Grape vines wild as wise
old holy men bowed in rows
march across a desiccate land
under a blazing sun raking
tormented branches, the force of years
upon their bark,
an umbered gray, wrinkled,
held in friable soil.
Within these shrubs,
at each transept, a transformation
in supplications worked by fate and tears
with arms twisting toward heaven.
Yet, with each passing season,
they resist waves of heat, railing storms,
lightning and wind and still
they generously give their bounty,
collected by birds and beggars.
They are the richness upon this mottled ground,
no comely flower or fragrance fair,
only the fragility of this good fruit
upon twisted trunk and fissured root.
A wildness of beauty and joy, combined,
granted to this hard brown earth.
~r.
All rights reserved,
© Sept. 27, 2007, R. Braley
(astralshepherd)
Author notes
Santa Ynez Valley
http://www.santaynezwinecountry.com/
http://www.solvangca.com/wine/wine.html
http://www.winecountrygetaways.com/santa-ynez-wineries.html
http://www.santabarbara.com/winecountry/trails/santayneztrail.asp
In a list
Let me know what YOU think
Comments
1 - 9 of 9
-
speechles I remain
How words become knowledge. I love this poem. What a great read. I wouldn't change anything about this one. You inspire me to create words of emotion. Thank you for writing hands. may your words keep floating like a swan on the lake.
-
This reminds me of the wine country around Temecula and Vail Lake.
-
I will always view 'grape vines' in a different light (old, holy men bowed in rows) ..my how rich and full the personification and all the imageries you tied into this, yet, this is merely an echo of all the symbolisms one can apply to his own life.. to be a drink offering poured forth, to quench the thirst of those dying of thirst, to emanate joy from the sparkling effects of wine. This piece has very strong spiritual symbolisms for me. I just adored it as I do you! You are a true blessing in case no one has conveyed this to you in a while.. full of wisdom, compassion, and revelation.. your words reek of sheer beauty! Belle
-
I'm so glad I stopped to read. The message here is lovely and makes my heart smile...that despite the elements and hardship around us, there is purpose, constancy, hope, and fruition in being when we faithfully seek to bless. Such richness of thought you've put upon this page, Richard.
I've been wondering if you've published any of your work. ~ Karen
-
-
you asked if i've published any of my work - well, i've seriously given the idea great consideration, and while it is a compelling thot, i guess my skin is still too thin to suffer critique, so the answer is, no. but thanks for asking :]
-
-
The depth that flows through this piece is sheer magnificance. You show various contrasts in life itself. Your work always astounds me Richard!
♥ Touchof1de
-
I had to grab the dictionary for a few of these words. LOL You are making me expand my knowledge here and opening my mind up to a whole new world of beauty.
-
I love the way that you've ended
this piece - the contrast between the ground itself and the life that springs from it... quite beautifully penned!
-
Very vivid write -- you painted a very realistic picture of growing grapes. Very good write.
Lady D
Adding your comment:
1 - 9 of 9
