Breathing in Exclamations

"Find ecstasy in life; the mere sense of living is joy enough."
~  Emily Dickinson

To let the heart beat in dread
because shadows dine on doom
is like never lighting a candle
to preserve its wick.

I want to live where laughter
rests on lips eager to smile,
and music invites me to dance
even when I’m too weak to stand.

I am a mere dandelion among stars,
a windblown gypsy who finds home
on a window quilted with oak and moon,
an inkless poem breathing in exclamations.

©Susie Clevenger 2018

Inspired by Emily Dickinson

Bits of Inspiration ~ Dia de Los Muertos

Comments

Sanaa Rizvi said…
My goodness this is poignant. I can feel the urge to wipe away existence of gloom and to embrace hope so fiercely in your words. The last stanza took my breath away!❤️
November 1, 2018 at 4:25 PM
Fireblossom said…
Susie, that last stanza in particular is just stunning. Thanks so much for a wonderful challenge.
November 1, 2018 at 4:26 PM
Brendan said…
What is the line from Rilke's Sonnets to Orpheus? To be the crystal cup that shattered as it rang. That is the performative challenge that Dickinson lived and breathed. In words so alive. Like this poem proclaims resonating through the door of the dead. Amen!
November 2, 2018 at 4:55 AM
brudberg said…
I love how you used the quote to think about death to celebrate the living rather than living under the shadow of the reaper.
November 2, 2018 at 6:30 AM
tonispencer said…
A lovely poem. I think all of us with intelligent hearts and sensitive brains have this wish.
November 2, 2018 at 10:43 AM
Helen said…
Yes, a beautifully composed poem. Your challenge made me go immediately to a favorite poet, thank you. My mother died of Alzheimer’s and Lewy Body Dimentia (yes, both.) I saw that release on her beautiful face.
November 2, 2018 at 4:34 PM
Old Egg said…
What a beautiful poem. It is wise to attend funerals of friends and loved ones as it gives impetus to do all the things you haven't done or want to do again as life is for living. When dying it is best to think "Well there was not much left to do!"
November 2, 2018 at 8:05 PM
Vivian Zems said…
This poem is so light and carefree. I want to be that person, too!
November 3, 2018 at 3:50 AM
Kim M. Russell said…
Wonderful, Susie. My favourite lines are:
'I am a mere dandelion among stars,
a windblown gypsy who finds home
on a window quilted with oak and moon,
an inkless poem breathing in exclamations.'
November 3, 2018 at 5:02 AM
purplepeninportland.com said…
A lovely poem with an amazing last stanza.
November 3, 2018 at 11:52 AM
tonispencer said…
Thank you for reading and commenting on the poem I wrote for this promot.
November 3, 2018 at 10:29 PM
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