Summer Dresses

On the line behind the house,

twisted round and grown into two trees

older than the ownership of our land,

mother hangs summer dresses in the sunlight.

 

Like paper doll clothes, all primary colors

and geometric designs, they taunt the wind

as her hands, once young and tender,

put them in their places, side by side.

 

Cross-legged and still, I am the intent audience,

the entranced observer consciously unaware

of the wonder I am witnessing, moments

that one dark day I will weep to relive--

these precious, flashing instants with her.

 

Breathing down the mountain, the wind gusts

and one of my dresses defies the prison of the pin,

taking to the air like a startled seabird,

and I smile as my mother laughs like a child--

gleeful and perfect in the last lonely hours of afternoon. 

Reviews

[Art Sun]

What a lovely thought to share...your poem is filled with happy and joyful reflections of visual thought...to look into the very moments and see beyond them is to touch from deep within...

very nice poetry...

[Shadow Writer]

you create a lovely scene with your words, as I read I found the words creating images of a time that was captured. Well written piece. ty SW

[Alex Zynder]

very elegant

[Jeannie Wilder]

Like everyone else has said... beautiful. There's always something special in a girl's or woman's dress. The memories, fantasies, hopes, ideas, experiences. It's that one piece of clothign that seemingly clings to our memories.
You have created a wonderful image, I could feel myself where you were, watching the pure moments.

[cest la vie]

This is a a beautiful poem. As I was reading this, I could feel the breeze and see you observing your Mum..
Beautiful in it's re-telling..

[Naomi Montana Walsh]

Just lovely in every respect , such a vivid tender moment.

[Antonio Valentino]

Oh my, MM, this was just perfectly beautiful!
Not only my favorite of your's, but an all time favorite period.
You struck gold with this timeless piece my friend.

This one's a gem, that will sparkle, long past we're all gone.
Antonio

[Crowley]

Really nice....great imagery, great relaxing rhythym "breathing down the mountain the wind gusts" great line, very vivid. The summer dress is by far my favorite kind of dress. Good job.

[Emily B]

I'm so glad that mother laughed like a child when the dress took flight in the wind. . . that made this poem absolutely perfect.

[Brokensoul]

simple things of life are the one that gives you maximum joy. I loved it so much...I can't describe how I can praise you...I am just too inspired!