Tuesday poem: For the mornings after, yet to come
October 23, 2012
For the mornings after, yet to come
The comedic and the tragic, the curve sailing up into smile
or diving into frown; how clearly Greeks marked their rites,
their brief glimpse of the sacred. Human weakness and wiles
jammed behind leather grins, masks held by thongs tied tight
behind the ears. But when bodies can be jigged and changed
like shoes, like coloured hair, when man’s quick shifting
puts chameleons to shame, what of this new deranged
play of holy tricks and mundane lies, souls drifting
in opalescent truths, foxing smells and opaque looks?
I met a rogue, and thought him a little rough, a little hard,
and took him home, and let him take. So much he took
from what I then called me. Pink lotus girl with palest hands
awoke in his stead, and I became that all too famous swan,
draped with skin of goat. I kissed the now transfigured man.
P.S. Cottier
Here’s a feather from the swan that kissed you:
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Hi Penelope, For me this poem has taken some concentration. I liked the allusions and illusions centred around Greek mythology but placed in modern life. Methinks Leda and the Swan has visited you lately. I enjoyed it!
Yes, I think this one was a tad obscure. hence your being the only person brave enough to comment so far, Helen! Thank you, and I’m glad you enjoyed it. I have been so busy I haven’t visited very many Tuesday poem sites this week. Must stop swanning around and do better.