A MEASURE OF WINTER
The fall of water
stiffens to ice.
Playtime is finished,
its merriment stolen
along with its dance.
The freeze consumes
the thrash of stream,
a threat carried out,
a speech of intent
without an answer
ending dreams of travel.
Water music has died.
But re-awakening is coming
in the shape of sun flirting
higher in the sky each day
as Spring brings its news,
the debt to time is paid.
Meanwhile I admire the artistry
of this uncompromising season
whose time is limited,
and this measure of winter
I’ll carry like a gift in my mind
to tell the story
of Nature’s improvised, silent jazz.
A three dimensional poem.
BEING HUMAN
They come seeking a new life.
Four ants at first, feverish
to dress the contours of my kitchen
with dreams of a working colony.
Next morning a horde arrives,
shedding faith in the past,
arranging the marching pattern
into a language for invaders.
The dilemma stares at me
like an overdue bill
and tolerance is only a skin
that peels off on demand.
Aliens, not of my world
what conspiracy brings them?
Why didn’t they understand
conditions of a previous home?
I can’t share space this way
and panic has no patience.
I use insect spray, a solution
that doesn’t ask questions.
But, my own rights diminished,
the can reeks of accusation.
In an uncertain hand
it feels as heavy as guilt.
YOU’LL KNOW
You’ll recognize a word
that speaks your life
in the space of a second,
acknowledge eyes that fill time
with a new moving story
through the midnight hour.
a silence will be gifted
that peels your face
to a readable book,
and a touch explaining
yesterday’s promise
is not out of date.
You’ll react to an absence
knocking down your days
in a game of skittles,
admit to those secret tears
that fit well enough
to be made-to- measure.
You’ll know when
and be willing
to accept the price.
Gordon Scapens - Widely published over many years in numerous magazines, journals ,anthologies and competitions. Currently preparing a collection. Lives in a suburb of Preston with his wife, who’s friend, critic, muse and editor. Plays acoustic guitar averagely to her singing.
No comments:
Post a Comment