Inked Doves In A Thoughtless World


Sitting in foot traffic bursting with words
she sells her poetry under a San Juan sky
trying to make enough money to eat.

Broken pavement and blue cobblestones
are the stage where she plants her feet
to listen to life vibrating through her toes.

Suggestions for verse are tossed with dollar bills
by passing tourists who miss the beauty of art
stamped out by typewriter keys and a poet’s heart.

She is a novelty, another snapshot to fill a photo album.
No one asks her name or about the dreams inside her.
Many see her as another beggar reaching for coins.

The poetess braves the sun and rejection to leave
her mark in a world that devalues her without a blink.
She releases her poetry like inked doves to fly
 as hope among thoughtless interjection.


©Susie Clevenger 2013

Today Fireblossom at Real Toads challenged us to write about location. I chose my recent trip to Puerto Rico where I came upon a young poet selling her craft for a few dollars and a smile. Sadly I didn't get to buy any of her work. 

Comments

What a pity you didn't get to read any.
A lovely scene if not setting, and such anovel way to share your wares.
Pity it isn't being valued as much as it ought to

Did you have a nice trip?

hedgewitch said…
Very vivid picture of this woman, Susie--and she is brave beyond belief--though in a sense, it's what we all do. I like the idea of 'life vibrating through her toes,' and 'a world that devalues without a blink,' both phrases sharp and well-drawn. Thanks for sharing this experience...it is definitely food for thought, and poems.
Helen said…
... and she is blessed with a poem from you ~~ about her.
Susan said…
Picture in words matching the photo art--the feeling of freneticness in both. I enjoy the foot traffic, the texture of the blue cobblestones and broken pavement, the planted feet. (She should have charged for being in tourist photos.)
Kay L. Davies said…
What an amazing young woman, and how amazing that you saw her when you were there. I've never heard of anyone selling poems on the street. Lots of singers and musicians, clowns, mimes, and dancers, but how wonderful that you saw a poetess.
I wish you'd been able to buy one of her poems, but at least she has appeared in one of yours, Susie, so I'm sure the poetry gods are pleased.
K
(My father, a travel and outdoor writer, always referred to "the river gods" with no intention of disrespecting anyone's beliefs.)
Vandana Sharma said…
Heartfelt poem and....life is sometimes like this....
Ella said…
I love this gift you gave her-a view, to be seen! The creative spirit is strong as she plants her soul into the daily trended soil of others~ Wonderful poem :D
Kerry O'Connor said…
What an amazing subject for a poem of your own, Susie. I love the image of inked doves flying from the market square. This reminded me of "Love in the Time of Cholera" when the young man bought poems at market. Perhaps it is a custom in Latin American countries.
Marian said…
oooh Susie! love this. love that it's a snapshot, a photo and words, from your trip. i thought of Marquez, too :) and now my mind is racing... hmmm, maybe i could make a little cash from my poems if i sold them in the street? now there's an idea. hmmmm.
Margaret said…
Inked doves. I don't think I have ever heard of a description more beautiful for poetry.
The use of "inked doves" for words, how lovely, Susie! This woman is the poetry equivalent of the old buskers - street performers. It takes real guts to stand - or sit - there and offer your heart and soul to total strangers. I know; I've done it in the lean years. I always tip street vendors heavily... Amy
Fireblossom said…
I adore that final stanza, Susie. Thanks so much for being part of Fireblossom Friday.
KISLAYA GOPAL said…
A terrific writer you are, read it twice, beautiful and poignant but with message, message from lives of other's hardship and smile inspite of all odds.
Awesome poem and it touched my heart :)
Sreeja said…
This is so touching... your words pictured it more vivid... sadly beautiful!
TCPC said…
It becomes a challenge to perceive a life like that. Yet, the lady finds tidbits to grow her poetry speaks volumes of her spirit. Good to have you back