okinawa blues

in Okinawa, i sat on a punting,
with an old man, he rowed us,
as far as his eyes could see,
two blue mountains and a cloud
he tied the boat to a tree,
his hands were steady as bird-bones
on a platter; i never felt so cold,
he fed the ducks, stale bread,
dried livers, almost broke the neck
of a swan, his eyes twinkled,
i saw a candle wick, a single tongue
of fire, become a furnace, forest-fire,
all snuffed out, all scattered knots
and leaves, when he closed them,
praying to his ancestors, for me,
before us, there was only darkness,
he took off his hat, and whistled,
until all was clear, the leaves,
shook off the rain, the air,
fermented wood and dahlias,
he told me about death and fear,
you talk about only in silence,
with your eyes, meant to be forgotten

Reviews

[p lawrence]

This was lovely. Steph, you're quite talented. Thank you for guiding me to your work. I'll happily be reading more.
Best,
Phil

[highonwords]

thank you so much, phil - appreciate the comment and visit very much :)

regards,
read morethank you so much, phil - appreciate the comment and visit very much :)

regards,
steph

[Fabian G. Franklin]

Oh MY! I enjoyed this VERY much. This is simply EXCELLENT!

[highonwords]

thank you, fabian, for the wonderful comment and visit - glad you enjoyed the poem :)

steph

[jacob erin-cilberto]

reminds me of Mr. Myagi in The Karate Kid..when he would mediate...of show Daniel how nature can calm us so much...clear our heads, and let us embrace life or death---

really strong philosophy...and a bit sad at the end...when the speaker talks of the person in front of her...the one who speaks in silence...maybe also about death and fear.

fear makes life almost unbearable...if only we could relax into what may come.

[highonwords]

thank you, jacob, so much for the keen insight and wonderful visit - glad the poem spoke to you :)read morethank you, jacob, so much for the keen insight and wonderful visit - glad the poem spoke to you :)

steph

[charlie]

I recognise a lot of these in words, as they occur in sequence. Whatever your "inspiration", be thankful you find him worthy to fuel your time.

[highonwords]

thank you, charlie, for the wonderful visit and comment - much appreciated :)

steph

[charlie]

feel free to check my earlier work, too - if ever you get stuck again.

[highonwords]

what do you mean, charlie, if i get stuck again?

steph

[Phil Roberts]

this is fabulous work, Steph. As good as anything I've read recently. Full of mysticism symbolism and surrealism. Like a deep and mysterious dream. Wonderful.
Phil

[highonwords]

thank you so much, phil, for the wonderful visit and review :)

steph