With Eyes Closed
by Erika Byrne-Ludwig
I believe I will become a bear, snuggle up in a deep cave, coil myself inside my fur, close my eyes on hurting images, turn a deaf ear to the uproar of the world. Bolt my door to the deceiving voices outside. Sleep. Forget. Wait, as we wait for spring, for the violet and the swallow. Wait for a renewal without tar and concrete, but a lush lawn where camomile and mauve daisies grow. Then take a step in to the garden and throw a handful of seeds into the sky.
It's that bear ... Mathew...
J'aime cela! I had that very feeling when I went to bed last nite, and now the joy in the last sentence. Thank you!
"Sleep. Forget. Wait"
The turning inward here is very appealing. It is survival in the deepest sense.
The closing - "Then take a step in to the garden and throw a handful of seeds into the sky." - is perfect. A beautiful moment. Amazing.
I think this is my favorite among your works I've read, Erika. Nicely done.
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Great job layering complexity of subject into simplicity of style. You capture how many feel.
Being a bear is good!*
"for the violet and the swallow"
Beautiful, musical. Does it sound as musical in French?
Love the close, the movement in the final sentence after the stillness. Love it all.
Thank you everyone for your lovely comments. Much appreciated.
Mathew, yes a bit of hope for you ...
Sam, nice to say ...
Matt, for the capture ...
Tim, I like bears ...
Diane, I think it does ...
"to the uproar of the world" .. great contrast set against the quiet metaphors.
Thank you, Eamon, for your observation.
I like all of this, but especially "spring, for the violet and the swallow."
And the ending is wonderful. An image of hope and desperation both.
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Thank you, Bill, for your excellent comment.
especially mauve daisies!*
Mauve for a change... Thanks Beate.
I like this look inside. It’s a bit like introversion made actual. Enjoyed. *
Thank you for your subtil comment, John.