Saturday, December 19, 2020

Smoke Ring on the Wind

 



I’m no hand me down Eve,

dressing my tongue in submission.

 

I can’t be me in another woman’s misery,

but I can sing harmony when another devil haunts my ribs.

 

If there’s a different drum, I’ve already played it,

a different shoe, I’ve already worn it.

 

Time is a smoke ring riding wind

until the clock chimes midnight.

 

I’m made of bone, grit, and song,

an open-eyed poem swimming every river.

 

©Susie Clevenger 2020

The Sunday Muse #139

Sometimes only poetry can say it. I think there's just this deeper language, and away of putting your world back together again and breaking through barriers.  ~  Laura Nyro

When I write my music I see all the rivers flowing... sensual, spiritual, religious, animal, intellectual. ~ Laura Nyro
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12 comments:

  1. Carrie Van HornDecember 19, 2020 at 2:26 PM

    So many epic lines in this Susie....I would have to quote this entire gorgeous poem. A wonderful ode to all poets, songwriters, and people with a beautiful and honest voice that they stay true to including Laura. I LOVE this my friend!!!!

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  2. FireblossomDecember 19, 2020 at 3:38 PM

    This grabbed me from that fantastic first line, Susie.

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  3. Sherry Blue SkyDecember 19, 2020 at 7:03 PM

    Wowzers, Susie. Powerful and strong. Amazing.

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  4. hedgewitchDecember 20, 2020 at 1:57 AM

    Staccato and smooth, sharp and sweet as spiked eggnog, you've nailed the spirit that keeps writing alive. Especially love "If there’s a different drum, I’ve already played it,/a different shoe, I’ve already worn it."

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  5. indybevDecember 20, 2020 at 7:36 AM

    No hand-me-down Eve myself, I identified with every beautiful phrase in this marvelous poem. I especially like "time is a smoke ring riding wind". Your wordmastery never ceases to awe me.

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  6. TruedessaDecember 20, 2020 at 8:08 AM

    I’m made of bone, grit, and song,

    That says it all right there, a wonderful piece of writing.

    if there's a different drum, I've already played it. Yes, it's the beat that keeps us moving ....

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  7. HelenDecember 20, 2020 at 9:10 AM

    Susie, I love love this poem! And that you saw the smoke ring. And that you wrote about women with spunk ... like us.

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  8. kaykualaDecember 20, 2020 at 12:42 PM

    I’m made of bone, grit, and song,
    an open-eyed poem swimming every river.

    She certainly was a talented find. A real pity she left early! Wonderful write Susie!

    Hank

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  9. qbitDecember 20, 2020 at 3:00 PM

    Wow!! "I’m no hand me down Eve, / dressing my tongue in submission." - AMAZING! And stays that way all the way to the end.

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  10. JimDecember 20, 2020 at 10:20 PM

    Susie, your rivers are roaring and the smoke rings floating. I blew many a ring "back then." The girls in school, U of H, were barefoot and had yellow dogs waiting for them out by the building steps. In one class I sat beside one, cutoffs and all. She got really good grades.
    ..

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  11. Linda Lee LybergDecember 22, 2020 at 8:46 AM

    I love this Susie.

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  12. robkistnerDecember 23, 2020 at 12:25 PM

    Strong piece Susie. Magical! Time is a smoke ring riding wind until the clock chimes midnight. Well written. I am listening to Laura’s album “Angle In The Dark” as I write this. Damn she was so good. Left us way too soon!

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