pass with caution,
just not now
a lover named death awaits courtship
with patience and stealth, though stealth
isn't a necessity. there will be no unrequited,
rather a point when fatigue is in a smile,
like that spread across mouths that lay me
down to sleep.
she said her farewells twice before, after
patience took her hand to waltz. we didn't
care for the music and said so adamantly.
it wasn't shock, but an acquiesced demeanor
that brought her to her (our) senses. she's
frail now, and old. her strength manifests
as our desires and we tell her to "hold on,"
"hang in there":
none of us knows where 'there' is, but we
take the curves a bit slower now, and make
believe it's a better place than that which
we fear.
Poem © 2013 Rick Burnett Baker
Photo by Steven Kelly shared by Tess Kincaid.
Nice "take" on the picture, Rick. Not sure, but I think I like to "die" only once. Guess we got NOT much choice in the matter...
ReplyDeletePEACE!
Nice "take" on the picture, Rick. Not sure, but I think I like to "die" only once. Guess we got NOT much choice in the matter...
ReplyDeletePEACE!
I like where you went with this.....nicely done
ReplyDeleteit has got to be a better place...x
ReplyDeleteSombre thoughts...
ReplyDeleteTell me were there is and I'll hang...
ReplyDeleteI let some things go hang - but that's different, eh?! :)
ReplyDeleteI think I will pass that courtship as well Rick....love the different direction you went with this one....unique and fresh. :-)
ReplyDelete"She said her farewells twice before, after
ReplyDeletepatience took her hand to waltz. we didn't
care for the music and said so adamantly."
Wow, what a line!
A lover named death awaits courtship..I think I'd like to postpone that dance..
ReplyDeleteBeautiful write Rick. When I read this it brought to mind the journey some people travel when terminally ill & that terrible dance with death that they & their loved ones go through. "Hang in there!" ... an expression of not being ready to let go.
ReplyDelete