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Accidents

Scraped my knees against this poem
as I stumbled across your words. Saw
the candles burning through the cypress grove.
Ran against the boat, tied to the dock of your past,
bobbing in the water, the oars shipped, bumping
against a stake driven deep.

The lighthouse moaning in the fog
Ghosts swirling 
you trying to create
the promise of “once was” in a “now” that is only a phantom.

I broke a nail on the silken ties
so artfully crisscrossing the heart, keeping you in prison.
Laughing through tears claiming
pleasure as I ran my fingers along welts of memory.

This reaper's moon sits fat on the horizon.
My tongue tastes the salt, tears. You protest,
declare magic. Lost on the edge of the horizon

where the sea disappears   

all directions, we are following the arc of the perspective. 
The thunder heads on the horizon flatten on the ceiling of the sky.
The gulls spin and wheel, cry out
I have a splinter driven deeply beneath
the skin from the gunwales of the dory.
Your tongue traces the blue black ridge on my skin   
the path of its entry.  It will fester. 

11:55 PM
Oct 2nd, 2006
Alexandria, VA

Author notes

Blame this on Lane. She crawled beneath the words and curled up in the corners and I couldn't shake her free so I had no choice but to write her out. This is the poem she wrote that caused all the trouble. that and the fact that I am one of those fools who can't stop caring about their friends. allpoetry.com/poem/2188759
Written October 2nd, 2006

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Comments

1 - 35 of 35

  • xSallyxDollx
    May 15, 2007

    Edit | Reply
    Not being able to stop caring about friends isn't a foolish thing; it shows you have hart which is a lot more than I can say for some people these days. I worry about society. The imagery in this takes me back into a million different places I've long since visited and rakes through them mercilessly. You need to be published hun I don't think this site does you justice anymore.

    ♥
    Jordanne
    P.S. Did you get my letter?


    • tomisb
      May 15, 2007
      Edit | Reply
      I got the letter. It was special just to have you take the time to write it.

      Thanks for all the kind words about this poem. I really was driven to write it. Some touch you that way. Love, Tom B.


  • tomisb
    October 20, 2006
    Edit | Reply
    quick reply before I am off to work. Thanks for the compliment. It is nice to know that this captured your attention my fiery haired princess. Love, Tom B.


  • Miss Faerie Greeters member
    October 20, 2006
    Edit | Reply
    The first 4 lines in this had me captivated and reading them over and over... you have that affect on me
    The fiery haired princess
    x


  • tomisb
    October 10, 2006
    Edit | Reply
    This comment is more than praise, it is a gift of celebration. Since you enjoyed this, try Mud Dance, jazz, A Cabin on the Lake, or any other for that matter. Though I will admit you might find some stinkers in there. I wish it weren't true. But, that would be a lie. LoveTom B.


  • mysticstorm gold member
    October 10, 2006
    Edit | Reply
    This is beautifully done. I must say I am very impressed and glad I came over to your space for a moment. It is a moment I will never regret. Your imagery is so wonderful, your words flow like silk acrossed the page. It is very strong and gentle. Living one to think.
    A pure pleasure to read!


  • tomisb
    October 9, 2006
    Edit | Reply
    Thanks for taking the time to comment. Love yes, disappointment so far is only a fear. Fear is a wild horse in the garden. Glad yu are enjoying the dance. Love,Tom B.


  • Griswold silver member
    October 9, 2006
    Edit | Reply
    Very well done, the imagery and words left me thinking deep thoughts of Love and dissappointment, A very nice Poem indeed...Scott

  • tomisb
    October 9, 2006
    Edit | Reply
    Thanks for the note. May the call be everything you wanted to hear. Tom B.


  • tomisb
    October 9, 2006
    Edit | Reply
    I feel more than a little complimented. You have gifted me with praise I am thankful to receive, but ... May your days be blessed. Tom B.

