They faced each other
Smiles so true and pure
Eyes full of compassion
Trust growing within.
They faced each other
Smiles reaching ears
Eyes crinkled in truth
Love seeping through.
They faced each other
Smiles just a shadow
Eyes boring into the other
Hatred reeking through.
They faced each other
Smiles set and fixed
Eyes wide in hope
Dupe in a handshake.
They faced each other
Smiles set as friends
Eyes reflecting past
Bittersweet in breakup.
It’s not alcohol –
it doesn’t depress me.
It’s not weed –
it doesn’t oppress me.
It’s no narcotics,
It’s nicotine-free,
Just pure antibiotics,
that reeks only glee.
I feel it — the joy,
and a triumphant smile,
like winning a toy,
unknowing all the while.
I’m ready to disclose –
the secrets unbound,
for never will I close.
Words heal every wound.
Whether you’re sulking about life, complaining about the neighbour’s loud kids, or panting from running away from a street dog, sometimes, one good piece of writing is all you need to calm yourself and see beyond your range of vision.
This poem was one of those. There’s so much to life than being fresh and clean all the time. There’s more than a well-made bed, laundered linen, warm meals, chilled wine, and a comfort zone.
This poem reminded me: There’s life in being messy.
Dirty Face
Where did you get such a dirty face,
My darling dirty-faced child?I got it from crawling along in the dirt
And biting two buttons off Jeremy’s shirt.
I got it from chewing the roots of a rose
And digging for clams in the yard with my nose.
I got it from peeking into a dark cave
And painting myself like a Navajo brave.
I got it from playing with coal in the bin
And signing my name in cement with my chin.
I got it from rolling around on the rug
And giving the horrible dog a big hug.
I got it from finding a lost silver mine
And eating sweet blackberries right off the vine.
I got it from ice cream and wrestling and tears
And from having more fun than you’ve had in years.– Shel Silverstein
Shakespeare is my love. And though I’ve read and enjoyed his sonnets, I had never managed to read his full plays. I read the abridged editions, yes, but the original was always beyond my ability.
An then, it changed. With some encouragement, I tried reading Hamlet — the full play. I loved every bit of it. By the time I finished reading it, I grew hungry for more.
It felt great to accomplish such a big feat and I will cherish the thrill forever. Here’s my victory: reading a complete Shakespeare play.
National Blog Posting Month – Day 15.
I’ve taken a break today from my schedule of publishing one chapter a day from my NaNoWriMo novel from two years ago. I’ll publish chapter 14 tomorrow.
Dry days and cold nights
words words words — beyond reach
Oh! The bloody Block!
The Chaos Within 