The Loss of Us
I stared at my hands
while I packed, knew if I looked
around the room I would
be forced to deal
with the memories
that every item in the room held.
I pulled the zipper across
the faux leather
of my bulging suitcase
and ran my hand along
our crumpled bed sheet.
The cotton was cool
against my palm.
None of our heat remained.
Fresh Earth
She sat with her back to him.
The earth between them was fresh,
its smell reminded her
of earthworms and fresh potatoes.
The golden band on her finger
reflected the light.
She watched her freckles
grow more pronounced
in the summer glare.
The silence was broken
by the shrill wheeze
of an old push-mower.
She closed her eyes,
let the earth catch her,
let it caress her lonely skin.
She ran a wrinkled hand
through her graying hair
as her azure eyes searched
for the phantom motor.
The mower's motor hiccupped
as it pushed its way
through a thick patch of clover.
She removed the ring
from her finger, let it fall,
left it buried in the dirt.
She brushed herself off,
whispered so her words
would be lost in the whir of the engine
"I wish it had been me."
Homecoming
Restless. My anticipation
is worn into the floor.
Six months away from home--exposed
to torrential floods--exposed
to the naked hatred that flies
from the barrels of rusty AK-47's.
And no word for weeks.
No creased envelope splattered
with mud and your intense script.
No letter to bring me
your tales of an exotic land.
And the violence.
Has it claimed you too?
Have you been lost
within the sights of a rifle
held in the steady hands
of a foreign face
in a foreign land that struggles
against you instead of the oppression
that breeds this violence?
The doorbell rings--
enticed by the practiced finger
of a man in a stiff uniform.
His left hand clutches
a folded piece of paper.
He stares at his shoes
as he offers me his hand.
I don't want to read the words
on the page. I already know
you're coming home.
Author notes
Three free verse poems combined on one page for your reading pleasure
In a list
- Contest Wins • next in list
- FAVOURITE POEMS-Other authors • next in list
- My Favorite AP Poets • next in list
A contest entry
- Freeform writers-I want 3 of your favourite poems by acari27.
380 points, ended February 18, 2008, 15 entries
Silver trophy winner
• next poem in this contest, remove from contest
Please tell me what you think
Comments
1 - 12 of 12
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All of these were stellar. If I had to pick the ones that made me feel more than anything, it would be the Fresh Earth and Homecoming.
My favorite part of Fresh Earth had to be the first stanza. Those were incredible images.
In Homecoming, it was the whole emotional story.
- Aly
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What anguish comes through your words. A lump comes in my throat, especially as I think of the last one. I can see why they won silver...so well penned and very emotive. Thank you for sharing. ~Karen
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This is lovely poetry - so poignant and with a gentle touch of melancholy about them... I especially loved the first and last ones and I'm happy that Night Hope sent me the link to these poems. Wonderful.
~ Nicolette
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you are a master of imagery; one can see the characters inside the verse. I also like the general nature of the subjects- it makes it very relateable. My favorite line was "none of our heat remained" quite moving.
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gr8 gr8
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great job done friend..excellently written...
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How great it is to read three at once! And silver winners to boot. Great poems you have penned here - heartfelt; sentiments well expressed in all. Such sad stories each shares.
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WOW, This is very powerful!! Each poem is so amazing!! Very very lovely poetry, poetess.
Love the last one... such pretty poems here Good job- congrats on the silver!!
- namita
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Very very powerful writing. All three are fantastic. The last one in particular. I found the last verse very moving.
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Each one of these three poems are poignant, moving, sublime...each one touched something deep inside of my heart, both lost & found in recognition. All are vivid, visual, visceral pennings. Congratulations on winning the silver. I can easily see why these are a few of your favorites. Great works, Poet.
Wanda
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awwww, wonderful write and good luck in the contest =)
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These are fantastic- these evoked a lot of emotions in me- and made me very interested in you as a poet- i will reread all poems when it comes to judging time. Thankyou for entering
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