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.
For me, your closing sentiment captured me...nicely gathered, Mary!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Hannah.
DeleteThe closing lines got me, too. Really beautiful, Mary.
ReplyDeleteGood prompt, MZ.
DeleteI 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!!!!!!
ReplyDeleteI wondered if we carry our fears with us when we die.
DeleteHi 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..
ReplyDeleteBTW, 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.
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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.
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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.
Deleteorchards
ReplyDeleteof hunger
for all she has.... that one gave me shivers a bit but also a feel of comfort...
I like word lists as a prompt because it gives me a very different way to say something which ends up being more powerful.
DeleteIntriguing - I read it three times and it seems they both have something to give the other. Lovely.
ReplyDeleteYes, orientation and comfort from one and perhaps the lingering scent of a loved one from the other.
DeleteI quite like this poem and your series (with bone on bone in my knees, it's a daily reminder) ~
ReplyDeleteSorry it brings unpleasant reminders but thanks for reading,
DeleteThis is a wonderful series, Mary, very powerful with a strong (if well-distilled) narrative sense. Thanks. k .
ReplyDeleteI appreciate your feedback, Karin.
Deletebones... how interesting... I can't help but think there is much more to this than meets the eye.
ReplyDeleteIt'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.
DeleteThis made me smile...I never thought of a spa for bones. Great write!
ReplyDeleteWe haven't had to think of this ...yet.
Deletevery beautiful... love your bones verses! really, can't wait to see them collected all together.
ReplyDeleteThanks for being a fan!
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ReplyDeleteI see you have explained the bone poems. I was curious, too.
ReplyDeleteI'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
And come out in the most unexpected ways.
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