When the panic is a
blinding red haze,
and the hour flaps like
a hollow windsock -
the meanings stand
out, crisp, articulate,
above the din and
win and lose of days,
in dark silhouette against
empty talk.
I’ve recognised the meaning of happiness
from its outline,
from a flimsy shadow,
its features
indistinct against the wash
and thresh of
light, but clear nevertheless
its final form,
though the face didn’t show.
I have known it
mostly by its absence,
the deeper when the
cut’s been the sharpest.
When grief has
sliced me small and wide open
I’ve felt it keen
within touching distance,
mere feet away, a still shadow at rest.
And in that flare
of time I’ve been content
to see its frame and infer what it meant.
Okay, so that's 'happy' done.
January's been a tough month all round. A good month, therefore, to
explore that particular theme.
February is a Write…Edit…Publish month, sign up's on the 1st. Here
are the challenges for 2017, must get thinking soon. Back of the drawer - might be a good idea to
actually pull one open and see what lurks there…who knows where that might lead...
![Write...Edit...Publish](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDzL_hvHcPouVC2DhBY-RzwGsi4SEj_Siuu2UgCmXZ9ekJm28JIPnzPLD5FlZgCFJPiXS3Nrl0boHXB1_VMKD5C94TI8CcyJibvWZhwcG4F78bTa6ZBP4Ixlf0odC2mVLiVWft05AwROzY/s400/AWEP2017_6_com.jpg)
Poignant and beautiful.
ReplyDelete'hour flaps like a hollow windsock' spoke loudly to me. Been there, done that.
Yeah, sadly that's a mandatory stop for all of us. Or maybe not so much sad, just an inevitable part of life?
DeleteI'm sorry to see the back of your 'happiness' posts, Nila. We could do with more happiness in this screwed up old world of ours. Your second stanza jumped out at me, because sometimes happiness can be missed, and that's a shame:
ReplyDeleteI’ve recognised the meaning of happiness
from its outline, from a flimsy shadow,
its features indistinct against the wash
and thresh of light, but clear nevertheless
its final form, though the face didn’t show.
I had a funky story come to me for Back of the Drawer.Thankfully, that'll save me from rummaging through my drawers...:-)
Denise x
It does seem especially screwed up just now, doesn't it?
DeleteLooking forward to the WEP - the first should be a blast :) I know I had something figured out, but it has escaped me now what with everything that's been going on. Hopefully should come back in time...
One thing about the bottom, there is only up. Well composed sonnet. Feb, will be better.
ReplyDeleteAre we there at the bottom yet? I can never tell :) for which I am thankful! Things could have been worse, glad they aren't. Thanks for the warm words re poem
DeleteWe appreciate happiness the most when we're not in it.
ReplyDeleteTrue. Sorrow focuses attention and its opposite stands out in relief.
Deletehappiness is fleeting and elusive, but you know it when you feel it. I hope February proves a better month. Take care
ReplyDeleteFleeting and elusive are the exact words!
Delete"Back of the drawer?" Sounds intriguing.
ReplyDeleteA whole heap of fun too :) Do check out the link and please join us if you can
DeleteHi Nila - happiness has been sadly lacking ... but somehow we can pull ourselves together and yank a happy smile at ourselves ... I have to say February started with two small bits of good news - that helps! I'm think re WEP ... back of drawer ... cheers Hilary
ReplyDeleteI'm so happy for you that your month has started well. May it continue to go smooth and pleasant all through.
DeleteAnd I am so looking forward to reading your take on the WEP prompt :)
DeleteIt's true that we have to have some doses of bad to balance the good times in our lives. If life were always happy we'd never recognize the joy of it all.
ReplyDeleteArlee Bird
Tossing It Out
Extremes of emotion are hard to sustain, especially happiness. A little sad is good.
DeleteThanks so much for stopping by.
I have nominated you for the Bloggers Recognition Award and the link to the same is here
ReplyDeletehttps://panaecea.wordpress.com/2017/02/05/bloggers-recognition-award-courtesy-shri-j-mathur/
Please visit
Thank you! Flattered and honoured.
Delete