  • Farkas1
    October 9, 2006
    Edit | Reply
    Hi

    Occasionally, I run across a poem such as this and I take heart in the knowledge that the art of poetry still has mastersingers in this otherwise dull, drab world filled with sorrow and pain. Beautiful creativity is the hallmark of your work. Outstanding poem.

  • Son of Jim
    October 9, 2006
    Edit | Reply
    tomis
    I am in a hurry just now, got a little call, will get back.
    Jim


  • tomisb
    October 9, 2006
    Edit | Reply
    As long as you are intrigued the magic is working. Thanks for all your kind words. Love,Tom B.

  • tomisb
    October 9, 2006
    Edit | Reply
    Done


  • tomisb
    October 9, 2006
    Edit | Reply
    Life is a surprise. Only when we can capture the moment when feelings are born do we have a way of recording what has passed.
    The gift was hers, the pleasure was mine. Your review a blessing. Love, Tom B.


  • Night Hope gold member
    October 9, 2006
    Edit | Reply
    "This reaper's moon sits fat on the horizon.
    My tongue tastes the salt, tears. You protest,
    declare magic. Lost on the edge of the horizon
    where the sea disappears"

    Intriguing imagery is sprinkled throughout these lines like the foam on the surf, crashing upon the shoreline of this dream...A pensive penning, laden with haunting verbiage unveiling the intensity of a single sigh...Well done, Tom...I see Lane was rightfully pleased & proud of your efforts...Be well, Poet... Wanda

  • sunkissed07
    October 9, 2006
    Edit | Reply
    I really liked your poem, great imagery. I especially loved these verses:

    Scraped my knees against this poem
    as I stumbled across your words.

    This reaper's moon sits fat on the horizon.
    My tongue tastes the salt, tears. You protest,
    declare magic. Lost on the edge of the horizon

    where the sea disappears

    all directions, we are following the arc of the perspective.
    The thunder heads on the horizon flatten on the ceiling of the sky.

    Anyways, this is a very good poem, though the rhythm is informal it flows nicely and communicates well!


  • a b s i n t h e
    October 9, 2006
    Edit | Reply
    Your poetic license is one to be envied. I turn green with every word, and I would appreciate being critiqued by such an able author.

    En una palabra: dominante


  • tomisb
    October 9, 2006
    Edit | Reply
    I am glad you found the sense of glee that this was written with. The wording and pictures were a response and yes the Love me part is very true. It is nice to see it all came through so clearly for you. Love,Tom B.


  • JohnWaynePalsy
    October 9, 2006
    Edit | Reply

    fantastic

    that was something else!! something else and special indeed.so playfull and fun to read with that bit of amazing wording and painting pictures in bold type and flourescence so as to be easily seen.this one just screams LOVE ME!!!great metaphors great read great write.just simply great.


  • tomisb
    October 9, 2006
    Edit | Reply
    We are all singers. We learn how to play with images and symbols in ways to allow our readers to feel free to dance. I am glad you enjoyed this one. Thanks for the review. Love,Tom B.


  • Romanee
    October 9, 2006
    Edit | Reply
    Very metaphoric, it was an extremely thought provoking piece, it's different and interesting. It keeps the reader engrossed and rather facinated, keep up the fantastic work, great write,
    Romanee


  • tomisb
    October 9, 2006
    Edit | Reply
    Ah the meditational karmic view. Yes, I agree about the line. It is the heart of the response. But then when strapped to the wheel and constantly dipping into this reality until we learn to breathe under water and really live is tricky since most of us are too afraid to try. Got to develop wings to fly, but, even more importantly, you got to be willing to trust yourself to use them and accept that accidents are gonna happen. Applesauce!!! Love, Tom B.


  • Abscessed
    October 9, 2006
    Edit | Reply
    the promise of “once was” in a “now” that is only a phantom.
    this would probably be one of the strongest line in the poem if you ask for my opinion. Literally strong! I loved the direction in which you took this - the accidents, the intentional...the combination is absolutely gorgeous. I must must must go ahead and read the poem that inspired this now

    Rohina


  • tomisb
    October 5, 2006
    Edit | Reply
    And i always thought I was such a brazen rowdy I am the one who is honored. Humbled, as well, but we will pretend I didn't say that. The poem was easy to do, inspiration is the bitch to find. It is never about the words, it is about the care and the light and a first line to get the door open. Love, Tom B.


