Bones of Bamboo

We grow as tall
in the noise of silence
as the bamboo knife allows,
stretching our green stalks
skyward into the blue.

Barely a babe weaned
from earth’s breast
we spring from the cradle
into the swagger of full grown.

Inside our hollow hearts
music burrows its notes
waiting for the day
our bones will hang
its melody on the wind.

©Susie Clevenger 2013

At Real Toads Hannah offered a bamboo forest in Japan as inspiration for our poetry. Real Toads Transforming Friday

Comments

Vandana Sharma said…
birth and death........the life cycle goes on...............
December 28, 2013 at 1:40 AM
Billy Blue Eyes said…
Wind chime lovely verse
December 28, 2013 at 2:46 AM
Anonymous said…
really like the 3rd, Susie ~
December 28, 2013 at 2:55 AM
Kerry O'Connor said…
Your language is so rich in this poem, Susie. I love the sense I got of metamorphosis, as the bamboo grows from green to wood, and musical instrument.
December 28, 2013 at 4:07 AM
Anonymous said…
The love of chimes and flutes does suggest that we are hollow reeds too, making music in the wind. What a lovely way to proceed.
December 28, 2013 at 6:30 AM
revelations said…
great take on the prompt... loved the birth... death cycle it is part of life...
December 28, 2013 at 7:33 AM
brudberg said…
Circle of life can not be better than seen in a bamboo grove.. beautiful
December 28, 2013 at 8:33 AM
Sumana Roy said…
a beautiful transformation....its music lingers...
December 28, 2013 at 10:36 AM
Marian said…
cripes, Susie, that middle stanza! whoosh!
December 28, 2013 at 2:11 PM
Hannah said…
Beautiful progression with a closing stanza that makes one cringe (in a good way), with the ache of that soul song. Thank you for writing, Susie.
December 28, 2013 at 4:17 PM
Susie Swanson said…
I love this Susie. It speaks to my heart.
December 28, 2013 at 5:54 PM
Ben Ditty said…
Silence helps us realize what's important. And I think we grow from that. Great piece, Susie.
December 28, 2013 at 7:56 PM
Grace said…
I am listening to the chimes as I read your words ~ One day our bones will hang its melody in the wind ~

Happy New Year ~
December 29, 2013 at 8:44 AM
Lisa A. Williams said…
Beautiful Susie. I love the sound of chimes and hope I will leave my own melody behind as well.
December 29, 2013 at 9:17 PM
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