Four Poems by Tracy Lee Duffy

 

Adam’s Berg (Mulkirigala), Reclining Buddha, Jan Brandes, 1785 (Rijksmuseum)

R Eye M

The dream was so vivid I just had to call and tell you.

I don’t usually remember dreams.

I don’t have time to hold a grudge for too long.

 

Large, very large boxes were filled and slid to the outside foyer

and a man and a mover came, that I do not know.

Unlike your alternate life; they were kind

yet wayward eyes - to me

genteel. Firm, enough to take a hand and lead you out.

 

Then the rain came and you left with a black plastic bag

and the boxes remained; as I still wondered after the gentle kiss

that wasn’t a kiss, but a hug of the lips like rubbing noses.

I pushed out my belly bump like this is ransom for a “normal” life.

Collateral rather, and still so puzzled that I played with the old stereo

that you would have taken - that you may be back for. 

 

 

Stages

 

I plea, I beg, I cry. I step one foot

then upper body thru this curtain. Lights glare

shadows stare. I differ. I lean, I push one heavy drape aside

Shake my fists at technicians pulling chords.

I’m not a marionette but yet, I fall into second half

with no intermission. I resolve a decent finale. 

 

 

Walk-In

 

Closet of self for one/privacy/preservation/colors and

textures/insoles/canvassing for re-creating

It’s no secret/necessity/feminine reflection/heart protection

mending/draping body for pleasure/warmth/acceptance

Emerging lovely/calm/respected/closet of self 

 

 

Stratosphere Birth

 

Sent down as a brightening sun

Led down by far, a glistening star

One child of much endurance

One child, blessed assurance

 

Both of beauty – both of peace

Splendor, grandeur loves release

 

Nestled in my arms of nurture

Dreaming, praying of a future

These great miracles of birth

Blossom as a sunrise mirth

Tracy Lee Duffy -Tracy’s poetry reveals the essence of her female life through marriage, career and motherhood. That artistry has been a solace in trying times; like those friends that you get in touch with every so often and it is soothing, like yesterday. Teaching vocational instruction, screening newborns, assisting senior care, have provided human connections that remind her to breathe, appreciate, write it down. Published in Bacopa; Open Door Magazine; Anti-Heroin Chic; Passage; Sandy River Review; Bluebird Word; Ravens Perch; Hudson Valley Writers Guild; Poets for Peace Sunflowers Rising Anthology; SHINE Poetry Series, Fulcrum Review. More poems can be found at:

https://www.instagram.com/tracysprayingpetals/