bruised skies

the two shared promises 

beneath her bruised skies 

they vowed no more wandering 

the angled, littered, 

filthy alleys between the towering bricks 

of Newark, New Jersey

 

the trolley left Belleville behind 

and soon Amtrak made short order 

of disappearing Central Station   

into the smell of the past  

whipping in the foggy air  

that dragged behind the train  

the engine pushed furiously  

away from the gray and blue city-scape 

until he could feel the warm and loving Sun 

of Southside Virginia  

pressing through the passenger windows 

and from the Staples Mill station 

he drove her out of the capital city 

until the street lamps turned to fence rails 

and stars she had never seen  

burst out of the urban haze 

he watched each one pierce her eyes  

in a priceless moment 

while he drove 

the cool, speckled sky assured her 

that its bruises were healing 

 

Reviews

[Coyote Poetry]

I enjoyed the tale. I liked the journey and the healing described.
"he watched each one pierce her eyes
in a priceless moment
while he drove "
I believe road trip and new place is needed for healing. I liked the above lines and the ending. Thank you for sharing the outstanding poetry.
Coyote

[Puck]

You transport me to a new world with your vibrant descriptions. I can smell the acrid stench of the east coast city and bask in the cool touch of a expansive night sky. There's beauty in all parts of the world. Thank you for sharing!

[paul sal.....]

I hope she appreciated the loving effert

[Gee]

A journey portrayed wonderfully,nice job

[Beccy]

Such a gentle progression in this poem; a new life, the healing along the way; it gave me the sense that this is more than just about two people leaving behind those 'bruised skies.'

'and stars she had never seen
burst out of the urban haze

he watched each one pierce her eyes
in a priceless moment
while he drove' Those are simply beautiful lines. Beccy.

[Bright Ocean Star]

I love the gentle healing and air of second chances that eminate throughout this poem. We all seek solace, growth, second chances, a place to start over. The fresh air and wide open spaces of the country is a great place to find peace. Nice writing, Xavier! It is gentle, but powerful. Thank you.

[Gypsy Warrior Queen]

I thought that leaving the city would heal my bruises once upon a time or two....I left with eyes wide...screams lulled...smiles brights....lulled into the fields and flowers. Hopeful that my roots would grow long and deep. Nowadays I wish I could go deeper....strange how much you think you ve grown and then find a whole other field to plant right over the hill.....wide open spaces......hmmmmm

[Linda alexander]

Poem can bring each scenes just like the poet see it as narration is so clear, even the engine pushed furiously as if not only him but also the non living transporter is taking part in the travel, really liked the title, enjoyed each lines

[Emily B]

some folks only see the bruises and feel the pain . . . so pleased that you focused on the healing inherent to the process

[Alfred Kukitz]

I really liked the grittiness of the city contrasting with the beauty of the countryside. The Stars piercing her eyes is a gem!

Regards,
Al