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My Appraisal







Promises in every blossom,
fingers tracing a path
listening for every story

cells have to tell

Layers of history
memories
moments
desires
defined in flesh

Clothes
create a half told secret
waiting to tell
calling to the listener
promises

What rooted earth
gave birth to these
vines and if
followed

will they lead
to a land
of dreams
or better
the planting
of tomorrows

2:36 AM
Nov. 11th, 2006
Alexandria, VA

Author notes

At your request
Written November 11th, 2006

In a list

A contest entry

What did you think

    I plan to revise this poem: please leave constructive criticism!
    : , Your review:

    Comment Suggestion: What is your your first impression?
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Comments

1 - 28 of 28

  • glispa
    November 25, 2006
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    sweet jesus, this is rather beautiful :P

    wow, wow, wow, hit me square in the chest


    • tomisb
      November 25, 2006
      Edit | Reply

      My Goodness

      Actually, your response bowls me over.

      I am glad that you enjoyed this and very moved that it touched you so strongly.

      Love, Tom B.


  • Spiritvision angel
    November 21, 2006

    Edit | Reply
    So peaceful the way you use words to talk of tattoo's. A work of art in your words to talk of another art form. Again , Well done.


    • tomisb
      November 21, 2006
      Edit | Reply

      Thank you

      Sometimes the inner peace graces the work. We all are better for finding the best and singing it into life. Love, Tom B.


  • Bones
    November 20, 2006
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    you're one hell of a man.

    amazing in its simplicity.


    • tomisb
      November 21, 2006
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      One hell of a compliment :)

      I work hard to find the balance between banality and complexity that is called art. Thanks for letting me know that I did not fail this time. Love, Tom B.

  • Temptrysse
    November 17, 2006
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    Excellent

    Very beautiful depiction of tattoo. I love your second stanza, that is it to a tee. Even if there isn't some deep history or meaning behind the tattoo initially it will make it's mark literally and become history. Very lovely piece...


    • tomisb
      November 17, 2006
      Edit | Reply

      Thank you

      I am glad you liked this. The second stanza was an effort at catching all that goes in to the getting and wearing of a tattoo. Thanks for taking the time to read. Love, Tom B.


  • tomisb
    November 13, 2006
    Edit | Reply
    Ya know, I wanted a tattoo when I was a kid. Something really incredible and big. Then I got into meditational spiritual work and tattoos faded into the background. Now, some I like, some I hate and a few I just love. Get one myself, I don't even put bumper stickers on my car. Would ever? Maybe. Never know.

    I understood your hand to start with. I just couldn't not tease you about it Somethings are just to tempting. It gets me in trouble on occasion.

    Love, Tom B.


  • honey bear
    November 12, 2006
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    the hand is for other peoples modesty not my own for our bodies should hold no shame whatever shape, age or colour, we each have our own kind of beauty, but i did not wish to offend other people who do not share my views.
    so lovely to be one of your *first* though ha ha ha


    • tomisb
      November 17, 2006

      Edit | Reply

      Thank you thank you

      You gave me a gold. I am amazed that i touched you so. It is what I wanted to do and do it deeply. Why else would I have written the poem. But, I succeeded way past my wildest dreams. You are so kind to let me know I did so well. Thank you. Love, Tom B.


  • tomisb
    November 12, 2006
    Edit | Reply
    I can see why you like the first nine, I like the way they sing. While I could write a poem about different ways of looking at a tattoo after reading all these comments, I think I like the way I saw it in my inner best and so this is the poem I wrote. I was going to write about the modest hand as well , but that would of been about the picture not the tattoo. Yes, this is the a first. The first time I have been inspired by a tattoo. Lucky you. Love, Tom B.


  • honey bear
    November 12, 2006
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    very good

    you have a way with words that could make any woman feel desirable,. you have created a beautifull picture with your words and although i loved the whole write,i just fell in love with the first nine lines..exelent!
    i also got rather carried away reading the comments and your replies


  • tomisb
    November 11, 2006
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    Should I say, "Tell me more. . ." or just explore my desires for fires to burn the dunes at night? I let the cold winds blow you south and in your shivering wings I will listen to the heart beat its own tattoo. I would love to hear your thoughts about this one too, allpoetry.com/Poem/2325762
    Love, Tom B.


