Monday 21 November 2022

The Love Song of an Un-Prufrock

 

II.


If I had, like a cat, nine lives – I believe

I’d let my mother’s china be with someone

who’d use it more. I’d eat off banana leaves,

drink more from clay cups in each one rather than

fine, foreign porcelain. I’d use the word foreign

itself a lot less because more things would be

mine to cherish without paying attention

to their provenance, craftsman’s nationality.

In those other lives, I’d smell more books and rain

buy fewer umbrellas and be less afraid,

just squeeze your hand tighter when the thunder came.

I’d look more closely at the dents raindrops make

on the sands. Also at your thumbprints on glass,

leave the smudges. Learn to photograph the grass.




Pleased to report that this whole series is now complete, all nine of them. And I got some others written in the idle-time between them too. A good crop, all in all. 

The birthday always falls around the time my American friends and family celebrate Thanksgiving - and it's always seemed to me a good one to borrow into my own life. This year it feels extra special due to various reasons, not least among them the personal harvest situation going on - written and unwritten, countable and uncountable. Giving thanks for each one of them, every single day. 

Happy Thanksgiving to you in advance if you're observing. And the happiest of weeks to you if you're not. 



13 comments:

  1. Hari OM
    Love this! Checking on the simple and the small things of life often yields great pleasure. Hope you have a wonderful week. YAM xx

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    1. Indeed, the simpler and smaller make for increasing happiness. Thanks, Yamini!

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  2. This is beautiful. And sooooo affirming of the things I find dear. Many, many thanks. Again.

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  3. Hi, follower but not regular visitor, I just had to comment because I love this, it is heartfelt without tipping over into being sentimental

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    1. Really appreciate the feedback. Particularly valued as it is a fine line between heartfelt and sentimental. Glad you enjoyed the poem. Thank you.

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  4. Your fingerprint, love this. So personal.

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    1. Thanks Kristin! Pleased to know that the sense of intimacy has got through. One writes to convey a particular emotion but that does not always translate onto the screen.

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  5. Always so reflective. Nice work. I am visiting my dad, age 91. Lots of time to sit and ponder. Good work.

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    1. The best of times, Joanne! when we can be with loved ones and there's time to just be silent and take things in. Enjoy your visit with your Dad.

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  6. Hi Nila - these times to reflect are an essential in life ... I take time out to sit and think, thinking back on life's journey - blessing the days of times gone. Memories now to keep ... congratulations on these and the extras - cheers Hilary

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