Building Goodbye
Building the best goodbye;
when so many leave, it
has to be done.
when so many leave, it
has to be done.
Should it be of blooded steel
solid as a shield wall or
should it be smoky glass
jagged and slivered sharp?
I thought to make it oak
keeled from the green heart
of a tree that lasts longer
fights harder to live
than either you or I,
but willow as she bends down
woven white and pale
will hold better the salt of tears,
the madwoman's whispers,
twisted smiles and sighs
of all the best and last goodbyes.
June 2012
Posted for real toads
Open Link MondayImage: basket, by tracitodd, on flick'r
Shared under a creative commons license
thought to make it oak
ReplyDeletekeeled from the green heart
of a tree that lasts longer
fights harder to live
than either you or I,---nice...i like how you build in the personal aspect in your choice....and with the willow mad woman...smiles...goodbyes stink...i like the thought of building one though...
Oh this is amazing, especially apt is the willow that bends and holds the tears better. Seems we all become masters at goodbyes in this old world.
ReplyDeleteNever read anything more beautiful about an osier basket. One to hold the tears... I felt those words go straight through me.
ReplyDeleteHedge, I know you like a good comment from me, but truly, I can't say it any better than Kerry did.
Deletetwisted smiles and sighs
ReplyDeleteof all the best and last goodbyes.
Bidding goodbyes can be so testing. Many may not do it well what with twisted smiles and all. Great write, Joy!
Hank
very good, love how it gets softer as it winds down
ReplyDeleteIf you have to say goodbye, I think the heart of a tree would be the most honorable way. This was beautiful, hedgewitch. I just wish I didn't have to say so many goodbyes lately.
ReplyDeleteMe, too dear, me, too. I think yours have been a little harder than mine though. Thanks for stopping by.
DeleteYou offer goodbye in a basket, handmade, loving and generous and strong. You, oak, willow and the cycles of time worked together to make a lovely type of eulogy.
ReplyDeleteI hate goodbyes, but you have made them beautiful.
ReplyDeleteI really like this! I think if we could put our spirits in trees they would honor us with their gentle endurance.
ReplyDeleteThis is one of my favorite of yours! So beautiful. Yes, a willow works when it comes to goodbyes...
ReplyDeleteWow, I love this one!
ReplyDeleteThis portrayed the magic of nature's view....
I love the imagery, this is my fav:
"but willow as she bends down
woven white and pale
will hold better the salt of tears,
the madwoman's whispers,
twisted smiles and sighs
of all the best and last goodbyes."
Wonderful to read and imagine! I loved it~
Ah, 'goodbyes.' Sometimes welcome, but more often folding regret into memory and tinted with sadness. A great write as usual Joy.
ReplyDeleteoh i can barely respond. thanks for this beautiful poem.
ReplyDeleteExquisite. "so many leave" ...so much truth in that.
ReplyDeleteK
This is thick....not like gooey thick but stout thick. Its so easy to get it wrong when writing of such matters...but this was strong without jeopardizing the emotion. Great writing Joy....I am always glad when I stop by your place.
ReplyDeleteI'm glad, too, Corey. Yours was amazing. Thanks for reading.
Deletesuperb.exquisitely wrought.the deliberate understated tone of the poem has bristling emotions just beneath the surface...the order of the basket contrasting the disorder within.excellent poem.
ReplyDeleteLove, love, love this...especially since I'll be traveling this weekend. Beautiful, heart-catching imagery. :) Read quite a few but wanted to take a moment to comment on this one. Thanks for all the wonderful writing you share.
ReplyDeleteThis is just beautiful.
ReplyDelete