Shadows from the tree outside

Throw me to the tree-shadows

trembling on the floor,

    I understand their breathing,

    they know how to hold me, like water.

 

I’ve yet to hear my echo;

it’s probably caught in a thorn

bush or simply forgot where it originated from.

 

Silly shadows, I’m not naked, yet,

            but here--take my voice

            and wrap it around the moon’s

            spine like ivy on a lamp-post.

 

Dear shadows, have you traced

back to the tree you stretch from?

It’s Gaelic name is written

over and over in its’ leaf-veins.

 

I know it’s difficult for you to rise

and drink from the sun; all shadows

climb up the walls and my skin

is yours, just like your echoed

darkness is mine.

Author's Note

wrote this a bit ago during an emotionally rough time

Reviews

[K. Louis]

I like the opening..it's a striking image. The line break in the second stanza was a little off-beat for me, and i wasn't quite sure about all the punctuation in the first and third stanzas..I read them over a few times and think it works better with less commas...it felt a little like dancing with two left feet...perhaps this is the beat you were going for. Nonetheless, your imagery and concept is strong. Being caught up in the shadows of the past...almost torn away from your body...like being on the outside looking in and thinking...how have I disconnected so much from what was...and is there still any of that left because everything feels and looks so different. anyhow, i'm rambling. I liked the last stanza, " I know it's difficult for you to rise and drink from the sun" ..this reminded me of those inner dialogues we have with ourselves..to convince..to find purpose..

[eglantine]

haha, two left feet, I like that comparison. Yes, this one still needs quite a bit of work--I've been so busy lately. Thanks!

[K. Louis]

no problemo!

[Stammers]

Some truly beautiful lines in this.

[eglantine]

Thank you Haz

[Mark]

Something runs underneath the invoked emotion here. Hidden in the shadows I guess, but I sense it if I can't quite see it.

[eglantine]

Yes :) Thank you for reading