  • tomisb
    November 11, 2006
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    This last stanza is simply the gold discovered by a fingers dreams. Love, Tom B.


  • tomisb
    November 11, 2006
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    Do I captivate? Lovely thought. Rapture at the hands of a metrical feet. Sweet dreams on the edges of clouds of blended cotton candy skies. Free verse spreading a feeling that dissolves inhibition and draws the reader in to listen to their own fancies and unexpressed desires. Oh! the fire of the morning springing from the fires created in the night rooms. Love, Tom B.


  • tomisb
    November 11, 2006
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    Still, people celebrate where they will and if they do it poorly they will wake up in their own swill. Done well, we all walk taller. Love, Tom B.


  • tomisb
    November 11, 2006
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    I like how you see the joy, I bring. This joy that is the song that love sings. Happy is a fad in comparison. Love, Tom B.


  • tomisb
    November 11, 2006
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    I was asked. Looked at the picture of the tattoo and let everything else flow. You know. It just comes. Love, Tom B.


  • tomisb
    November 11, 2006
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    My heart beats a tattoo for you. You can dream your nights of frosted light while I tickle your toes with the dawn Love, Tom B.


  • Dalaney gold member
    November 11, 2006
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    Tom ~ Even a tattoo inspires the
    most beautiful words from you...
    I have two, myself, but in discreet
    places - I'm sure I will just adore
    them when I'm eighty years old...
    Love to you, Poet...
    Lane


  • poetryality silver member
    November 11, 2006
    Edit | Reply
    I can see the tattoo through your words. You have penned a most excellent poem here Tom. I simply love the last stanza. Very beautiful! I wish you the best in the challenge.


    Much Love ♥

    Renee

  • Yvette Champ gold member
    November 11, 2006
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    A beautifully crafted poem,allowing the reader to visualize the artistry traced as part of a journey,as a living,breathing work of art one is traced with fingertip touch and not being defined by the pattern traced but tracing promise,raw naked reality.
    Your poetry captivates the reader,allows the imagery to transform the stereotypical representation of body art as uncouth,indeed a hells angel with a macabre skull and crossbones dripping blood is one thing,it is a statement,an ornate tatoo that is intricate and artistic may adorn the body and add the very individuality of the character as you have portrayed.
    This has graphic imagery,good usage of metaphor and a tenderness which was exquisite.Well done and good luck in the contest,love and light,Yvette


  • grannyeri gold member
    November 11, 2006
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    I am not a fan of tattooing - cannot understand the need some have to adorn their skin permanenty this way -but did enjoy your poem about these vines - they have a life of their own - although do think these vines become pretty saggy as the wearer ages - then what - botox to perk them up? LOL


  • klassy lassy
    November 11, 2006
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    Tomis, your poetic artistry shines! What we plant in thought always is the promise of our tomorrows, and the quality of life. You unfold morning glory in the blossoms and the vines are just as joyfully tenacious! Unique design, indeed!


  • Abscessed
    November 11, 2006
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    A poem about a tattoo? Now that's a first
    but its a beautiful poem, and I think your last stanza captures the soul of the vine so accurately. Your poem has a life of its own and this one actually flows (in the literal sense, poetic sense aside)
    A beautiful entry to the contest dear Tom, I wish you luck in the contest

    abscessed


  • bw43
    November 11, 2006
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    Blah... I'm puking on the beauty

    ahh... so this is about a tattoo! LoL... guess i should have read the contest first to better understand your poem... but still..., u have something nice to say about everything... you... you... you POSITIVE PERSON!!!


  • bw43
    November 11, 2006
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    "awwww soooo pretty!!!"

    lol.

    well... truly it is a pretty piece... even the background... it's all so fairy tale-ish... like if you live in this great big pink bubble of happiness and love. i say it as if it were a bad thing... but honestly... i'm jealous!!! LoL

    good write tomisb.

1 - 28 of 28