When the circus boat sank
there in the sound,
both schedule and physical limitations were suspended
and everything slowed down.
Children dove to us as falling leaves
with apples in their mouths for our horses;
manes like the arms of women whose chests hum with lullabies
manes like the arms of women whose chests hum with lullabies
remembered from the drowsy south.
The tiger and I dance as months go by
and rescue loses meaning, light its immediacy.
One child has kept with us, here,
and looks to me for starfish and story.
"Once upon a time," I say to her,
"there was blue tiger, blue water, drowsy you, dreamy me."
And so the story goes,
ever blue,
ever more,
everlastingly.
_____
for Sunday Muse #4
Dreamscapes and circus-tent swirls of blue--if only we could find those manes like arms, mouths full of apples, and endless stories while the water rocks and suspends our fevered lives. Just lovely images here, Shay.
ReplyDeleteApples in mouths ...for horses...there are so many metaphors that I could pick. Loved them all..everlastingly. Congrats on the new book!
ReplyDeleteThe imagery is wonderful and unique, as your imagery always is. I especially love the child who stayed, looking for starfish and story, and the loving reply........
ReplyDeleteAs a fishboy, I always love a finny wake, and the element here -- though heartbreaking -- is pure. As starfish and story, I'll put this on the sill overlooking the yawning blue.
ReplyDeleteYes, this has a wonderful magical air to it, even though it swims in a certain sadness. I especially love the line, "The tiger and I dance as months go by and rescue loses meaning, light its immediacy." and "manes like the arms of women whose chests hum with lullabies" I love it! Thank you so much for joining us at The Muse Shay!!!
ReplyDeleteLove this. Part of me wants an entire novel that centers around these characters (partially to make sure they're okay--the wistful sadness snuck up on me), although it was beautiful in its brevity, as well. :)
ReplyDelete