clear bay light clarifies the steps untaken
in barefoot introspection
to the whispered work-songs of zephyrs bearing their loads
of salt and spray;
they brush past the nose, noticed and unnoticing,
as they go about their vaporeal business.
finally,
in favor of basking in the last fervent sigh of daylight,
you abandon the graceful shade of the coast-laurel stand
which sheltered you from the midday sun
while your mind chewed its cud.
a trail of torn and tattered petals
scattered on the grass
follows you down the hillside
gilded by the sunset's breath.
Author notes
This is flavored by a strong note of nostalgia and homesickness, although I'm not sure it's detectable to anyone but myself. It's about half memory, half fantasy of being home. Santa Cruz, CA, USA, is an amazing place to grow up. I regret that my family moved away. The prompt was 'Golden Poppy', which may not make sense to non-Californians. The Golden or California Poppy is a violently orange to yellow-gold wildflower which is also our official state flower. In the poem, the 'golden poppy' prompt refers both to the flower petals (which, of course, are golden poppy petals) but also to the color and character of the light at sunset. I tried to convey that effect without saying it outright, but I don't know if I was successful.
A contest entry
- Prewrites. by Antebellum.
400 points, ended November 14, 201 entries
• next poem in this contest, remove from contest - Click 67. by perfectsunset.
625 points, ended November 19, 28 entries
• next poem in this contest, remove from contest
Comments
-
Very wonderfully penned.
I really enjoyed your
take on the prompt.
Best of luck & thanks for entering
-
I like this poem, especially because I'm moving to California in 6 months. It made me feel good. Thanks for a good read!
Adding your comment:
