I am here for another birth metastasizing darkness the way afternoon sun treats the day to riches I suppose death lies for us all somewhere between our pillow and a dream in the moment when breath escapes the inevitable frangipani storm // the sawing sea I must go in for the fog is rising pressing my soul into that elastic cradle for only the slingshot is immortal it will deliver me to the slow heave of amniotic fluid // this black space the final flood
Written for Laura’s dVerse Poetics “Words of Departure” I chose Emily Dickinson’s quote from the list below.
….Select ONE phrase from these famous departing words
- “All those moments will be lost in time, like tears in rain” -Roy Batty, Blade Runner
- “My battery is low and it’s getting dark” – Mars rover ‘Opportunity’
- “A certain butterfly is already on the wing.” Vladimir Nabokov
- “I must go in for the fog is rising” Emily Dickinson
- “Ah! The times were good! It was I who was so unhappy”. Sophie Arnould, French operatic soprano
- “My anchor is well cast, and my ship, though weather-beaten, will outride the storm” Samuel Hopkins, theologian
- “Go on, get out! Last words are for fools who haven’t said enough.” Karl Marx
Then using your chosen phrase:-
- Write a ‘deathbed’ poem of your own imagination (time and place optional!)
- It does not have to pertain to the author of your chosen words but can do
- You could include backstory, personality, remembrances, other people present
- Make it sad, funny, sudden, expected, personal or remote
- read Billy Collins’ “Deathbeds” poem – it sets all sorts of scenes
I find this very worrying, and I’m hoping that all is still well.
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It’s just a response to a prompt. Panic not. ❤
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I should’ve read the prompt before getting myself worked up. Glad all is well.
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Thank you for being concerned.
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Nearly shit myself but thankfully the prompt was informative and you will be around to make our heart stop for a good while yet.
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Sorry Tracy!!
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Don’t be, but I am relieved.
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This is so very real…..as is proven by the comments above. Visceral in its voice.
“frangipani storm // the sawing sea
I must go in for the fog is rising”
These lines I find particularly emotive….the idea of a frangipani storm is brilliant.
Am also glad all is well with you!
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Thanks, Lillian. 🙂 ❤
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Oh, this is strong, and such a cool perspective mrs clause — loved it!
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THanks, Rob! So glad it resonated!
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you wrote like Dickinson too – I loved this poem and where you slipped in her last words. But this line really resonates with me
“pressing my soul into that elastic cradle”
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loved this. there is a touch of Edgar Allen Poe about this
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Thanks! So glad you liked it.
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How beautifully you have captured the black space, the final flood. It is paradox for another birth isn’t it. Love the
frangipani storm // the sawing sea, and that line of the immortal slingshot. Thanks for joining in.
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Many thanks, Grace! THanks for reading so carefully and thoughtfully.
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“Frangipani sky.” You are brilliant, worms.
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Thank you K! ❤
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You’re very welcome.
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I like the karma vibe of this poem
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Cool! Thanks!
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“pressing my soul into that elastic cradle
for only the slingshot is immortal”
Oooh! In a write that gripped me from the first, this is where I paused and marveled in the expanse of it. Bravo!
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Thank you so much, Raivenne!
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This is absolutely stellar writing here! I especially resonate with; ” suppose death lies for us all/somewhere between our pillow and a dream/in the moment/when breath escapes the inevitable.”
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Thanks so much!! I am so glad it worked for you!
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Worms, this is brilliant writing from start to finish! Very well done!
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Thank you so much!
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My pleasure.
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Loving the flow and power in this emotional poem!
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Thank you so much, Jaya!
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