Thursday 27 October 2011

SHRIVELLED


Shrivelled against the 
cold of returning
you are poised, birdlike,
against a backdrop of
accusing branches
pointing in the
direction of
home.


Your eyes no longer
cast their light
but settle sightlessly
as your hands
rest ghost-like
and are 
still.


Barely breathing,
almost inaudible,
you try to explain.
Your words unnecessary
as you are
etched in
suffering.


My indignation 
and outrage
are
dull weapons
as will be
your own
until you
rediscover
them.


(Photo courtesy of Wikimedia. Photographer: Pauline Eccles)

20 comments:

  1. I'm really enjoying your series of poems Penny.

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  2. Love your words. Great photo by Eccles also.

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  3. So poignant and sad, but so beautiful, Penny.

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  4. very haunting ghostly images with the words conjuring up images of nosferatu

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  5. Beautifully written, perfect choice of photo too Penny.

    xx

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  6. I'm really enjoying this aspect of your creativity, Penny. You've got a strong voice that is emerging in front of us. Have you always written poetry or is this new for you?
    Thanks so much for sharingxoxo Kim

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  7. Gorgeous! And I love the picture you chose it fits perfectly!
    XXXX
    Becky

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  8. Thank you all for your lovely, kind, encouraging comments. Kim ~ I've always written poetry but, never out loud and in public. Since I've been posting it here, I've felt a bit more confident about doing it and I now, can't stop! OxOxO

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  9. Poignant and haunting ... .
    and, yes, your image choice is perfect.

    jjj

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  10. Your writing is amazing.. That photo goes perfectly with your poem..

    Hugs, Linda

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  11. Thankyou for the kind comment you left on my blog - I had to come and say 'hallo'. What a talented lady you are - lovely poems and photos as well as beautifully crafted items. What a good thing your Dad was such a keen photographer or those great family shots might never have been taken. I shall have to comment as Anonymous as Blogger won't let me leave you a comment, but I am Heather, whose blog is Ragged Old Blogger.

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  12. Me too enjoying your fabulous ghostly shot :)

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  13. i am torn this time of year, between the waning light and the warmth...between youth and age...i think you and i understand one another...thank you for this

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  14. If we could only know in advance those things that will shrivel us .... It is oh so hard to lay down those weapons however dull they may have become ....

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  15. Hi, Penny ... thank you for visiting my blog and leaving your kind words! I've read four of your poems so far and they are so rich in imagery and feeling ... This poem helps me to articulate a process I am going through right now ... and of course, November's coming on ... 'Your words unneccessary / as you are / etched in / suffering' --> these lines give me some understanding of my current difficulty in putting words to paper (or screen!) and into conversation ... Experience certainly does 'etch' us over time, doesn't it ... Thank you :-)

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  16. Penny you have such a gift with words. I'm so glad that you are finding your voice & sharing it with us.

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  17. Beautiful poem Penny...the photo fits perfectly with it also. Hope you have a wonderful Sunday!

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  18. Love reading your poems Penny..Thanks for sharing them :)
    Jan x

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  19. you lift words up and make them soar dear Pen...your verbal imagery is powerful indeed!
    oxo
    p.s. enjoyed catching up...missed blogging while we were traveling

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