An Infant's Voice

i have long walked the winding road --

clattered forward upon cagey cobblestone

tripping on cracks while prudently avoiding

italicized puddles and linear metaphors

 

i have gathered the subtle shade of moss,

studied the way naked tree branches appear

as tense capillaries against a sunken sky,

mulled over the hue of rust as it chews

through collapsing red-barn rooftops

 

i have tucked everything into a leather satchel

hanging on a hook inside of my head

between meticulous catalogues of endless quotes

and stacks of other people’s genius, remembered

 

you call me a poet, but I gild that word silver --

apply it blindly to the likes of Emily and Sylvia,

bow deeply as I present it to Jack and Paublo

with plates of figs and aged red wine

 

because I am only an infant voice shouting syllables --    

a murmur underlying the measured rattle of streetcars

and the distant aria of an antique ocean

Reviews

[Girl Friday (Sarah W.)]

And here, you connect me to you... this write tells me a lot about the "journey" and all that we travel, to achieve in our hearts.... there is sadness, and grief, there is hope and love....

You paint a way with magic here too, a way that only true poet's feel, and can see... the selfless way, and the way, to perceive what is truly important.... and the fact of being just that "little" like a dust particle, in the endless air, is what makes you close to me.... :) a lovely piece of true poetry here. Very well done dear.... it makes me feel the "infant" is a wise lonely child, (shaking hands on that part) with you ;)

- Elisa

[Girl Friday (Sarah W.)]

You are such a beautiful reviewer, my friend. Thank you for taking the time to read and really let the words sink in. :)

So are you dearest, I highly apperciate you.... although I'm a slow turtle.... I'm your fan! :)))

[Master K-tops]

'because I am only an infant voice shouting syllables --    
a murmur underlying the measured rattle of streetcars
and the distant aria of an antique ocean'
Oh My God! That was really great. The ending was so amazing. One of the best stanzas I've ever seen! I hope I can write this well,someday. I can only learn from the likes of you for now.The poem is both captivating and ofcourse,humble. I must say,it is mostly though-provoking. Poets really feed on other geniuses' ideas and in the process,we obliviously create words of wisdom and inspiration in our own poems,which later bacome golden unto others.
Also,poets,for the most part,only mirror what goes on in the real world which people overlook. That is what makes us special. We do not strive to create something strange,but something that is either around or within us humans,thereby provoking deep thoughts and repairing lost minds. I'm sorry I'm jibber-jabbering,your poem just hit me really hard. Thanks for posting. Remind me never to overlook your read request again. :D

[MsJewel]

because I am only an infant voice shouting syllables --
a murmur underlying the measured rattle of streetcars
and the distant aria of an antique ocean

I think you are being too modest...but still...those murmured syllables are a tapestry of depth and beauty. It is always a delight to read you!

:) Julie

[Ken Simm.]

The journey you are taking makes the above subjective comment about infancy simply not true.

[Antonio Valentino]

i think they would really appreciate your talent

great piece as always!

[Einstein Noodle]

i really appreciate this poem of yours... its a thoroughly fulfilling meal ... very well done i say ... very well done.
E.

[Mark]

very nice. I wonder what figs and aged red wine would taste like.

[John Destalo]

Beautiful imagery, always attracted to well placed alliteration. There is also wonderful movement between the real and the abstract. I think it is great for beginning poet's to see this kind of work from an accomplished poet, understanding that in some ways you have maintain the beginner's mindset in order to keep growing and learning.

[Rafia ~ Yellow Girl]

You are one hell of a modest poet,
indeed it's just the beginning,
I wish I stay there with you till the maturity of the poet within you.

Nice work! :)

[Trace]

WOW, This is really good. Love the last two verses. REALLY WONDERFUL POETRY here. Trace