Sunday, April 3, 2011

It begins

It begins

with a quiver

of thought

so thin

the wind

blows through it

the wind

becomes a word

for “thank you”

and so it spreads

like welcome rain.


if you wait,

they will come:

broomsedge to goldenrod,

sweetgum to winged elm

an epidemic of tall trees,

supple, arriving

on the edge of ice.


I have taken lately to following the slightest sliver of impulse to contact a friend. I want to be promiscuous with these impulses. Risking decorum, defying temperament, I make the call. I have to believe these seeds are as opportunistic as any and will take hold in lava fields, on glacial tills, on craggy hillsides. Around the world, lands which have been laid bare by fires or humans follow a similar pattern of recovery. This pattern is referred to as "natural succession."


Written for OSI, prompt, "epidemic".

14 comments:

Cloudia said...

bless you!

follow these impulses, poet!



Spring Aloha from Waikiki


Comfort Spiral

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anthonynorth said...

If the impulse feels right, that's the path, I guess.

Anonymous said...

interesting thoughts!

Amanda Moore said...

Wow Gabrielle this is very creative, I loved it!

The Write Girl said...

Your verses are so beautiful! I love the second stanza. Beautiful writing. I hope this phone call leads to something wonderful!

Ramesh Sood said...

A very different take on the prompt.. made me think..thanks..

Patti said...

LOVED that! Follow that impulse- it can lead to wonderful things... And you will never know unless you try... Good luck- and it will be as it is suppposed to be!!!

Jim said...

Your poem is lovely, as is the prose poem.

Epidemics of various kinds are started by the promiscuous, germs and seeds and smiles and other items we can name. And by the sowers of these.
..

SandyCarlson said...

We must. Indeed. You inspire me and warm my heart. Which needed a touch of warmth.

PremI said...

very promising...
inspiring.... raising hopes...
too good!

PremI said...

very promising...
inspiring.... raising hopes...
too good!

Anonymous said...

That is an epidemic I can get behind! :)

Jae Rose said...

Little tentative puffs building up into mighty exhalations..what a wonderful thought..Jae

JP/deb said...

Gorgeous work and impulse!