the final flood

nature, Personal Reflection 1 Minute 

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

Published by abigfatcanofworms

We all walk in the dark. But if we hold hands, perhaps the dark won't be as scary.

Published

30 thoughts on “the final flood”

  3. 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!

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

  7. 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.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

  10. “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!

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

  11. 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.”

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

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