After this last death,
After this last death,
I lose at musical chairs.
Rough strangers shove me toward the carved door.
Feeling fierce, I yell, “Don't push me!”
House racked with noise, smells, rushing,
I turn the doorknob. Cool, quiet, a darkening path.
Arms folded under the hot weight of my breasts,
I lean against the trunk of a tulip magnolia.
The nubs and edges of the massive tree scratch chilled skin.
I step away, drop my arms, open my palms.
Breezes tease the insides of my elbows.
Dead family murmur, pull until I float
toward them, surprised by ease.
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Author's Note
This poem has been around me for awhile. Thought I'd throw it against the wall and see if it sticks yet.
Other stories by Nonnie Augustine
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I'd say it sticks. *
What Con says.
i sensed the cold, scratched skin and feel my arm...
I see everything. I feel the breeze.*
Strong imagery. I like the poem.
"I lean against the trunk of a tulip magnolia.
The nubs and edges of the massive tree scratch chilled skin. "
**
*, Nonnie. Sam is right. I think this is great imagery. Great line:
"Arms folded under the hot weight of my breasts,
I lean against the trunk of a tulip magnolia."
* yep
I love the contrast between the fierce "Don't push me!" and "surprised by ease" at the end.Love it.
One of your best.*
The ending is killer killer killer.
I love the last two lines here. *
I like it.
Thanks for posting this. Powerful and lovely to read.*
Especially concur with Carol's comment. *****
"Breezes tease," yes.
"I lean against the trunk of a tulip magnolia"
Wonderful.*
Gosh, this is good. Ditto all the great comments already posted here. *
Love this poignant image of the carved door. The door that seperates us from everything or allows us to enter at will, if we have the will.
*
Beautiful imagery well put.*
*
Such a contrast of anger vs. the release of escaping. Beautiful imagery and word choices. Love the tulip magnolia. "*"
Wonderful.*
Well done.
Just, just lovely. Makes me want to hang up my keyboard in your honour x
Nicely done.