We are the first to write our name
Hair dripping
Feet sore
The page is stark and white
We would ask for anything but help
Tiny letters spill over the edge of the cup
We are outside
Writing our sentence
By the shore
Listening to the bells
The door is open but we dare not leave
We are getting old
In a quiet midnight room
We will remember our name
Hair dripping
Feet sore.
You always manage to write something for the reader to ponder deeply over in your poetry Jae. I think many of us have that pride in not asking for help, which is so foolish as we think that shows a weakness to do so.
ReplyDeleteWe would ask for anything but help
ReplyDelete.. that is so stark.. so enormous.
Writing your name on a stark, white page, asking for anything but help and not daring to leave even though the door is open, is familiar to me. It took years to take that first step but it's so liberating when you do. It's easier with two.
ReplyDeleteBeautifully evocative, Jae!
ReplyDeleteVery beautifully written; lovely rhythms and sounds. Sad in its resignation. The double meaning of 'sentence' is striking.
ReplyDeleteI like the idea of listening to bells, Jae. And I hope you are able to continue filling up those stark white pages with your wonderful poetry.
ReplyDelete"We would ask for anything but help......" is sad. I resonate with that line. When help doesnt come, we learn to do without it. I LOVE the letters spilling over the edge of the teacup.
ReplyDeleteThis reminds me of a prisoner of war, give only your name and your serial number. xoxoxo
ReplyDeleteI wonder what they'll discover--about the room and each other--while they are there...
ReplyDeleteWhat a terrible place to be... you really manage to spell out the worst without screaming out loud.
ReplyDeleteFrom birth to death we want to stand on our own 2 feet and write that name with no help....proudly even if it causes pain.....again a fabulous written piece to evoke such deep contemplation.
ReplyDeleteDonna@LivingFromHappiness
This makes me so sad. Feet sore and o help to be had--this feels like the migrant crisis
ReplyDelete