The Rain has such Small Hands

...a tribute to e.e. cummings

i was lost in a poem by e.e. cummings,

lost in the rain having such small hands

 

such fervent emotion stirred me prodigiously

the manner in which he spoke

of falling in love

 

i read the line over and over again

eager to know his intent,

learning that only she could get to his heart

and could do so more easily than

the rain, reaching a closed budded flower.

 

skillfully and masterfully,

the articulation leapt from its page

flowing through my consciousness,

like breathing in and breathing out

 

this was somewhere i have never traveled,

gladly beyond

 

my eyes were lost in the epic silence,

the syntax of his words

i dog-eared the page

hoping that my lover would share in the juxtaposition

of my hands, to

those of the rain.

Author's Note

My inspiration for this piece came from a poem, actually a line from the poem, by e.e.cummings, “Somewhere I Have Never Traveled, Gladly Beyond.” Upon reading it, I instinctively had to write something in ode to it, and I wanted the inclusion of the title to be within the context of the poem. I am quite pleased with the results, and wanted to share it upon the coming anniversary of his death, September 3, 1962. Thank you.

Reviews

[Cyprian Van Dyke]

This poem is a pleasure to read. Not many professional poets come to mind, I could name a lot of amateur writers like myself though. But of those few professional poets e.e. cummings I know. This is an amazing tribute to him and his work. I enjoyed your choice of words and the flow of this meaningful poem was a flow that doesn't deserve an end, though the end was a good one. Wonderfully explained and expressed write, Kelly Scheppers. tyfs

[Kelly Scheppers]

"...a flow that doesn't deserve an end." Thank you for such a compliment, Cyprian!

[Fran Marie]

A most lovely tribute to E E Cummings
he would approve of this well penned
Ode to him. a poet / author with such
unique poetic expression he truly was.

her delicate love unfolded his heart
as like a bud blossoming where as
intricate as raindrops we're still
could not..

Nice Work here

[Kelly Scheppers]

His expression here is most eloquent. I could only hope to honor him in some small way. Thank you for the kindness of your words, Fran!

[Fran Marie]

you re so vey welcome

[Melinda McQueen]

What a lovely tribute. Is Cummings your favorite?
Nicely done.

[Kelly Scheppers]

I've read a couple of his poems, but this one poem with the line about the rain having such small hands, really stuck in my head and inspired me to write. Keats is my favorite, but there are so many others I gravitate to. Thank you, Melinda.

[Betty Hermelee]

A lovely tribute to E.E. Cummings... I read yours over and over and the words just put me in awe of your writing. I believe he (and maybe you) were comparing a small thing such as the small hands of rain to the enormity of true love, the rain couldn't even open a closed bud, but love has the power to open up the most passionate part of us; hands entwine to listen to the silence.
Best
Betty

[Kelly Scheppers]

Now, that's a review worth its weight in gold. Your interpretation moves me beyond measure - thank you, Betty!

[Betty Hermelee]

It's my pleasure, so glad you like it!!

[Pete]

damn this is deep and sensual. so skillful and honest. i was captivated from start to finish wondering where it would go. such passion in between the lines. killer line and title. the epitome of poetry in motion ... :)

[Kelly Scheppers]

To be perfectly honest, I wasn't sure where it would go, that is until the thought simply presented itself. Don't you love it when that happens? So good to see you, Pete. Thanks so much!

[John the Baptist]

You should be pleased with the results. Mr. Cummings had his own unique way of putting things. Who else would have thought of the rain as having small hands? Well, of course, T.S. Eliot said the fog had little cat feet, but Cummings was in a class by himself. The effect on the speaker is profound, to the point of hoping a lover would see their relationship in a similar vein. A very nice tribute here.

[Kelly Scheppers]

Cummings was indeed in a class by himself. I feel flattered to have captured him in some small way. Thank you for making me feel proud of that, John!

[barleygirl]

Your enthusiasm jumps off the page & you also teach us about reading poetry more deeply. This is one of my favorite poems of yours. I can't remember reading you with THIS MUCH detail & clarity! Thanks for sharing this beautiful poem! (((HUGS)))

[Kelly Scheppers]

I owe the detail and clarity to the master poet himself, for he's the one that inspired me to write this. Hands to heaven, to e.e. cummings...and many hugs to you, Margie!

[Caroline B A Maguire]

The opening line .." I was lost in a poem.." perfection in its simplicity.. isn't that what we writers all crave to be lost in the writing and for our audience to get lost with us trying to find the heart of our words..I re- read your poem a few times too Kelly and I hope I grasped what your heart was trying trying to say on this stunning ode.. I love it ..I think this is one of my favourite poems in the cafe so far.. thank you for writing and sharing your love on paper..Caroline 🙂

[Kelly Scheppers]

I've only written a couple of "odes" to a few poets, but that one line just took ahold of me in a way I can't explain. It's a beautiful expression, and I can only hope I did e.e. cummings proud. You are most kind to say it is your favorite - thank you, Caroline!

[redzone]

first, what you wrote is beautiful Kelly; it captures a love, a romance that in some ways can only be expressed by small hands and rain.... second, I think you capture e.e. cummings, hold him close and write a wonderful poem.... you nailed it and in doing so honor the poet.... and third, I enjoy reading e.e. cummings, he is among my favorite poets.... I had never realized how romantic his poems were until I read "I Carry Your Heart With Me".... and after looking up the poem that inspired this poem, it is now my 2nd favoritefrom him....

and fourth, I am glad to see a poem from you Kelly.... thank you for sharing this with us....

[Kelly Scheppers]

Dear Curt, I am smiling from ear to ear...thank you!

[Lydia Shutter]

Kelly, this tribute is spectacular. The gentleness of your words, the all encompassing romance, the awe you felt reading another poet's words....all of it makes this one of your best. We may not write as often as we once did, but when we do, well, it is just RIGHT! Wonderful work. Lydi**

[Kelly Scheppers]

Thank you, Lydi. I wasn't sure how my interpretation of another poet's work would read to poets here. I feel pretty lucky though, having garnished some of the best reviews- right here with you!