Clinging on
despite the slow seep of poison
in the tissues
the Technicolor toxic flush
Clinging on
beyond the thickening silt
in the pores
the cloying in the veins
The debt's repaid
for the slow surge of sap
to swell and burst the bud,
unfold entire from rib to very edge.
Ah, yes, repaid:
for the year's full bounty stirs, re-forms,
returns the self-same path
to feed, to ventilate, to plump and grow.
Clinging on
while cell by cell the palisades are built
Clinging on
when windy stresses test the joint
Clinging on
for autumn leaves never fall:
they're pushed.
In a list
A contest entry
- Contest: Poem Prompt - "The Seven Sorrows" by Ted Hughes, Part II (By Invitation Only, Please) by Night Hope.
1200 points, ended November 22, 17 entries
• next poem in this contest, remove from contest
Comments
1 - 8 of 8
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Thank you for coming back with this beauty, Michael. 
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This is such a stellar piece of masterful writing, Mike. I enjoyed your biological terminology within this piece, as it added such breadth to your words and images. We are filled from rib to rib with these whispers that call us to put pen to parchment, are we not? And you, even more so, with the brush calling you to canvas, as well. Loved your final lines, too - the leaves not wanting to release from the branch, yet the seasons pushing them over the edge of that inevitable cliff, where they must invariably fall. Wizardly, this majestic poem. Thank you for entering my contest, Sweetie. Good luck. 
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Glad you noticed the biological references. Until I went to college I had specialised in Science subjects ... indeed I hadn't done any arts subjects [eg English Literature or Art] since I was thirteeen when [as was the education system in the UK then] I was forced to specialise. Indeed this was the reason I left home - my mother was adamant that I did Science at University.
In the end [after a year living and working semi-rough on the resort coast of North Wales] I got my own way and did Art at college. Writing I pursued on my own.
Gosh that was a lot! Hope I've not bored you!
Mike -
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You couldn't be boring if ya tried, my Friend. 
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Loved it !
Mike this is beautiful. I love the transformation and how it flows through. We write in similar ways I feel. Probably similar in personality also. I will enjoy reading a lot more from you soon. Currently trying to organise a yard sale and move house. In 2 weeks I will be in a new place and ready to start coming on here a bit more.
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I don't envy you that degree of disruption! Good luck with it. Thank you for your supportive comment - I shall try to catch up with comments as soon as I can!
Diolch yn fawr [thanks very much - Welsh]
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wow! powerful indeed , i like the minimalist style and great descriptive phrasing. well done! good luck in the contest
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A very encouraging comment for which I sincerely thank you.
Mike
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