Thursday, December 31, 2009
Final Blog for 2009
This is my final blog for 2009. It has been a year of change, pain, and growth. As I look forward to this next year, I do so refreshed, renewed, and alive. It has been several years since I have felt alive and like Serena. I am pleased to have made some new friends in 2009 and I am grateful for the old ones that still linger. Gratitude has been truly felt this year.
Tuesday, December 8, 2009
Black Petal
This poem feels. I love this.
Black Petal
by Li-Young Lee
I never claimed night fathered me.
that was my dead brother talking in his sleep.
I keep him under my pillow, a dear wish
that colors my laughing and crying.
I never said the wind, remembering nothing,
leaves so many rooms unaccounted for,
continual farewell must ransom
the unmistakable fragrance
our human days afford.
It was my brother, little candle in the pulpit,
reading out loud to all of earth
from the book of night.
He died too young to learn his name.
Now he answers to Vacant Boat,
Burning Wing, My Black Petal.
Ask him who his mother is. He'll declare the birds
have eaten the path home, but each of us
joins night's ongoing story
wherever night overtakes him,
the heart astonished to find belonging
and thanks answering thanks.
Ask if he's hungry or thirsty,
he'll say he's the bread come to pass
and draw you a map
to the twelve secret hips of honey.
Does someone want to know the way to spring?
He'll remind you
the flower was never meant to survive
the fruit's triumph.
He says an apple's most secret cargo
is the enduring odor of a human childhood,
our mother's linen pressed and stored, our father's voice
walking through the rooms.
He says he's forgiven our sister
for playing dead and making him cry
those afternoons we were left alone in the house.
And when clocks frighten me with their long hair,
and when I spy the wind's numerous hands
in the orchard unfastening
first the petals from the buds,
then the perfume from the flesh,
my dead brother ministers to me. His voice
weighs nothing
but the far years between
stars in their massive dying,
and I grow quiet hearing
how many of both of our tomorrows
lie waiting inside it to be born.
Black Petal
by Li-Young Lee
I never claimed night fathered me.
that was my dead brother talking in his sleep.
I keep him under my pillow, a dear wish
that colors my laughing and crying.
I never said the wind, remembering nothing,
leaves so many rooms unaccounted for,
continual farewell must ransom
the unmistakable fragrance
our human days afford.
It was my brother, little candle in the pulpit,
reading out loud to all of earth
from the book of night.
He died too young to learn his name.
Now he answers to Vacant Boat,
Burning Wing, My Black Petal.
Ask him who his mother is. He'll declare the birds
have eaten the path home, but each of us
joins night's ongoing story
wherever night overtakes him,
the heart astonished to find belonging
and thanks answering thanks.
Ask if he's hungry or thirsty,
he'll say he's the bread come to pass
and draw you a map
to the twelve secret hips of honey.
Does someone want to know the way to spring?
He'll remind you
the flower was never meant to survive
the fruit's triumph.
He says an apple's most secret cargo
is the enduring odor of a human childhood,
our mother's linen pressed and stored, our father's voice
walking through the rooms.
He says he's forgiven our sister
for playing dead and making him cry
those afternoons we were left alone in the house.
And when clocks frighten me with their long hair,
and when I spy the wind's numerous hands
in the orchard unfastening
first the petals from the buds,
then the perfume from the flesh,
my dead brother ministers to me. His voice
weighs nothing
but the far years between
stars in their massive dying,
and I grow quiet hearing
how many of both of our tomorrows
lie waiting inside it to be born.
Saturday, November 14, 2009
Moving Forward
Moving forward is a good thing. I have chosen to reduce complaining to an all time low. It is counter productive. I am moving foward with new things, ideas, and motivations and I have decided to just lean into the things I value most and see what happens. A new Serena is emerging and I like her.
Thursday, November 5, 2009
Circumstances
Wouldn't you know it. I am planning to go to the studio this weekend to record some poems and I get a sore throat. Reading out loud is a new discovery into sound and what can be done to rearrange the unexpected to fit the circumstance.
Saturday, October 17, 2009
Happenings In My World
Well cool weather has made its way to Georgia. I detest cold weather but it is necessary to sustain life. I am presently working on a chapbook and preparing to record some audio tracks of my work. I am looking forward to that. I also plan to get my schedule in order so that I can have more time for the things I love. As a creative creature, time is so important and I admit I have not been the best steward of it. This is going to change. I plan to be more discipline with a writing schedule. I am going to post some essays to the site concerning my feeling on different issues that I care to give commentary too as well post more information to a little more insite into who I am and what I am about.
Monday, September 21, 2009
It's Flooding In Atlanta
Believe it or not it is flooding in Atlanta! We have been in a statewide drought for some time. I guess the flood is over. My son is ill today and so I had to call in to work today. I will be posted at my computer all day catching up on my writing.
Tuesday, September 1, 2009
Stumbling into Sepember
This summer has been intense. I had a lot of growing pains professionally and a major creative download. I am learning to rest more and live more for what matters to me. I am reflecting on the dreams in my heart and what really matters to me. Basically, I am cutting the fat. I look forward to presenting some new projects and ideas on this blog that will showcase what I am talking about. Stay tuned...
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