these days

image courtesy of freepik                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      

these days

the world is too much to hold inside

i walk through restless clouds as thick as quicksand

lost in thought

bewildered by the images

the clouds just won't go away 

why are  there those who enhance them?

rhetorical of course

but still....

i chastise the clouds 

till suddenly...

a wink of light shines through 

birds sing to a breathy melody

their synchronicity is quite staggering

they beg me to pose as an optimist

in this miniature painting called life

who am i to deny the birds?

Reviews

[Sami Khalil]

So true. Lots of scary things are happening today with many consequences. It is staggering indeed as you say. But you offer hope and light at the end of the tunnel. You are an optimist indeed. Birds are a good metaphor. Happy and prosperous New Year Lydia...

[Lydia Shutter]

Thank you very much, Sami. Always pleased to see a review from you. Lydi**

[Sami Khalil]

Same here. You are welcome.

[barleygirl]

This is the way to make a poem turn a gentle curve into something contrasting. Your final line pops off the page due to the spunky attitude almost like a dare. I detect the slightest nuance of a reprimand to all those who are still bellyaching about all the same old s**t, ever so subtle (or maybe I'm reading it off myself). It's time to let go of the clouds & follow the birds (((HUGS))) Fondly, Margie

[Lydia Shutter]

Margie, I am Dutch and there is NOTHING subtle about me! LOL Yes, it was a bit of a reprimand....even for myself. Thank you so much for the lovely review. Lydi**

[TL Boehm]

This is soft and hopeful. Gentle bliss like a word from a close friend - beautiful stuff

[Lydia Shutter]

Thank you very much! Lydi**

[Coyote Poetry]

I agree my dear Lydia. We need to walk into a park. Listen to the birds and watch the sky. Can give us hope. Hello dear friend from Michigan. Thank you for sharing the amazing poetry and your thoughts.
Coyote

[Lydia Shutter]

John, you have the right attitude. Thank you for the lovely review. I hope it is not too cold up there this winter. Lydi**

[Coyote Poetry]

It is very cold today and you are welcome dear Lydia. In Michigan. The weather, a mystery.

[Vectra Mendonie]

I really liked this. The wording was very thoughtful and I think I understand what you were saying in regards to life and optimism. Good job!

[Lydia Shutter]

Thank you for your review, Vectra. Lydi*

[Patricia Wedel]

The Sky is still colored with Dreams ... and the bright light can be seen ever so bright behind the clouds on any given day. Birds still sing their Nightingale song... and Hope remains .. even if it Rains. Beautiful poetry from a lovely Poetess. gently, Pat

[Lydia Shutter]

Thank you very much, Pat. You are always so kind. Lydi**

[John the Baptist]

Despite the beautiful accompanying picture, I think the clouds alluded to in this one are negative states of mind, which in these grim times are not rare commodities. Interestingly, a penetrating ray of light and the singing of birds raise the speaker's spirits. The last two lines are the crux of the poem. Who are we to say the whole picture is bleak when we can see but a fraction of it?

[Lydia Shutter]

John, you see my words so clearly and I thank you for that. There are far too many clouds in our universe these days. Lydi**

[jacob erin-cilberto]

think of the beautiful halcyon blue skies there would be if we all chastised the clouds, and sang a song of peace.
I think you are definitely good for that role of optimist, Lydi...one of the most positive people I have met in my life.
j.

[Lydia Shutter]

Thanks so much, Jacob. There are days I am not quite so positive, but on those days I do not come out of my shell! :) I always appreciate your reviews. Lydi**