Thursday, March 20, 2008

Not just any Hem

My throat is bound by the claws of a thousand crows,
offered to Dracula as a final feast
before dawn cracks the day.
Mute for three years, I scribed
non-sequiters onto tablets, paper scraps,
napkins--once, the palm of my hand.
Bored, my husband tossed what he could,
unread, to the trash.
I still can’t empty my backlog of words,
say all I’ve wanted to say.
Like Roosevelt, I tread softly,
carry a big stick, lest the crows
try to silence me completely again.

I’ve become a rag doll.
My legs wobble this way and that.
I knock over cereal boxes, glass elephants,
trip over unsteady feet.
The room turns; my personal merry-go-round,
but Frodo has pocketed the ring.

I want out from under this giant, want
to slide down the beanstalk with Jack,
dance down the yellow brick road
I’ve taken no nun’s vows for silence
or self flagelation. Chastity, either.
Pass me a hem to kiss.
With luck, I’ll take up this bed and walk.

9 comments:

Scot said...

Pris
Moving and touching poem--the allusions are excellent--imagery perfect--always wish you well.
Scot

Anonymous said...

Easter Blessings to you and yours Pris...

Annie Wicking said...

This is a wonderful poem, Pris

Thank you for sharing it with us.

Happy Easter,

Annie

Pris said...

Thank you all and may you have a good Easter, too!

Monique said...

Oh Pris, that was beautiful. Even this simple soul understood.

Happy Easter

Pris said...

Monique, thanks..and you're not a simple soul:-)

Pat Paulk said...

Ah Pris we all look for that hem to kiss. Here's to finding it!!

Joyce Ellen Davis said...

The last two lines nail it!

Pris said...

Hi Pat and Pepe..thanks, and good to see you!