10 December 2014

Bone Whisperer


Winter solstice, 
short nights 
and cold in our bones,
we gather in the dell 
among the alders
to greet our newest member.
Fear wreaths her head 
as she feints left to run,
so I am called 
to calm her and explain 
the bone scrum we form. 
She doesn't know 
our ways,
the comfort 
we derive
from bone on bone,
but she brings 
the latest news,
other nights
so recently hers,
perhaps she brushed 
a loved one 
lost to us
and carries 
their faint scent.
We have orchards
of hunger
for all she has.


Posted for Mama Zen at the Garden who asked to use homophones in our poem. I used feint and faint. I also found words in another prompt and used dell, alders, wreaths, and orchards but didn't write down the source and now can't find it again. If anyone can tell me I'd be grateful. This is another in my bone poems series. 

26 comments:

  1. For me, your closing sentiment captured me...nicely gathered, Mary!

    ReplyDelete
  2. The closing lines got me, too. Really beautiful, Mary.

    ReplyDelete
  3. I am enjoying your bone poems very much. This makes me think of my first solstice gathering. I did not leap over the fire, I was afraid I would fall in it!!!!!!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I wondered if we carry our fears with us when we die.

      Delete
  4. Hi Mary ~~ It's been quite a while since I've read one of your poems. this one is very nice. I didn't understand the bone on bone cure but will Google it when I leave here. I picked up your first feint and so did start looking for another..

    BTW, read you bio, Mrs. Jim and I have also been together for 41 years. Grandkids too, this week we are staying with one before and after school while her parents are working.
    ..

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. My bone on bone, like Google's, was in the knee when the cartilage is worn down so the upper and lower bones are rubbing. It grinds, personal experience, like two concrete blocks rubbing against each other.
      ..

      Delete
    2. Hi Jim, Congrats on the 41 yrs. It's a kick, isn't it? I was referring back to the bone scrum and imagining the comfort derived from even that meager contact.

      Delete
  5. orchards
    of hunger
    for all she has.... that one gave me shivers a bit but also a feel of comfort...

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I like word lists as a prompt because it gives me a very different way to say something which ends up being more powerful.

      Delete
  6. Intriguing - I read it three times and it seems they both have something to give the other. Lovely.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yes, orientation and comfort from one and perhaps the lingering scent of a loved one from the other.

      Delete
  7. I quite like this poem and your series (with bone on bone in my knees, it's a daily reminder) ~

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Sorry it brings unpleasant reminders but thanks for reading,

      Delete
  8. This is a wonderful series, Mary, very powerful with a strong (if well-distilled) narrative sense. Thanks. k .

    ReplyDelete
  9. bones... how interesting... I can't help but think there is much more to this than meets the eye.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. It's all Grace's fault at dVerse Poets Pub who asked us to write a poem as one dead. Once I started thinking about how things might be from that perspective, all these bone poems sprung up. Subliminally, it's the first anniversary of my brother's death and I've recently been visiting ancestral places, so I think things are working under the surface.

      Delete
  10. This made me smile...I never thought of a spa for bones. Great write!

    ReplyDelete
  11. very beautiful... love your bones verses! really, can't wait to see them collected all together.

    ReplyDelete
  12. This comment has been removed by the author.

    ReplyDelete
  13. I see you have explained the bone poems. I was curious, too.
    I'm so sorry for the loss of your brother. I can't imagine losing one of mine. However, I understand how things can be working under the surface.
    Luv,
    K

    ReplyDelete

Let's chat.