Rocks and Feathers

Time, the eternal ghost surrounds us

Imperceptible, intangible, it moves

Like a wind it rustles memories

On the dry branches of my mind

That hang like leaves on a flaming autumn tree

Stirring, blowing them like dust that

Drifts and settles, drifts and settles again

Forty odd years are locked in

The bony cage of my hands!

A marvel how strong hands can be

To bear the weight of the past,

A marvel how clumsy and useless they are

To catch that soft melody that

Sings promises of what’s to come

Now, as I open

This tightly shut fist for you

Look into the pages of time

Read the living letters of

Skin, scars, tendons and bones

That tell a timeless tale

Watch how they trace the lingering silhouettes

Of a mother’s face

Once a delicate, pale, fragile vase

Or of a father’s hands

Strong and tough

Callous and rough to the touch

Or of trinkets and treasures

They have once held

        Rocks and feathers, pains and pleasures

How scarred and gnarled they are now

With bits and pieces missing…

Take them in your hands gently

These relics of the past

Still living

Reviews

[Dave Brown]

I have to tell you how very much I am impressed with your writing
You are a remarkable talent
Don't let it slip away

[Laz K.]

Thank you very much. You're very kind.