Piecemeal summer dies.
The spread of long winter blanket again.
For ten years I have lived in exile,
Locked in this rickety cabin, shoulder
Pushed up against the open Alberta sky.
If I were young again I’d sing of the coolness of high
Mountain snow flowers, the sprinkle of night glow-blue
Meadows;
I would dream & stretch slim fingers into the distant nowhere,
Yawn slowly over the endless prairie miles.
Prairie & grassland where in summer silence grows
& spreads eagle wings out like warm honey.
If I were young again I’d eat pine cones, food of birds,
Share meals with wild animals; I’d have as much dessert as wanted,
Reach out into blue sky & lick the clouds off my fingers.
But I’m not young anymore & my thoughts torment,
Are raw & overworked, sharpened misery from torture
Of war & childhood.
For ten years now I have lived locked in this unstable cabin,
Inside the rush of summer winds,
Outside the air beaten dim with snow.
Michael Lee Johnson, Chicago, USA
5 comments:
Mr. Michael Lee Johnson lives in Chicago, IL. after spending 10 years in Edmonton, Alberta Canada
during the Viet Nam era. He is a freelance writer and poet. He is interested in social, religious topics, and the need for universal health care in the United States. He is presently self-employed, with a previous background in social service areas. He has a B.A. degree in sociology, worked on a Masters Program in Correctional Administration.
I like to publish poetry seasonally where I can, this poem mentions both summer and winter, so I'm publishing in autumn.
Michael, this poem is very well crafted. Your images are tight and vivid. I especially like "lick the clouds off my fingers." Also, the way the opposites rub against each other, reminds me of my own years of summer and winter. well done! ~Linda
Thank you Linda for the kind comments. Michael Lee Johnson.
"lick the clouds off my fingers" is my favorite line as well. This is a very vivid piece. Very nice.
"Prairie & grassland where in summer silence grows
& spreads eagle wings out like warm honey."
That's an awesome image that says a lot. I've been to places like that (even if I haven't, that's the beauty of a strong image).
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