perpetuity

artwork by elaine de kooning "self portrait"

with the stealth of a jungle tiger

an enigma slides into her desk chair

thinking how cleverly the witness stand of life 

has been disguised

grooves on her face 

such interesting gullies

where the secret pathways to her soul

lie safely bastioned

yet within the perimeter 

of an invisible fence erected years ago

children still roll down hills

butterflies never die

and bad guys are only capable of making

clearly anticipated moves.

she laughs

a pungent and acrimonious utterance 

as her fingers dance with relentless passion 

hoping to reveal every detail to perpetuity

Reviews

[Desert Knave]

"... butterflies never die and bad guys are only capable of making clearly anticipated moves ...". I love that part so much. I try, as often as I can, to commit the good things to paper / perpetuity, because I see that in life I spend way too much time complaining about the bad things. Anyhow ... I love the "safe place" this took me to. ~Jim

[Lydia Shutter]

May you always stay in that safe place, Jim! Thank you so much for reading and reviewing my words. Means a lot to me. Lydi**

[~]

Never underestimate a woman, and take heed when she is a poet, for within the lines of smiles and twinkles in those eyes lies a whole hidden universe that keeps revolving around her and her only.
I rolled with each word, and listened to the invisible songs yet to be sang and was satisfied!!
gorgeous!!

[Lydia Shutter]

Moon, you always make me feel special. Thank you so much. Lydi**

[~]

i am your fan :D :D

[Lydia Shutter]

And I appreciate that!

[....................]

and what a great self-portrait of the poet you paint for us, Lydi... it is true, while we do hide the memories in the wrinkles of life's vessel, we do tend to scribble them, here and there, in the lines of our poetry, oft' times weaving them in between (in the covert, figurative language of the poet) so they can be never fully unearthed, but rather enjoyed by the poetic sleuths of tomorrow...this is a lovely write, my friend

[Lydia Shutter]

Yup, we are covert operatives....we should work for the CIA! LOL Thank you so much for this wonderful review, FT. Lydi**

[....................]

Haha, indeed...you are welcome, my friend!

[emmajoy]

'secret pathways to her soul - lie safely bastioned .. '

Deception of our own kind .. mainly selves; thoughts piled high, no right or wrong - except when they hit close to home. Some hug the truth close, wanting applause, living off it... others speak out, weakening their own position. Guess we take a chance on our own weaknesses and strengths in the making of rules and the breaking of them ..

Fine, fine writing Lydi.. deep, and worth so much more than a scan.

[Lydia Shutter]

Thank you for truly reading my words, Emma. We take a chance when we splash our emotions on the page.....but it is part of who we are! I appreciate you. Lydi**

[emmajoy]

Your words truly and always touch me, Lydi..

[Lydia Shutter]

You are a sweetheart....and you made my day.

[emmajoy]

Glad i can do that for someone!!!!

[Alfred Kukitz]

Intense & gripping but the transformation to the softness of living truly masterful. This is a great one Lydia!

Regards,
Al

[Lydia Shutter]

thanks so much, Al. Lydi**

[jacob erin-cilberto]

we as poets are much like witnesses in a trial...it is the trial of life, and we are bound to show the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth...

and we do the best we can, knowing that the court reporter is saving all of what we say for "perpetuity>"

nicely said, Lydi...

j.

[Lydia Shutter]

Ah, but are our words always the truth or do we sometimes hide behind them? Only the shadow knows for sure! :) Thanks ,Jacob. I appreciate your review. Lydi**

[jacob erin-cilberto]

i think deep between the lines, the truth lies, even if we obscure it somewhat.

[Lydia Shutter]

You are right, Jacob.