*
tired
but again I can not sleep
too many thoughts
like so many scrimmages playing
inside of my head
a one eyed moon with it's clouded eye
is trying to outshine the lamp post close by
but looses as drizzle soon arrives
I pick up the goblet off the dresser nearby
sipping the Hungarian red from its half drunken glass
it’s taste so immense
my focus hones sharper at lastI stand up out of my bed
wide windows now wet with
portly rivers of rain
there streaking down - slimming up - changing sides
the rivulets then forming again
I struggle but open the century old panes
raw city smells whisk in
damp mold on cool air
and something else - maybe
the greasy spoon’s rotten trash bin
two horns honk the next block southfire siren wails down the near empty street
a distant sound likened a pistol shot
wet tires on road from a car nearby
I look out over the dark vacant square
darker now with red bricks painted in raina newspaper flying by slaps stuck to a bench
winds worry paper coffee cups now here - there
making hollow scraping sounds
as they flitter around
the diner show theater is late letting loose
patrons move towards their cars
rushing from different colored awnings
in front of the buildings outside
trying unsuccessfully to stay dry
the homeless conspicuously gone this night
too smart to be out in the lightest of stormsI’m sure they sit, in small social groups
under the grey concrete bridge off Gay Street
two street wise girls standing silent
smoking - sharing a light off a fag
in front of the dreary corner café
seeing me they smile waving hello
I wave back -
still can’t remember their names
closing the window down tight with the latch
I finished my glass
before putting it down
then slide betwixt
cool coarse tinted sheets
Again I must tryone more time to sleep
fighting the demons that lie in wait
as myshort shallow slumber embarks
*
Restless…
Wandika 3-28-2008
Author notes
Picture: www.rybeck.com/album4/photos/Dsc00326.jpg
A contest entry
- Poems of a City by NurseChilly.
1800 points, ended April 11, 2008, 16 entries
Honorable mention
• next poem in this contest, remove from contest
Please tell me what you think
Comments
1 - 14 of 14
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Hmm.
This is very powerful Jim and I know that this comes from very deep thoughts. It is a compelling write. You did a fine job on it. -
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Thanks Judy
See you read it again.
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GeeHah!
Priceless!
"as my short shallow slumber embarks"
alliteration is beautiful.
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Thanks Anne
Been a while since you read any of my stuff.
Glad to see you here.
Jim
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I am amazed this was only an honorable. Seems you've escaped the compulsion to rhyme in my absence! This is so sophisticated and desparate. I love the rivulets. Have you ever wondered if those meanders (I remember them on windshields sitting in a car in the rain) viewed over time elapsed speeded up from a God's eye view would match the movement of major rivers moving their banks? Give yourself permission to sleep. (like that will work. had to try something)
This speaks to me of my son, who is an incredible soul. Has major sleeping problems; can't turn his mind off. (sound familiar?) He can be incredibly intuitive, even clairvoyant. He loved deeply, and bonded with a girl who because she measured herself in her ability to get men to love her, broke his heart. He was having visions of who with and where she was that would fade as she practiced her amatuer pharmacology. He would confront her, forgive her, encourage her to do better but she ended the relationship saying she didn't deserve him and she was holding him back.
He helped me with a concept I have him repeat to me and my retention is poor, but he says that sadness is the fear that the wonderful will never happen again. That the struggle to be content is not minding the dry periods between the wonderful. When I'm feeling dry, I phone up someone I know is struggling, and encourage them. He has so much more, but all it is inside me now is hope... And I can't hang it on words to give you. -
late at night, the poet wanders the streets looking for inspiration..... and they found it here
lovely stuff Jim... a great entry to this contest
well done and many many thanks
G.x
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A nice snapshot of an insomniacs vision. I really liked the line about "portly rivers of rain" . What a great change from thick or wide and for me it also echoed the red wine (port) of prior lines.
I'm afraid I giggled at the (unintentional?) double entendre of "a light from a fag" but that apart I found this a good strong 'serious' piece.
Very enjoyable.
Jim
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I forgot the clappy things!
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Jim,
This is very well done. I could smell, taste, feel and hear the wispers in your poem. This should do well. What a great collection of trophies you have.
Great Job, Jim.
Cheryl
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Wow,
You descriptive piece here you have inscribed really shares vivid imagery's of a restless night, and why. An excellent write dear brother of the pen..and lots of captivating content within each line carefully intertwined. May you sleep better tonight. One can wish right bro?
Peace, Brother Timothy....
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I think that with your poetry you reached almost the top of its quality. This is a kind of poetry I like to write myself. Perfect!
~Sonja~
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Nice work Jim!
Jim this was a good visual effort on your behalf! You captured the essence of the city in your own words and description. THANKS!!!
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Very good.
This is a story unfolding and I can sense the restlessness. Once again you have done a magnificent job on this piece. I commend you.
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Wow. You have so touched on the city, the sleeplessness, the colors and the sounds. Well done my friend. Your exploration into free verse is truly paying off. I loved it. ~Pamela
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