You put it down
you let it go
you walk away
you’re over with that
so over;
you tear up the pictures
throw out the clothes
forget about this
and especially that
you clean the attic
then the basement
do a ritual
lots of rituals
giving whatever
back to whoever
until it feels tired
and done
and you’re done
until a single bird
flies across the fog filled sky
in the perfect frame of a window.
One bird, then another,
then lots of birds,
a murder of crows;
the window empties
you look back and it’s still empty
and you know she’s speaking
even if your ears are shut
and your eyes are closed,
your soul is looking,
listening,
remembering
the soft nook in the dune,
wet rocks along the river
something returning
on the air,
the morning light,
something, someone
speaks and says hello..
you’re not done.
It’s what the soul sees, that determines whether we’re done or not. Poignant and beautiful, Don. Thank you!
I figure that when my soul sees more of what’s on the other side than it sees on this side, I’ll be done. 🙂
This is excellent dad
Isn’t that the way of the human heart, supple and willing to risk all over again. This is so well written, eloquent and down to the bone.
“You’re not done.” That made me chuckle. There is a density of connection between some people that regardless of circumstance is never, “done.” When you open the door of memory just a titch to peek in there they are.
The beauty of this poem, Don, is that once starting, the reader is pulled & lulled & cajoled to the very end. Then finds an echoing resonance. Sharing is not done. Only begun…
This is so beautiful and also makes me smile, Don. Whether in relationship to another or in Lifes largesse just the way it is there’s little that can be done except to flow with it………Letting go certainly simplifies all things and brings surprises too!
This one brought tears for me. I’m so glad you’re not done!
Yes, the place we always come back to –
the soft nook in the dune,
wet rocks along the river
something returning
on the air,
the morning light.
Beautifully written, Don.
You eloquently described what I have been experiencing for the last couple of years… remember what the figure of the father said to Ellie Arroway in CONTACT? We are not done…we are only “becoming”.. when he tells her “this is the way it has been done for millions of years… small steps, Ellie, small steps”. When we shed this body and all of our “stuff”, I truly believe that we shall “truly dance (Gibran)”
Whew! breathtaking, Don……cradled as we all have been in surety that, yes, it is done, only to find there is more…and more…and more…
Ah! Sounds like you well-know the territory. Me, too.
Culture… My choice… No escape, just a continuous series of rememberances gently released.
Excellent!!!
Know this one well. I’m done with this cycle, this layer, this turn of the spiral. Dusting my hands, I go and look out the window. So grateful I see the next turn, the next level, the next cycle clearer than the one before.
Dare I say it? The water wheel is very powerful and useful…but it’s the elbow grease that does the job.
Bubye cycle.
Now, hand me that shovel.
You hit it right on the head Don. Nailed it.
Thank you for “the soft nook in the dune”…
Well done! ‘a single bird’ had no idea the shift it stirred!
Damn! — that’s powerful, Don.
I love the new rhythm I hear in this poem, Don, as well as the humor!
Ah yes, bitter and sweet but done….perhaps our eyes are in the front of our head for one more reason
Wow, Don, this is a mighty one – and guess what –
I KNEW from the beginning on that it would end that way!
If only we can find mutual support when we’re each one done with this incarnation cycle, the next voyage could begin without angst. Human nature struggles and fears letting go. I am complete. I have but to wash my linen and leave my empty bed as clean and tidy as I found it. Thanks to those who cared, and they were few, even in our community. How many days would pass before one was missed? Maybe too many…
Raven chuckles from a distant fir. At least Raven sees the humour in it all.
Lovely poem. “Never not done.” Just where we need to be.
Thanks, brother.
It ain’t over til its over…..;-)
Love this one Don…