| Author | Message | ||
| LJ Cohen
Moderator Username: ljc Post Number: 3478 Registered: 07-2002 |
It is enough to dry the dishes as you wash, deft hands flicking water from polished steel. You offer me the carving knife handle first, thumb and forefingers shield the blade. I swipe down the sharp surface, slide it with a solid snick in the maple block. You smooth a wrinkled sheet into a neat square, laugh as I wrestle unruly corners, throw the misshapen bundle at your head. I settle for pairing socks, tuck the boys into freshly made beds, winter blanket warm. It is enough to sit in silence, stroke the dog beside this fire you built for me, the ringer off, invitations politely refused. I am the book you read by light the color of maple syrup gold, the story we tell for a thousand and one nights and never tire of its ending. http://ljcbluemuse.blogspot.com/ | ||
| R D McManes
Advanced Member Username: mac Post Number: 193 Registered: 03-2001 |
wonderful blend of timeless images and the ending is truly superb. mac Mac | ||
| Charles Levenstein
Valued Member Username: chucklev Post Number: 114 Registered: 12-2001 |
Lisa, how comforting for us old folks -- the ragged edges wear smooth over time! Chuck | ||
| sue kay
New member Username: suekay Post Number: 15 Registered: 11-2005 |
I am the book you read by light the color of maple syrup gold, the story we tell for a thousand and one nights and never tire of its ending. What a beautiful image. Everything in this piece is about the gentle regard and comfort that shines through. I love the ending, the book lovingly opened to read the favourite familiar words.....again. A bedtime story, inside the covers of a treasured book, that never gets old. Sue | ||
| Zephyr
Senior Member Username: zephyr Post Number: 3277 Registered: 07-2003 |
A tender and beautifully wrought poem Lisa and a great ending.Thoroughly enjoyed this. | ||
| LJ Cohen
Moderator Username: ljc Post Number: 3482 Registered: 07-2002 |
Mac--thank you. it's funny how poems sneak up on you--I hadn't intended to write this ending at all.  Chuck--thanks. Me and Neil are an old married couple, LOL. Been together nearly 24 years. Still the person I want to spend my time with. Sue--thank you. I feel very blessed in my marriage. That regard and comfort permeates everything we do. Zephyr--thanks so much for reading and commenting. It was a thanksgiving gift for hubby. best, ljc http://ljcbluemuse.blogspot.com/ | ||
| Nancy G
New member Username: nancyg Post Number: 28 Registered: 11-2005 |
Yes, this is beautiful. Great form. I love it, the images are so earthy and concrete and grounding, and the poem just flows effortlessly from beginning to end. Great job! | ||
| Dan Cox
Valued Member Username: dcox56 Post Number: 111 Registered: 08-2005 |
Hi Lisa, I've read this several times now and absolutely love it! By far, the most original approach of all the challenge poems this week. A fine balance of just enough imagery, internal rhyme, and sound work to make for lovely poetics, while, at the same time, staying true to the humble and thankful tone of the poem. Also like the the sensational title's contrast to the poem's message. Can't say enough about this one. | ||
| LJ Cohen
Moderator Username: ljc Post Number: 3492 Registered: 07-2002 |
nancy--thank you for your lovely comments. Much obliged. Dan--what can I say--you've just made my entire week. (at least!) Thank you so very much. best, ljc http://ljcbluemuse.blogspot.com/ | ||
| Cary
Intermediate Member Username: ponderlust Post Number: 454 Registered: 07-2005 |
LJ... I am the book you read by light the color of maple syrup gold, the story So I wonder if he has the Cliffnotes or if the book is titled "LJ for Dummies"? Just kidding... that's an awesome couplet and envy begets wisecracks. Lovely poem. Cary... | ||
| LJ Cohen
Moderator Username: ljc Post Number: 3498 Registered: 07-2002 |
Cary--believe me, after all these years together, he reads me like a book. Thanks! ljc http://ljcbluemuse.blogspot.com/ | ||
| Michael MV
Senior Member Username: michaelv Post Number: 1075 Registered: 11-2003 |
I enjoyed this when I read it in the challenge thread. Then as now, I wonder, given the titular allusion, if formally this might be even more effective if blocked, like from the pages of a storybook Michael (MV) | ||
| Penelope
Intermediate Member Username: penelope Post Number: 466 Registered: 07-2005 |
Lj, I get a lump in my throat when I read this. It recreates one of those perfect moments in a life, a marriage when all is right in the world. I've had many such moments and am grateful you've given one back to me. "...light/the color of maple syrup" was wonderful. I am so tuned to light and lighting and that was a perfect stroke. Penelope | ||
| Kathy Paupore
Senior Member Username: kathy Post Number: 2743 Registered: 12-2003 |
Lisa, I too enjoyed this in the challenge. Might I compliment your line break here: I am the book you read by light the color of maple syrup gold it could be either the light that is maple syrup gold, the pages of the book, or the author; IMHO that is what makes it such an effective couplet. | ||
| LJ Cohen
Moderator Username: ljc Post Number: 3524 Registered: 07-2002 |
MV--thanks! You are definitely the master at marrying form to content! Penelope--I'm so pleased this moved you. Sometimes it's the simplest things that are the most important. I would rather spend a quiet evening with hubby than be anywhere else. Kathy--thank you! Good line breaks are such a challenge! I fussed with this one about six different ways. best, ljc http://ljcbluemuse.blogspot.com/ |
