A Few Chiseled Stones

I love you without
a list of reasons.
It is the days I hate you
the number of whys swell.

Arguments have us
setting up tents,
arming tongues,
forgetting the sun
climbs the horizon
brighter when we kiss.

Does the subtle
taking for granted
grow such deep roots
we become enemies?
Neglect has us seated
in the same room
plundering division
as if it were gold.

I love you, the unpolished gem,
the inappropriate laughter,
the patient saint waiting
as I fuss in front of the mirror.

It’s 4:00 a.m., I’ve chiseled
a few stones from the wall.
Hold me…I want to feel the sun.


©Susie Clevenger 2015

This poem appears in Poetry & Prose Magazine's Summer 2015 issue
as well as my poem Borrowed Dress Wedding.

Comments

Gail said…
Wonderfully amazing and sad. I see why they published it. It speaks volumes.
colleen said…
A perfect poetic description... and conclusion. I love "setting up tents."
Anonymous said…
Congrats on getting published. Very relatable piece.
Kerry O'Connor said…
Your poem takes a hard look at relationships and shows there can be a way forward.
Sherry Blue Sky said…
Wow, your poems always speak the truths not everyone is brave enough to own. I especially love "hold me. I want to feel the sun." Which will make all well again.
Maude Lynn said…
I love this. Gorgeously real.
oh, yeah, this is movingly strong - it strikes lots of cords in your beautiful poetic way.
rallentanda said…
Wonderful poem. A very sensitive and insightful recognition of the intricacies of love. One of the best I have read in years. Congratulations on your publication.
Gillena Cox said…
A lovely poem. Contracts on your published book. And thanks for dropping by my blog to read mine

Much love...
brudberg said…
So much complexity in relationships.. often reality is that knife edge balancing of opposites.. sadly it keeps us awake at night.
Marian said…
Nice, Susie. Those first two lines!