Monday, November 2, 2009

Uxmal


Thanks to Nathalie of Spaced Law for this week's prompt, shift in time.

Uxmal
thrice built
groans
beneath the weight
of the living

bulky tourists
exact one more stamp
proof positive
here was maize
daily ground,
rattles shook
at a darkened sky
daughters summered
in cool grottos
fools stuttered riddles
clear as day
royalty strode across
quarried stone

This fugitive hour
I visit the ruins of your hair,
the child in your brow
I roam where your dreams are pastured
fingers spread wide
for night to pour through

how many cities
am I standing on?

23 comments:

Cloudia said...

"I roam where your dreams are pastured."


Oh Yeah!



Aloha, Blog Friend!


Comfort Spiral

Tumblewords: said...

Oh. I remember Uxmal and the extraordinarily strong spirits that clung, yet, to the stones and air. You've written it perfectly!

the walking man said...

I stand on all the cities of the world and tread lightly amidst the stars.

Cassiopeia Rises said...

What a lovely image. Hold on tight to it. Well done.

love, Melanie

Anonymous said...

very nicely done!

you are perfect as always...

Sandra.if said...

nice words and insight!

SandyCarlson said...

This is absolutely wonderful. What a place that must be.

Jim said...

Very nice, Gabrielle. I always try to think of how those ancient people lived and used what we stand on.
Next, though, I am concerned that before long the wear will take it's toll and stones will be worn away. Already they have deep scarring.
..

Andree said...

You have captured the sadness I feel when standing on history! This is so lovely and sad. Thank you.
meeyauw: Shift in Time

Anonymous said...

Thank You for making me aware of Uxmal...its so beautiful. You have captured the essence n soul of it as of today beyond words.

Patti said...

wonderfully profound take on this prompt- loved it!

Tammie Lee said...

your words got a tangible sigh out of me
I feel as though I went back in time to meet the people who once were.

Anonymous said...

Fabulous! So many awesome lines here... Especially love,
"fingers spread wide
for night to pour through"

This so powerfully spoke to me...

TomCat said...

Love it!

Irene said...

What a lyrical ode to an ancient civilisation Gabrielle.

Carlos Gesmundo said...

...as many cities as conquering hordes had caused to be left in ruins -- for gold.

Jeeves said...

Lovely

zoya gautam said...

mystical ..

JP/deb said...

This whole stanza:
This fugitive hour
I visit the ruins of your hair,
the child in your brow
I roam where your dreams are pastured
fingers spread wide
for night to pour through


is absolutely exquisite! love your use of language and imagery.

peace,
JP/deb

PS the Pratsie said...

Gosh!! thsi was such a beauty ...

Raven said...

Exquisite! It is all exquisite, but just want to swallow the last 8 lines whole. They are magnificent.

Beth P. said...

Dear Gabrielle--
I get this vertigo a lot--
How many shoulders do we stand on?
Ancestral energy rising through us.
Wow--

Really wonderful poem--thank you.

Anonymous said...

Should have commented earlier, this is downright magical. Every line sings, but as it approaches the end, it just gets better and better until the riddle of the last two lines... ends on a high note and just keeps soaring upward. Awesome. ^___^