  • Dalaney gold member
    October 5, 2006
    Edit | Reply
    Tom ~ Well, where do I begin? First of all, you are not a fool, and your tough guy persona is lost on me, so might as well set it out on the porch along with the cat. You have a warm wonderful heart, and for you to honor with one of my poems with such a beautiful poem of your own, only shows me how deeply you do care. This is a brilliant write, but I am prejudice and can't see straight when I read your poetry. You have captured so much in this work...so much that I can hold close to me. Thank you just doesn't seem enough...
    Love,
    Lane


  • tomisb
    October 5, 2006
    Edit | Reply
    I wanted to capture the extent that we become intwined by happenstance and not every pain was meant that way and even best intentions can cause heart break. Lots of other stuff. Glad you enjoyed my adventure in the lines of another's poem. Thanks for loveing it. Love, Tom B.


  • xSallyxDollx
    October 5, 2006
    Edit | Reply
    Wow this poem seriously just blew me away; some of the thing you wrote like "This reaper's moon sits fat on the horizon" and "I broke a nail on the silken ties so artfully crisscrossing the heart, keeping you in prison." Everything was like a tiny needle pushing its way into my soul. You wrote this beautifully

    ♥ Jordanne ♥


  • tomisb
    October 4, 2006
    Edit | Reply
    Thanks for the compliments. I really only reflected what I already had received. You are right about being inspired, that's what I enjoy about this site.


  • ma belle
    October 4, 2006
    Edit | Reply
    Tom, the metaphors here are beyond awesome. Gosh, this poem is quite haunting with a barrage of emotions attached. It causes one to watch his footing. ha! Beautiful job to see poetry inspired by other fine poets! Belle


  • Dalaney gold member
    October 3, 2006
    Edit | Reply
    Tom ~ You don't need my permission...but I do need to say, thank you.

    Thank you.

    Love,
    Lane


  • tomisb
    October 3, 2006
    Edit | Reply
    Glad you enjoyed this. I hoped that this would create a feeling of the way we run into and over each other with all the best of intentions. It also speaks to careing and how no matter how much we care we are not perfect. What we hold onto hang back with aren't willing to dig out and expose haunts us. Thanks for reading and most of all commenting. Love,Tom B.


  • grannyeri gold member
    October 3, 2006
    Edit | Reply
    Wonderful metaphors in these lines - so visual and so many images come through - a very creative poem, filled with marvelous thoughts and word combinations.


  • tomisb
    October 3, 2006
    Edit | Reply
    This was written in reponse to Lane's poem. I haven't got permission to post it yet. The salt is tears. I am not the world's greatest at grammer. Yeah and you are right. It is a bitter sweet poem with more layers than an onion. Glad to hear the boy is still young sweet and hungry. Love,Tom B.


  • cherche -d -ame
    October 3, 2006
    Edit | Reply
    okay my friend, seems as if I am the first one to comment and even do what I said I usually feel inept at
    This reaper's moon sits fat on the horizon.
    My tongue tastes the salt of what you protest
    is magic.<-----------somehow those two words seem to have the wrong cut-off point (unless you meant its magic) as in the magic belonging to the protest or the moon?????? Does that make sense? I bet not----- And since I have no idea whom Lane is (nor what the contest calls for I can only interprete it as one of those bitter-sweet memories and regrets) (and thens and nows) exorcisms.But once again , your visuals are great ....I can crawl into them the same way as I could into that painting of Bruges....but this is just a bit more eery. I do see that you made round 2 of this contest, so I wish you to continue to do well, (and I know a good salon to fix that nail) Pardon my giddyness.....yes, it is because he is coming home
    much love always,
    reenie

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