home!
here I am
come home from work
the heat is itch
and sweat
and swelter
clouds boiling
above
and all the way
to the horizon
strip off
the uniform shirt
strip off the pants
unpeel the socks
throw away the shoes
stand quite still
outside
the back door . . .
on the lawn
raise a sound
that sounds
like chanting
chant in the direction
of the sky
raise my arms . . .
chant
into the sky
make it sound
a little like . . .
just a little bit
like rain
than stamp
with each foot
in turn
stamp and stamp
the dust to rise
stamp
to make a place
for mud
when it falls
surely
it will fall
if I chant my song
full
loud enough
and long
shake the stones
from fallen peaches
squeeze
in a hand
one strawberry
(over-ripe
and not enough
of sprinkled water)
but
tonight
(hide the moon
behind a cloud)
tonight
(let the thunder
rumble)
tonight . . .
tonight
just
let it rain
~
Frank. I have to admit this is the first of your poems that I laughed though sometimes I giggle quietly; but this one, no, loud enough to set this suburb wondering about my sanity. Seriously, these words conjure pictures of war dances, relief and the sheer reaction to a blistering heat Loved it
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It seems to have worked, Claire. My job here is done!
Glad you enjoyed the piece.
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PS I have re-read it and I’m still giggling Now our toy poodle furchild looks at me with disdain Wooofff
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I should do them more often, I think.
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Now, THAT’S a rain dance!!
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Nearly 2 inches in the old currency. Not a bad result!
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Not at all!
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