And I knock

 

 

 

 

And I knock

 

White stone, almost beige with age,

standing out in its surroundings

as if old world artisans

converged on this small town

 

Black awnings of scalloped edge

on an unassuming two lane street  "no passing zone"

fronting an empty stairway holding my heart

behind a heavy glass door

 

Vine covered walls own the alley

to the back lawn where shaded dreams

in soft confines begin amidst cooling breezes

and I feel I finally belong

 

A French pitch roof of rounded shingles,

sweeping wall, chateau inspired, above a brick lined walkway

longing for the night

and the amber lamp post glow…wait

 

Empty Highland’s and for rent signs fill

barren storefronts once thriving, that now

greet me with my own reflection as I wander

seeking not so much what I find…but what I dream

 

I flick my cigarette to the curb,

watching it land, exploding embers on black asphalt

when a beautiful butterfly lands on my shoulder,

iridescent blue, rests a moment, then flies off

 

I follow it, (it seems to want me to)

as it heads towards the entrance, my heart beating…

racing, nervously I glance up at the numbers,

a dozen posies tucked behind my back…and I knock 

 

 

Author's Note

Thank you for reading

Reviews

[BlackRose]

LOOOVE this. Detailed each way so perfect with a bit of elegance and as if your there at that moment doing those things with your vivid imagery. Enjoy reading your works as always. :o)

[Jack...]

Thank you so very much Rose. I am happy you enjoyed this one, it was a very special write for me.

[Thomas Fitzgerald]

Crafted and classically "Jack", a great piece to seep into the mind, well done.

[Jack...]

Thanks Thomas, happy you enjoy my "style".

[icelandicblue]

Great images and choice of flowers. A lovely piece from you.

[Jack...]

Thank you so very much Anne.

[Hayley]

Such imagery! Well, well done. Great flow as well.

[Jack...]

Thanks so very much Hayley. I appreciate your kindness.

[Justine]

"And I knock" is a great opening, sets the scene perfectly. I love how you build up mystery and suspense in each stanza, offering a peek of what may come. I wanted more. Like the symbolism of the butterfly too. Might there be a sequel? Justine

[Jack...]

Thank you so much Justine. I appreciate your kindness. As fas as a sequel...perhaps.

[Pryde Foltz]

I flick my cigarette to the curb,
watching it land, exploding embers on black asphalt
when a beautiful butterfly lands on my shoulder,
iridescent blue, rests a moment, then flies off

Serendipity … I just wrote a poem about a blue butterfly.

Loved this short story write.

[Jack...]

Thanks so much Pryde.

[Ken Simm.]

Wonderfully descriptive Jack.

[Jack...]

Thanks so much Ken.

[Travis Gibson (poetic h..]

Wonderful write, Jack it's rich with imagery and subtle emotion that sneaks up on you.

[Jack...]

Thanks so very much for visiting and leaving such a nice review. You gotta be careful around these poems that sneak up on you.

[Travis Gibson (poetic heroics)]

That you do, but they are the ones that usually inspire.

[Frieda P]

I adore this Jack, there's a certain old school whimsy feel about it, the imagery here is beyond reproach. Butterflies and posie...sigh. Outstanding my sweet friend, I can't say enough.

[Jack...]

Thank you so very much my sweet friend. I suppose you can see your inspiration floating through this poem. Oh how I appreciate your kindness to me always.

[Frieda P]

Nice to inspire one another, always a pleasure indeed sweet poet friend of mine. x