Myth of Narcissus

Gold cherry

By Silver Spun Sand

Sun, 07 Mar 2010
  • 4209 reads
21 comments
 

Bathed in slanting, eggnog sunlight,
the red-stemmed dogwood stands erect
by a paling fence. Pallid shadows streak
corrugated fields and I grow impatient
for spring to turn them to oceans
of rippling waves of green.

At the top of the hill, a eucalyptus tree,
planted in haste – stakes a claim, to this,
my cherished land, when a native oak
would have done it so much more proud.
In its stead, a slender, piebald trunk,
misshapen by prevailing winds

A cacophony of pheasants erupts – splitting
my eardrums with their cackle, as they scoot
to the nearby moor; a red-kite circles overhead,
riding the thermals. Frozen to the bone
I lay down my fork and trowel, glancing up
at the pinkish tinge of a frost boding sky.

By the pond, a clump of narcissus
do their damndest to push on through
serried ranks of trenchant meadow grass.
Late spring or not – one small bud, all-but
open. I cup its pouting lips in my hands;
each panted breath warming my palms.

Certificate U
Poem
Silver Spun Sand Poems
Autobiography

Comments

Submitted by MistakenMagic on
So many beautiful images, Tina - it's impossible to pic out a favourite line or stanza! I love the philosphical and almost nostalgic air to this one, and I too hope Spring will hurry itself along ;) Magic xxx

 

Submitted by Silver Spun Sand on
Thanks so much, Magic. This poem was the result of yesterday afternoon spent in the garden. Today it is absolutely freezing and I'm sure glad I got things done when I did. Trouble is, it looks so inviting with all the blue sky and sunshine. Hope the coming week is a good one for you;-) Tina xxx

 

Submitted by Kahdai on
Just like it was wehn I wrote a poem ages ago, this reminded me of, so I've dug it out. The sky looks like summer, frost on the ground. Frogspawn in the ponds & I've seen a red-kite too. Nature could never create it as beautifully as you. Thanks for letting me see all this through your mind, it's lovely. K xx

"I will make sense with a few reads \^^/ "

Submitted by Silver Spun Sand on
K - your comment was a poem in itself, and I thank you for it;-) Glad you enjoyed, and thank you for telling me in such a beautiful way. T xx

 

Submitted by Kahdai on
U! Really? thankyu! ^^ xx

"I will make sense with a few reads \^^/ "

Submitted by Silver Spun Sand on
Nathan - thank you...And I can almost hear it;-) Glad you liked it. Tina xox

 

Submitted by Cavalcader on
new Silver-spun-sand This is awsome and amazing poetry,images and words, are all overpowering with the love of beauty and nature. I like last stanza,especially words I cup its pouting lips in my hands; each panted breath warming my palms. If I could paint, picture I'd choose this, but can't paint. Still nippy out! I started pouting,and could think cupping hands to drink water.umm. have a good week-end. julie x

Submitted by Silver Spun Sand on
Julie - I am speechless, for once. Thnak you...and I hope you too have had a good weekend and an equally good week to come. Tina xx

 

Submitted by shoe on
It looks so lovely through the window doesn't it? You really have painted a picture here, like Julie, I like the last stanza especially.

 

Submitted by Silver Spun Sand on
Yes, Shirley. The frost was so thick again today, but now the sun has melted it and I wish it felt as warm as it looked. Thanks for reading and I am glad you enjoyed. Tina x

 

Submitted by Cavalcader on
new Silver-spun-sand Yes. I was so lifted by your poem. But in few weeks time,advert in paper poems about 5 miles away by train,on Spring. I can do if Ray doesn't come. Subject is " "Spring".One doen't have to book. I would have loved to read yours out, but not mine to do.Probably wouldn't allow me. Among others mine. You could sent it to "The Big Issue" when they print one get's paid a bit. Very cold.Must be very beautiful nature wise where you are.Someone found a" Bitten"bird near here.I hope you have copies all you have done. Are you or have you got published. julie xx

Submitted by Silver Spun Sand on
Hi there, Julie. Sorry I was late in replying to this, but I missed it completely (must get some new specs;-) If you had asked, I would certainly have given you permission to read my poem. I would have been more than flattered. As to your final question, I do have a collection of poetry which I put together not long after my daughter Andrea passed away to raise money for the Sue Ryder Hospice where she spent her last days. The book is called 'In Two Minds' and was published by an extremely generous aquaintance of mine who gave his professional services completely free of charge. If you are interested in a copy, you are more than welcome to a complimentary copy. It would be my pleasure;-) By the way, it is extremely interesting to hear that someone near you has seen a Bittern. They were almost non-existent here until a few years ago, but still extremely rare. My thanks to you, as always, Julie. Tina ;-)

 

Submitted by tcook on
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Submitted by Silver Spun Sand on
Well thank you kindly, Tony. You made my day;-) Tina

 

Submitted by Firebird on
What a lovely poem, Tina x:) You are such a talented poet x A joy to read x thank you x:)

 

Submitted by Silver Spun Sand on
...Such are your words, Firebird and I thank you for them;-) Tina x

 

Submitted by rjnewlyn on
Well I think the others have said most of what I'd want to say. It's very good - captures that frustration of waiting for spring and that sense of struggling for life. Like TS Eliot's 'midwinter spring is its own season' lines.

 

Submitted by Silver Spun Sand on
Thanks so much, rj...and on the contrary, no one says it quite like you;-) And most certainly, TS Eliot does spring to mind, now you mention it. Tina

 

Submitted by Dynamaso on
Tina, this is absolutely stunning poem - has me pining for the summer that is slowly slipping away on my side of the world. At least I know we won't have the snow and ice you've suffered this past winter.

 

Submitted by Silver Spun Sand on
Dynamaso - thank you and yes, I guess in your neck of the woods, autumn isn't far away. As much as here, we all moan about the inconvenience that snow and ice brings, nothing takes away its beauty...till it turns to slush, of course;-) Always a bonus to hear from you;-) Tina

 

Submitted by Cavalcader on
new Silver-spun-sand Well many many congratulations on the cherry! Sorry! just keyed in, I was out getting felt. to try and finish long time back poodle started someone. yes I would love to get mine to get a copy run it off, take on March 26th.It's called a 'step on step' of stage I think.that depends how many go. and read out your amazing poem 'Myth Of Narcissus' And thankyou for permission to do so. But some co; rule is not allowed to? If not your own work.I admitted once you send three, but one was our daughter's from school and rule to do 3 of your own! only.But I put hers in three asked for and told the truth! it was sent back.Must be your own work.so had send another one, one paid all time. I used to visit Sue Ryder Hospice shop in the village of Our Lady of Walsinghams Norfolk Coach or car church trips at one time. Yes I would love to have a copy of "Two Minds".Yes,it can cost quite a bit for any one to get published.So mine got me £1 file keep all in from writing group and homeless went. before I started on Abctales.And before learning computer.Yes I think Bitten was hit,and they nursed it till well, it is unusual paper said to find one here. Is an eggnog a drink as well.I seem to remember used have one xmas time. All bulbs coming up in little garden, daughter and friend do,as I can't bend that low. lovely.Thankyou so much cos. title is "Spring" Think they want. I haven't done one completely on all about Spring.Well I do look up dictionary now.T.V. programme "Eggheads"=Scholar don't like it called "Eggheads". Thankyou so much.I can send any costs Have a good week end.I am going to look at an Art exhibit he may come.Good luck with specs,we both have two pairs,and the places we leave them in? amazing. julie x