Ionbha'


The Thames bows my back
with echoes breeding from mist.

Forlorn and love sick do their
dance of bones among the silt
stretched across the river’s belly.

I strain between tear and smile
wishing no offense, but the pungent
smell of despair offends my nostrils.

Why did joy bring me to the river’s edge
to dip my toes in death?

I hear night wrapped wheels whir above my head.
Life presses a gas pedal to reach the speed of escape.

I am alone, an empath shredded by all they left behind.

©Susie Clevenger 2015

Real Toads (NON) Fireblossom Friday ~ Finding the Right Tone

  

Comments

hedgewitch said…
This is exactly what I had in mind Susie, when I was talking about writing down quick impressions and using visuals to enforce them. You do a lovely dance with mortality here, spinning and dipping and showing a light that blurs in the fog of reality but burns regardless. Thanks so much for participating, and for such a great response.
September 3, 2015 at 6:19 PM
Sherry Blue Sky said…
"Why did joy bring me to the river's edge to dip my toes in death?" Wow! And that stellar, incredible, perfect closing line! Gorgeous, Susie.
September 3, 2015 at 8:14 PM
Anonymous said…
There is such a strong current here -- the river's, the painting's, the world's, it's broken heart or the speaker's. I think the title is Gaelic, isn't it? I thought of Iona but it doesn't seem quite right. Still, it evokes the sense of place where the veil is thin. What are we seeing? The world? Ourself? A thought? The heart? Works so well.
September 4, 2015 at 5:08 AM
Other Mary said…
Excellent, every line, every word, but you last line goes right to my heart.
September 4, 2015 at 6:48 AM
Susan said…
Ouch! On that shore but not yet rowed up the river, to stand in all of the resonance of what/who went before. What pain, what blessing. The tones are swollen eyes.
September 4, 2015 at 10:33 AM
Anonymous said…
I can only echo others...
"Why did joy bring me to the river's edge to dip my toes in death?"
"Life presses a gas pedal to reach the speed of escape."
"I am alone, an empath shredded by all they left behind."
A marvel of insight and art.
September 4, 2015 at 10:55 AM
Gillena Cox said…
Wow! what a torture this question


Why did joy bring me to the river’s edge
to dip my toes in death?

a deeply emotion seated write

much love...
September 4, 2015 at 12:05 PM
grapeling said…
I think your opening perfectly captures the intent of tonality, and you carry it through with strength and dexterity. fine pen, Susie ~
September 5, 2015 at 9:23 PM
Kerry O'Connor said…
Why did joy bring me to the river’s edge
to dip my toes in death?

Now that is an existential question! I really felt the melancholy of this piece, Susie. very well done.
September 6, 2015 at 4:55 AM
Outlawyer said…
You bring up the contradictions in life--this despair at the edge of joy--even if not one's own despair, the despair a feeling person can't not help but be moved by. Thanks. k.
September 6, 2015 at 4:58 PM
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