"Poetry is thoughts that breathe, and words that burn." ~Thomas Gray

"Poetry unites." ~Anon

"Truth is such a rare thing, it is delightful to tell it." ~Emily Dickinson


Written by Christopher Hileman
He lives in Gladstone, Oregon, USA
His blog: View From The Northern Wall

Cleansing

"This poem was inspired by a photo of several naked
reed stalks in a pond covered with a kind of brownish
algae fully hiding the water's surface. It was a closeup
so no surroundings were visible. The reeds were
several and some crossed at angles. No ends were
visible. I chose one and wrote about that."

So I asked the photographer:

May I take one reed?
Here is my heart's last promise.
Hold it in token.

I am due this next cleansing.
I shall lay beneath the wave.

When I become breath
I shall use the reed's passage.
Like mist I shall rise.

Originally published on writer's personal blog.
Posted with consent of the writer.

5 Comments:

  1. Anonymous said...
    "May I take one reed?
    Here is my heart's last promise.
    Hold it in token."--Splendid. I love how the heart is separated from the rest of the speaker--a heart promising on it's own accord, guided by a mind and intent. Beautiful Mr. Hileman.
    Charli Henley said...
    Awesome, Christopher. Another lovely work.
    Love For Life said...
    I like reading how this writer got his idea for his poem. I usually prefer not knowing, but it seems to flow right into it.

    This is a lovely line" When I become breath I shall use the reed's passage. Like mist I shall rise."
    christopher said...
    Thank you all for your thoughtful comments on this poem. It is one of my favorites.
    K.Lawson Gilbert said...
    This poem is very tranquil. It has calmed me.

    I love:
    I am due this next cleansing.
    I shall lay beneath the wave.

    Truly insprired and inspiring, Christopher.

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