Angelina

Cherry

By Silver Spun Sand

Wed, 25 May 2011
  • 5714 reads
22 comments
 

‘Beat a path of retreat
up them spiral staircases,
past the tree of smoke
past the angel with four faces
begging God for mercy
and weepin’ in holy places’
Bob Dylan

All evening I’ve smelt patchouli;
the incense sticks you burned –
your precious ritual
at the end of every day...

somewhat hazy at first
then, like a Titian painting
you, sitting in that rocking chair
eyes – the colour of storm.
Earlier this morning

walking in the garden
past the crude, stone cross
I remember how the poppies
were redder that summer
and how loudly the cicadas sang –
sunning themselves...

the chisel marks that cut
your name have weathered now
the dates ill-defined, and
the full-stop – covered
by lichen and moss.

You might have even smiled
at the nosegay I’ve brought...
all vanillas, and pinks and
the softest of mauves...

sweet peas, your favourites
I shall never forget
and my eyes mist up...
wishing I could.

Certificate PG
Poem
Silver Spun Sand Poems
Love

Comments

Submitted by Highhat on
It's good not to forget the good times Tina !! This is a lovely poem. I thought straight away about Bob Dylan when I read the title. It's good that you also are inspired by music and song lyrics. It's lovely to have a melody in your head isn't it? ;)Pia

Submitted by Silver Spun Sand on
I couldn't agree more, Pia;-) Many thanks for reading. Tina

 

Submitted by skinner_jennifer on
I found this poem so beautifully haunting Tina. I love that second stanza, it's my favourite:- All evening I've smelt patchouli; the incense sticks you burned - your precious ritual at the end of every day... I have always loved the smell of patchouli, used to wear it all the time when I was younger, so could relate totally to these lines. From another Bob Dylan fan, thankyou for the great read. Jenny.

 

Submitted by Silver Spun Sand on
Jenny - you are more than welcome;-) Tina

 

Submitted by seashore on
Felt a bit choked reading this, Tina as I'm sure you probably did writing it, but it's just lovely... Coral

Submitted by Silver Spun Sand on
Yes, I did Coral. Thanks for your words, and for reading. It means a lot;-) Tina

 

Submitted by Insertponceyfre... on
this is lovely!

 

Submitted by Silver Spun Sand on
Thanks, so very much, insert. Really pleased you enjoyed;) Tina

 

Submitted by Cavalcader on
new Silver-Spun-Sand Hi! just seen well deserved cherry! on a beautiful saddish poem. So intricately done written as always. Who wa Angelina sorry to ask I loved Dylan's songs to. julie xx

Submitted by Silver Spun Sand on
Hi, Julie;-) Thanks for reading. 'Angelina', was the title of the song that Bob Dylan wrote, and hence the title of my poem, that could be about anyone, I guess that was loved and then lost. Pleased you enjoyed. Tina xx

 

Submitted by rjnewlyn on
Very beautiful, very sad. But not Desolation Row, at least. Rob

 

Submitted by Silver Spun Sand on
Thanks, Rob;-) Pleased you enjoyed. Tina

 

Submitted by fatboy74 on
just wonderful.

 

Submitted by Silver Spun Sand on
fb, thank you;-) Glad you thought so. Tina

 

Submitted by Cavalcader on
new Silver-Spun-Sand Oh! thanks Tina, so much for explaining to me, well your's is a good poem. The imageries exploding of names and colours. Tip top cherries. Ah! memories old songs aye! Our friend in nursing home would sing to, "The Long and winding road" and all course mainly "Frank Sinatra". The only one I really know "Blowing In The Wind" the answer is blowing in he wind. Day centre's music groups. of which all had folders and all words A-Z of songs. Still have a few 45". But I love the way you bring in the names and describe in your poems. Have you got Peonies in your garden, they are enormous here, this year treble blooms each, weight all on ground so mine has had to bring them in. Plant given to us When daughter saw her nan, brought back year ago.Only small garden.Can't do. So you had a lot of rain. Do you grow all the flowers you mention. The song was "Thumbelina" so deleted that bit sorry just got up lazy (back) Dodgy. Strong winds here.Your garden sounds a picture for you to paint.What songs are you playing Will delete it's far to long. Have a good week-end can't always get on computer. julie xx

Submitted by Silver Spun Sand on
Hi again, Julie. I do have one Peony, but it is what is known as a 'Tree Peony'. It has a lovely pale pink flower, but not quite as big and bold as the normal Peony. With the rain we had yesterday, it is hanging its head a bit today, so I may have to cut it and bring it indoors. They are such beautiful flowers and I bet yours are wonderful. Enjoy them;-) Tina xx

 

Submitted by MistakenMagic on
"the chisel marks that cut your name have weathered now the dates ill-defined, and the full-stop – covered by lichen and moss." - love this stanza, Tina! A beautiful poem :) My last exam went much better than expected - the cramming did work. I'm now back home and ready for my Welsh getaway ;) Magic xxx

 

Submitted by Silver Spun Sand on
Magic - great to hear from you, and have a lovely week;-) And I'm so pleased today's exam went well. Thanks for taking time out to read this, and I'm so glad you enjoyed. Tina xxx

 

Submitted by Cavalcader on
new MistakenMagic So glad exams went well for you. Have a good week-end weather's not great? julie xx

Submitted by RachelPatricia on
I'm lost for words, Tina - this is so beautiful. Whenever I smell patchouli from now on I will think of this poem and smile. A well deserved cherry, this one's straight from the heart and it's stunning :) Rachel xx

Submitted by Silver Spun Sand on
Rachel - thank you so much for your words. More than appreciated;-) Tina xx

 

Submitted by Silver Spun Sand on
Many thanks, Nathan;-) Pleased you enjoyed. Tina