on a perfect theme here. The lines divide or the margins unite. Two forces separate, but meld in this small space. Another poet reminded me of the word "nexus" today, and your poem speaks to this as well.
Honestly, I find new ways to love your work with every read. I never get the feeling you are stuck in one mindset or that your work is not constantly evolving. I like feeling like I'm reading a living growing mind, yet a mind that has experience and education as a solid foundation.
I am thankful and humbled to read such poetry.

[Girl Friday (Sarah W.)]

I really apprecaite your words, David...I'm always searching for new ways to say things, new formats, testing the waters, etc. For you to pick up on this idea just totally made my entire day!

[Souladareatease]

Always MORE than mere musings Dear Friday-to be a creator is a learning thing-it is organic -borne by the breath You give it--Inhale exhale---so the sea-air has a bit o salt to it--flavor--You bring it here and always--Fine Pen Friday!!!

[Girl Friday (Sarah W.)]

Thank you so very much, my friend!