On the Square

See you there!

Covington square was a place of  social worship

People gathered there to integrate with the cityscape and each other

Being a part of the anthill social structure, giving relevance, weaving reality
Dressing up a nowhere existence with paper doll clothes and drag queen wigs

By the light of day, the square was measured, professional

The place where folks would pretend to be important, irreplaceable
By the night, the same people came to spin, coalesce, slink, shine
There are things that soften in the dark, masks off, skin showing

 

Twice during the down times, the square was off limits
But the energy of a place does not dissipate, it builds

Calling those that pretend and those that do not, to fight back 
And take what is due, the square needs life, we need the square

Reviews

[Gypsy Warrior Queen]

Are we talking Karaoke anyone? LOL always my laughter in the dark hall you are Cee!

[‘Thoughts In Time..]

Certain places and time and spaces will remain unchanged forever- time may pass years may come and go but what one knows will remain change is unstoppable but memories stand still- people need to support and listen coming together in peace and harmony more- building not breaking- nice thoughts and words🌹

[Chris Shaw]

'the energy of a place does not dissipate, it builds'
That line in your fabulous poem really resonated. You took me back to my Westcroft Square, where I lived in London until I was eight. Both sets of grandparents lived five doors apart. The square had an air raid shelter built in its midst during the war. I never saw that, but I heard all the stories. I knew all the ghosts. All my friends lived there. I played hop scotch on the pavement. The rag and bone man called with his horse and cart. The coal man. That square was the hub of life and death, and still is. I went back there recently and sat in the gardens with my sandwich and flask. All around, the signs of wealth. The place, really upmarket, too expensive for me by far. Different people, yet the ghosts of the past are still there, together with all the new vibrancy, flash cars and todays technology.. Thank you for taking me on that journey.

Chris

[Crowley]

My pleasure, thanks for coming and seeing. I have places, not on a square really, that I go to often to be with the people, see the comings and goings, it really does my heart and mind good to be a keen observer of other life as it exists, whether I partake or not.

[Chris Shaw]

Observation is key when you are a poet. What a great observer of life you are Crowley.

[Cherrie Palmer]

The pulse of a place has a life all its own, and it can seem strange when a place has a split personality (from day to night) just like many of its patrons. 

[Crowley]

Indeed, I love that pulse. Thanks Cherrie!!!

[Robert Trakofler]

Wow you just made a ghost in three stanzas!!!!!! I love the spirits you just conjured of the manifestations of the throngs that gather in that spot of a-semblance. You have a way with observations Mr Crowley and a distinct voice to paint them with that I always enjoy:)

[Crowley]

Ha!!! I hope they are good honest ghosts...lol, don't want to scare anyone. Thanks BB I love people watching.

[Robert Trakofler]

I kinda want to visit it now

[John Alexander McFadyen]

I have no idea where this is but I swear I have seen it in London, in Glasgow, in Leicester. The nature of humans often plays out in public places and of course like the seasons and day and night these places alter their personalities depending upon the way the stage is dressed. This one made me think.

[Crowley]

I'm not sure if the actual place exists, I just kinda of made up the name, but we definitely all know a place like this, some of us just enjoy it more than others...lol.

[John Alexander McFadyen]

2101 Washington St SW, Covington, GA 30014, USA-Good guess!

[Crowley]

We should all meet there for cocktails...lol.

[Crowley]

May not be too many drag queens in Georgia though...

[kentuck14]

I went to Covington Square the other day . . . late in the afternoon . . . all seemed as it should be . . . respectable . . . courtly . . . . dignified (except for the guy sleeping on the bench under a few layers of newsprint . . . .seemed out of place in the heat of day . . . but of course . . . he was afraid someone else would take his papers and he would suffer the night all the more.) Ah . . . the "public square" where the minds of men talk of great things . . . the burdens of business . . . the weight laid on the shoulders of important people . . . the enthusiasm of vanity!!!!
I decided to wait for this nightlife you speak of my dear Crowley. Indeed, the masks did come off . . . As the evening crouched just outside it's gate I already sensed an expectancy, a moment of transformation . . . perhaps the world was tired of its old ways, its weary perambulating around old ideas. I anticipated a rebirth of life . . . Ah . . . but I was wrong, Crowley. Are you sure your experience was a fruitful one!?
Behind the masks lived the most horrible faces of men and women . . . I saw there the costumes only slightly altered . . . but the faces revealed a wretchedness I cannot describe adequately. Pale, ghostly in the small light of the square . . . as Elliot wrote. "Hollow Men!" I returned to my apartments only to grow even more anxious . . . the brandy did not soothe my agitated mind. I turned to my library for perhaps some explanation for what I had seen . . . no, nothing could explain this awful scene. It was then I went to my toilet to refresh myself, and . . . Crowley, my dear friend, I was most shocked to see myself as I saw those others!!! For all that I thought I was . . . I too must be pitied! For I am one of multitudes who ventures into the strange realms of Covington Square. I say old boy . . . do you think you could meet me at the club for a few drinks? Tonight I need the company of other mad men.
Tom

[Crowley]

Lol....that was awesome. I would be happy to. after those drinks we would be invincible, funny to a fault and nary a woman or man could refuse to pay attention. The fact that we are indeed hollow wouldn't hit until the last drink, the one that was so important to finish the night off with a bang, turned us into the man in the mirror, dark circles painted on by those who would take advantage of our need to play in the playgrounds that only look shiny and good in the dark hours. The mirror doesn't lie, but we do, and for that we may die tomorrow, if not, I will meet you again, and it will be my turn to pay.

[kentuck14]

it's a deal! Your poem inspired me to do something different in the way of a revue. I had fun doing it . . . wanted to sound a bit H.G. Wells or Henry James.
T.

[barleygirl]

I stand in awe of you two . . . no words can come close to the fun of enjoying Corey's poem & then reading Tom's reflections & the ensuing repartee between you two. This is the reason I love the cafe when others say it's lost something. There's plenty of SOMETHING & here it is! (((HUGS))) Fondly, Margie

[kentuck14]

Why thank you Margie! Yes . . . I'm thinking of writing a poem with the tentative title of "In Covington Square with the Poet Crowley." Not sure where it will go . . . but it's percolating.
T.

[Crowley]

Hey Margie!!!! Bring it on Tom!!

[kentuck14]

You bet my poet friend

[kentuck14]

Big C,
I have posted a poem in connection with "ON the Square." Hope you approve and enjoy . . . thanks for the inspiration.
Tom

[R.E. Ray]

This poem drips with righteous cynicism. You call out the phonies and the posers, and a few others, too. Yes, the “square” needs life because without it culture and the culturally confident cannot survive. I think every community has a “Covington Square.”

A unique poem with a fresh and genuine attitude. Well done!

[Crowley]

Thanks for the awesome review!! I appreciate it!!

[Neville]

I intend to Google Covington Square, but in the meantime, shall take your every word as gospel... sounds like it may be under threat, it also sounds like the place to be ... long live the square.... Neville

[Crowley]

I just made up that name...lol. Maybe there really is one! Thanks my friend.

[Neville]

there is begorrah....