Her mother seeks her out –
but not in her bed, for she seldom
sleeps there...
in the yard maybe, curled up
by a rusting mangle; a grizzled tomcat
nestling in her arms.
Failing that, chance could be she’s in
the coltsfoot by the sycamore tree –
root-bare – ripped, years since
from its umbilical ties by a corridor
of wind – still bemoaning
its shrivelled fruits, echoes
through the darkling scrim, where
voles and dormice make their home
and insects crawl on stones.
God forbid – she be beside
the railway line; seeking the buzz –
the susurrus...cold-steel against her ear...
Look in the cellar, Mother dear,
where lilac-wine seethes and simmers
like the devils brew...
wherein she lies, a-dreaming,
of a princess...a witch, and a spindle;
a pin-prick that hurts...but only a little.
Comments
MaggieG | September 3, 2011 - 16:08
Personally ? This is my cherry pick of the day. It is moody, and brewing with a lovely sense of the magical brimming in it. Damn fine read !
skinner_jennifer | September 3, 2011 - 16:10
What a magic piece of writing Tina.
Loved it.
Jenny.
Silver Spun Sand | September 3, 2011 - 18:48
Well thank you for that, Maggie;-)
Tina
Silver Spun Sand | September 3, 2011 - 18:49
Glad you thought so, Jenny;-)
Tina
rjnewlyn | September 3, 2011 - 18:51
Yes, 'magic' is the right word. I loved the surreality and nursery rhymish elements here. Wonderful.
Rob
Silver Spun Sand | September 3, 2011 - 19:29
Ta, ever so, Rob;-) Have a great weekend.
Tina
fatboy74 | September 4, 2011 - 00:50
you have used two words I have never heard of and that always says quality to me :-) - very, very good poem Tina. :-)
Silver Spun Sand | September 4, 2011 - 08:58
Hi there, fb...I wouldn't mind betting that 'susurrus', is one of them;-) Never mind - even if it wasn't, it gives me chance to say it to myself, again, and again. I love the sound of it...so beautifully onomatopoeic.
Many thanks for reading, fb, and I'm really pleased you enjoyed. Have a sunny Sunday;-)
Tina
sue dinum | September 4, 2011 - 12:35
Yes, I agree with all the above comments. Yet another classic piece from the Silver Spun Sand stable, and great atmosphere to boot.
Well done, Tina
sue
Cavalcaderl | September 4, 2011 - 13:08
new Silver-Spun-Sand
So beautifully entwined with
the word's, and great reading of author poet.
Definitely winner of the week (IP)
Word's that behold the reader, even above my intelligence.New word's nearly every time.
The last line, reminds me of "Sleeping Beauty" beauty.
Weather's ugh!
Well deserved cherry!
Silver Spun Sand | September 4, 2011 - 14:35
Like your turn of phrase, sue;-) Many thanks, and have a good Sunday.
Tina
Silver Spun Sand | September 4, 2011 - 14:37
Hi there, Julie...and you go the the 'Sleeping Beauty' connection too, well done. And as for new words, I always find it so exciting when I discover them;-)
Have a nice Sunday, Julie and I hope it's not tipping it down, like it is here. At least my ducks are happy;-)
Tina x
Sikander | September 4, 2011 - 21:20
Ohhhh this is gorgeous! One of those fantastically tactile reads and - like all the best fairytales - has a pinch of the sinister lurking behind it. Great stuff. Thank you for the great read!
Silver Spun Sand | September 4, 2011 - 22:09
You are more than welcome, Sikander...and hey, thank you for reading;-)
Tina
lenchenelf | September 5, 2011 - 10:34
Hi Tina, One of your very very best, confidently handled as you flip between symbolism and a clear narrative structure. Enjoyed reading...alot!
all the best
Lena xx
Silver Spun Sand | September 5, 2011 - 11:16
Many thanks for your much valued thoughts, Lena, Hope things are well with you;-)
Tina xx
MistakenMagic | September 6, 2011 - 14:31
Another truly beautiful poem, Tina. Love these lines:
"Failing that, chance could be she’s in
the coltsfoot by the sycamore tree –
root-bare – ripped, years since
from its umbilical ties by a corridor
of wind – still bemoaning
its shrivelled fruits"
You capture youth and innocence so well! Congrats on the cherries ;-)
Magic xxx
seashore | September 6, 2011 - 20:45
So good, so very good!
Silver Spun Sand | September 6, 2011 - 21:31
Pleased you gleaned so much from this one, Magic. And speaking of youth, I really wish it was something we could bottle;-) I'd buy a million;-)
Thanks for your lovely comment. Much appreciated.
Tina xxx
Silver Spun Sand | September 6, 2011 - 21:32
Much obliged to you, Coral;-)
Tina