Two Poems Go Back To School

The View from Granite


I felt the sting of love
when death took your
light from my eyes.

Denial became my altar,
the kneeling place where
I held your voice against my heart.

Slowly, painfully I climbed
a mountain of days dragging
the chains of your absence.

Life cannot see through granite
or love grow where the daisies wilt.
Spring melted my winter with memories.

You are there in the tulips we planted,
the torn screen you promised to fix,
your favorite cup that holds my coffee.

Tears still come, but they don’t consume.
I laugh more; dance to our favorite song;
see tomorrow as another step beyond your grave.

©Susie Clevenger 2015


Inspiration: Farewell ~ Nishka Ramkhelawan

___________________________________________

My Dreams Are Pulled Threads


I will never write myself
with another’s words.
or thumbtack my destiny
to a starless night.

My dreams are the pulled threads
of being me when voices scratch
at the reflection greeting me in the mirror.

There is no great challenge in being different.
It simply takes breath and trust you can
follow your own direction. 

©Susie Clevenger 2015

Inspiration: Cliche/Blanket ~ Cheron L'Estrange

Inspired by the students at Ladysmith High School 
and the 300 Poems in 30 Days Challenge.

Real Toads ~ Kerry says ~ Let's go back to school!

Comments

Preeti S. said…
"Tears still come, but they don’t consume. I laugh more; dance to our favorite song; see tomorrow as another step beyond your grave."

"There is no great challenge in being different. It simply takes breath and trust you can follow your own direction."

Beautiful, beautiful lines.
September 27, 2015 at 1:04 AM
brudberg said…
I love how they really complement each other.. they could almost be seen as two facet's of the same thing. It both take courage to come up from the pits of mourning, and to find your own path in being different.. two bold takes that touch my heart.
September 27, 2015 at 3:00 AM
Anonymous said…
Beautiful poem. ""Tears still come, but they don’t consume." Even after years and years but now they come with a smile as well. Lovely poem
September 27, 2015 at 7:39 AM
Fireblossom said…
The first one reminds of Beth Nielsen Chapman's beautiful song "No One Knows But You." The second is just simple truth.
September 27, 2015 at 9:22 AM
Kerry O'Connor said…
Each of us carries our own loss, and the cherished objects which serve for memory. Your poem of how one may cope with death is so honest and moving, Susie.

The second poem is one I think we all need to read, just to remind ourselves to embrace what is unique in ourselves and others.

Thank you for participating in my challenge.
September 27, 2015 at 12:18 PM
Maude Lynn said…
I will never write myself
with another’s words.
or thumbtack my destiny
to a starless night.

That made me gasp aloud, Susie. Just beautiful.
September 27, 2015 at 1:08 PM
Sherry Blue Sky said…
Susie, your writing is magnificent. I loved both of these, too many wonderful lines to quote.
September 27, 2015 at 2:37 PM
Margaret said…
Two poems that are written with intensity, compassion, yet two topics handled so gently at the same time. I'm amazed.
September 28, 2015 at 7:09 PM
hedgewitch said…
The first poem is a reverie and an elegy that shows the desert of grief, or perhaps your simile of winter is more appropriate, with an underlying granite that spring can only decorate, not change. The second is straightforward and direct and all the more powerful for it. (I like the new look of your blog, Susie--very readable and clean.)
September 29, 2015 at 7:13 AM
Hannah said…
thumbtack my destiny
to a starless night.


I LOVE that!

Wonderful poems, Susie.
September 30, 2015 at 8:34 PM
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