after Walt Pascoe's Raven Gets In
the same blue
could mirror
the morning
that stunned
us. As if wings
like blades
splitting air
could shape-shift
what ended
beginning
where we are.
As if looking up
we could know
whose voice
in that minute
before the breath
before would last
becomes only static.
As if what stills
still is this:
the smoke, that
fire, and after
the shimmering,
the calling,
the raven. . . rising.
© 2012 Maureen E. Doallas
_______________________________
I wrote this poem last Tuesday, on 9/11.
Go here to see the beautiful and inspiring paintings, drawings, and watercolors of my friend, the artist Walt Pascoe.
Listen to a recording:
Listen to a recording:
Ravens and misty mornings...love the simplicity of this.
ReplyDeleteMaureen, what a memorable gesture. This poem is so slim and yet deep. Thank you for posting this and the connection to Walt.
ReplyDeletethis took my breath away.
ReplyDeletethis took me aback a bit...a solid stilling in the thoughts of my own mo(u)rnings thus...
ReplyDeletethe thin form
ReplyDeletesparsity of words
sharpness of phrase
and break
match the painting
precisely
all the more beautiful to hear in your own voice ...
ReplyDeleteStunning, just stunning. Your words and form are perfect tribute.6ab avedibu
ReplyDeleteI love hearing you read this, Maureen--where you place the emphasis...the emotion. And the end. It whispered hope. Just beautiful.
ReplyDeleteA tower of words... such a beautiful tribute. I love how artists inspire each other.
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed your poem. But what I like most is its structure--the couplets are perfect. And the short tight lines center the focus and emphasis. I am your fan, always...
ReplyDeleteThe beauty of well-composed couplets ... can't beat it ...
ReplyDeleteBreathtaking poem, Maureen-- so cleanly drawn-- I loved:
ReplyDeleteAs if looking up
we could know
whose voice
in that minute
before the breath
before would last
becomes only static.
and all of it...xj
Stunning.
ReplyDeleteExtraordinary column of expression.
ReplyDeleteThis is so beautiful, on so many levels, Maureen. Slim, yet deep, as Deborah aptly noted. There is a finely wrought sense of compression and expansion that oscillates and energizes. And hearing it in your voice reminds me of just how quietly powerful the art of the spoken word can be. Your work illuminates mine in a very perceptive and open way that leaves me feeling genuinely "seen", and profoundly grateful. Thank you for this, and for your constant friendship and support!
ReplyDelete