Tuesday, May 19, 2020

Stainless Steel Sunrise



I am participating in the
 Slice of Life.  
All participants are writing about one moment, one part of their day, 
on Tuesdays.
Thank you, Two Writing Teachers!



I've been writing more poetry in recent weeks...there's something about this pandemic that has made poetry writing very attractive, very soothing for me. 

Today, all I have is a poem...this one poured out after my morning walk...


Stainless Steel Sunrise


A stainless steel sunrise,
bright, and fixed in the sky,
foreshadowing,
a utilitarian day ahead.
All I want to do is curl up in the fetal position and
be alone in a dark room,
but the day beckons like required surgery.
I must get through it.
Let’s begin with a slow walk
beneath the weeping willow branches
stretching over the path,
feel their soft, surprising caress
across the neck and shoulders.
Notice how the wind picks up,
swoops my hair high,
shifting it from one side to another,
back and forth,
stretching me to let go.
Witness the Black-eyed Susan that has
pushed through the crack in the concrete,
fearless and not to be denied.
Smile at the small dog following his owner,
being coaxed along on his leash,
and know
I am not the only one
who finds today hard.

7 comments:

  1. I’m right there w/ you, Maureen. Every morning I struggle to rise and do the things that need doing. Maybe that’s why I, too, notice more when I walk. Your poem reminds me how important nature is.

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    1. Thank you, Glenda. Nature is SO important to me right now.

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  2. "the day beckons like required surgery" is a great line!
    I love the physicality of the breeze and willow strands caressing you. It is as if they bring you back to this life and the potential good in the day you are starting.

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    1. I purposefully walk under those willow strands...they do bring me back to 'good' in life!

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  3. I love how the day begin Grey and sterile but we see color popping through in the end!

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    1. What a lovely thing to notice - I had not! So fun. I am much more hopeful by the end of my walk!

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  4. Ah, Maureen, poetry is new for me and soothing too, as you describe. I love your stainless steel sunrise, utilitarian day description. What great metaphors and similes in your poem. The brief time that you enjoyed the walk, the breeze, walking under the tree, and the black-eyed Susan was enjoyable for us too. We could see you on your walk. And like the flower, you are "fearless and not to be denied" the joy of simple pleasures even in a day like this, that is so much like all the ones before. It's hard, but your positive outlook, poems, and noticing the silver linings and gifts of each day are making you a conqueror. Thanks for the lift today.

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