Monday, July 20, 2009

Again


Thank you to Christine of Quiet Paths for the prompt inner voice. Please visit all the wonderful poets who participated this week at http://onesingleimpression.blogspot.com/


"Truly to sing, that is a different breath."
Rainer Maria Rilke


Again

when he was a fish
a brass trio, a second line
followed him
his ears grew faster
than the rest of him
like big shells
to scoop the brilliance
into his navel

when he was a boy
he travelled in music
like a marsupial
drawing warmth from memory
baby teeth shone like sharks
At dinner hour
Reuben’s charts
spilled from his fingers.

When I met the boy
he kept his drum set
in the basement
we talked about music
all the time
we listened to Monk
and Hillary Hahn
it was lonely then

One day
he called me down
his sticks beat time
in the cool damp
bronze trophies bragged
Zappa’s blessing
framed him
it was then
that I first knew
that I loved him.

Last night the boy dreamed
he was playing piano
but strangely
4 keys as wide as tree trunks
an upright
with the body of a tiger in repose
each of them sang
for him

at the end of the hall
in the last room
was a long bleached bone
he didn’t know how to make it speak
he was afraid
he began to run his fingers
along it spine
music poured out
like water

I told the boy I loved him.
Again.

21 comments:

Jim said...

Gabreille, this is sweet. I am glad you told him again. It seems you know his language of music, I only can relate to a few of those artists.
And last night? You saw him in a different light, again!
..

Sherri B. said...

The visual imagery in this is magnificent...this was so beautiful, as if I was in a magical dream.

Maggie said...

The eyes and ears of love never change...this is a beautiful poem.

the walking man said...

Lucky man to have come across one who can give him a reason to make music out of whatever presents itself to his talent.

SandyCarlson said...

The magic of love and music--together. This is mystical and beautiful. Thanks.

Jeeves said...

Very nice one

indicaspecies said...

Superb imagery.
Thank you for sharing.

Rinkly Rimes said...

A wonderful photograph and asensitive poem.

poefusion said...

I really enjoyed this piece as I used to play piano growing up. I can relate to running your hand along its spine. Music brings everyone and thing closer somehow, doesn't it? Your poem is beautiful. Have a great day.

Geraldine said...

Oh, this is just gorgeous Gabrielle. Beautifully written. Bravo!!!

Patti said...

The visual imagery in this is amazing~ well done!

Pam said...

This is an amazing poem. Made me dive right into the boy's life and musical abilities.

Natalie said...

I'm glad you're taking care of this boy.

Tammie Lee said...

music poured out like water, how very lovely, as is your entire poem.

zoya gautam said...

gorgeous! .. just gorgeous!

Maithri said...

WOW!!!

Glorious, Glorious,

Words
like
a wild ocean
making love
to the sky,

How good it is to read you again dearest friend,

With love always, Maithri

Tumblewords: said...

Exquisite! This piece reads like a dream but exudes reality crossed with magic.

Maxine Beneba Clarke said...

Great poem. It's very dream-like yet somehow I know the people in it. Glad I've found your blog.

Sandra.if said...

love is the spinal cord of that beautiful poem...

anthonynorth said...

Perfect imagery in this one. Marvellous.

Quiet Paths said...

A truly fascinating read here! It flows so wonderfully.