granite horse

The granite horse sits there

as if he could do it forever

watching people stroll by

licking ice cream cones

sipping colas

while the lacy aroma of fresh baked bread

invades the atmosphere 

like a satin sheet brushing a lover’s thigh

but this does not phase him

smiles and laughter surround him

yet he is but a voyeur

an ancillary object

useful to only the occasional pigeon

still.... walking through 

this dreamy winter’s day

I wish I could sit there

just as stoically 

watching the scene forever

just like that granite horse

Reviews

[jacob erin-cilberto]

damn....if only we could be as stoic..yet everything affects us...and we don't need the pigeons to do it...others crap on us enough---and we wish we could be stone cold to that...

or be a real horse and gallop away from what ails us...

alas...we are somewhat stationary in life....we have movement...but we not only observe but are observed and judged...

would be nice to have some ice cream, though.

[Lydia Shutter]

Ice cream makes everything better...especially if it has sprinkles on top! :) Thanks, Jacob. Lydi**

[Ruth]

I often wonder what the inanimate see...so much life passes them by and they witness so many things...sometimes I feel this way too...a brief pause and what could be better than a horse in which to pause as and watch life pass by for a while, your imagery always captivates Lydi :)

[Lydia Shutter]

Thanks so much, Poppy. lydi**

[Jimmy Yetts]

Not many natives, I would wager, even notice the horse, anymore--no less, imagining its possible inanimate perspective. In all likelihood, the sculpture is now merely taken for granite.
Lovely and novel bit of work, Lydi!

[Lydia Shutter]

LOL Only you would say that, Jimmy. Love your sense of humor. Thanks for the review. Lydi**

[B J Hughes]

Simply and emphatically, SUBLIME! A most evocative metaphor for those who detach themselves from life (re: "I Am a Rock" - Simon and Garfunkel) and miss out on so much emotion inherent in real living.
I Am a Rock: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PKY-smJ6aBQ

[Lydia Shutter]

Ah, so you are probably about my age...Simon and Garfunkel wrote the anthems of our high school and college days. Yes, "I am a Rock"....if only I could be. Thanks so much for the review. Lydi**

[B J Hughes]

Well, not to disclose your age (as a gentleman must), I just turned 67 this past January. Myself, I prefer to stay well attached, to experience it ALL, the full pendulum swings of life. Relishing the delights and also suffering the sadnesses, taking in the full exhilaration of the yin and yang this life has to offer! (That could explain the oncoming gray!) :oD

[Lydia Shutter]

I am younger than you are....but not by all that much. I think our generation was more socially conscious than most and also more musical! :) As far as oncoming gray goes, what oncoming? Mine has overtaken the blonde!

[B J Hughes]

What we were was so formative of the events of that era. Viet Nam, discrimination, the exuberance and idealism of youthful minds coupled with a more widespread and "open" use of chemical enhancements certainly made for a brilliant and unique mix. And, of course, the music! So many new and wonderful expressions filling the airwaves on a daily basis. I keep telling the youngsters "you really had to be there". I, for one, am glad I was!!

[Lydia Shutter]

Me too!! If you did not live through the 60's and 70's, it is impossible to understand them.

[B J Hughes]

Aye! For those who weren't there, no explanation would be sufficient. For those who were, no explanation is needed. ;o)

[A hare off]

This may be the very first poem I have ever read about a statue and I must say I am completely blown away with what you have done here. Just an object, something people pass by every day, inanimate, solid, hard and lifeless yet you have given it life. The photo you have used, the horse statue is beautiful and majestic and your poem today has added those finishing touches that I'm sure the sculptor hoped someone would come along and do. I do get your meaning here and that is what has touched me the most. To sit, undisturbed watching the world go by is a beautiful thought. This may be my favorite of yours so far.

[Lydia Shutter]

My friend, you have captured my meaning to a tee! Thank you so much for this wonderful review. Lydi**

[A hare off]

You are welcome and now that I have corrected my fat fingers hitting tiny key errors (geez) I feel much better too.

[Lydia Shutter]

:) Hey, what's a typo or two among friends? :)

[AYVID N]

A very deep poem from you Lydi...You have taken a look at the world through an inanimate object making the reader wonder how it could feel to be that horse that just sits there undisturbed, taking in the Vista forever, not reacting to the world at all. Most times we find it difficult to resist life and it would be agony not to plunge into it headlong. Yet there are times when we just wish we were made of stone so nothing could faze us. Your thoughts and words are amazingly deep and profound.

[Lydia Shutter]

Thank you for such an in depth review, Divya. I appreciate it. Lydi**

[jacob erin-cilberto]

like that progressive commercial..."can i get sprinkles?" and she replies "sprinkles are for winners"

[Lydia Shutter]

YES! Flo does that.

[B. Boileau]

People watching is one of my favorite past times, (especially on a crowded night on the Vegas strip) I love the metaphor of fresh baked bread. But you have me wondering now if I'm a voyeur of sorts...
As always a pleasurable read!

: )

[Lydia Shutter]

Oh yes...people watching is a form of voyeurism. Still, who does it hurt? thanks for the review, Bill. Lydi**

[B. Boileau]

That's what I tried to tell the police. .. ; )

[Lydia Shutter]

You are so funny! )