Strong Verse
Bookmark and Share

Home Page
About Strong Verse
How to Submit Poetry
Contact Strong Verse
List of Poets

Dead Poets

Author Biography
Poetry By
  Rose Drew


Published on: 4/2/2009
A celebration of my ignorance

I don't want to salt my poetry
with hidden clues to be uncovered by detectives
intent on my translation

Don't need multiple layers of meaning on meaning on meaning
to achieve a lasting record of my thoughts
feelings
experiences,

I'm not Christy or Doyle constructing
a good read
or a scavenger hunt.

I know where the Lethe flows, so what if you do too

Pretentious tidbits arcane trivae aren't sown among
my phrases
the point must be open to all or I haven't done my job

I could pore over Whitman or the Iliad or consult
my ancient Mesopotamian fragments, all handsomely leatherbound,
sprinkle the proof that only scholars need apply,
not you,
or you,
or you

but then my audience would dwindle to harumphing nodders
assured anew of superior education
re-established on their pedestals of glorious accomplishment

numbering in the dozens

if I want to be ignored it's not so hard
to call my family:
where the salt is poured into a wound
not spread hipdeep upon the page.


Published on: 3/20/2008
For Rose

But when will it stop hurting
she asks
always the first serious question
not to involve
flowers
service
urn versus box.

Clear pure eyes
so often paired with
smooth calm brow

but now eyes damp, hollow
papery skin thin and dry
despair gathers her brow to furrows

It's a low tide
I finally say,
that wave by wave
gently moves the shoreline back,
until you look up and think: Ah.
The tide.
Or high tide: the water that laps sudden cold
across toes, arising imperceptibly
as growing grass, as a rising moon

Or, I add,

analogies in full bloom,
It's that headache-
the one that lasts for days.
After a while you think, Oh.
It's gone. I wonder when it went away.

Only the absence
once complete,
registers

She knows,
clever well-traveled woman, she knows.
But intellect isn't heart
reason does nothing for lonely rage,
measured plans will never kiss you
passionately
good night.

New Poems

The Internet
StrongVerse.com

 




Strong Verse
Copyright © Hatrack River Enterprises Web Site Hosted and Designed by WebBoulevard.com