the spine lily

 

I am winging it in a strobe of hopeless tremors.
I anoint my body with jasmine oil and slip
through the spectators that shout,
I see a cold lily! and point, impolitely
as my spine nourishes a frozen flower.
I know I am warm.
I know the sweat of rain off street lights
will splash me to wakefulness, but flight
explodes through my body, fretless and young.
This time last year I thought myself a cripple
and broke my neck with despair -
But now I have the flower!
I am no meteor, no angel.
My spine holds a lily, ramrod straight and cold,
but it is the only prop I can find
to help me take hold of standing, flying,
keeping the peace of my mind
separate through the stem in my spine.
I have to answer to critics and oppressors
I have to face off with a million debates
each beginning like a fist, a hard blow,
delivered with bite and venom
I have to know when to, fight or flight,
answer back, cold stare to cold stare.
Petals grow inside my spine
in very strong Medusa hair

Reviews

[Emily B]

you are such a tall poet

[The Rock And Roll Cowbo..]

Kindness is our greatest support in troubled times... one friendly gesture goes a long ways. A wonderful piece.

[Ken Simm.]

For some reason this makes me think of a portrait made of flowers in the style of Archimboldo. It has the same metaphorical layers. A very beautiful piece.

[Ed Hart]

don't kid yourself, you are a meteor...and you don't have to answer anyone about anything...you create from the very center

[C.T. Bailey]

Phibbs, a powerful metaphor for a people of strong will, read a lady of strong will.

This time last year I thought myself a cripple/and broke my neck with despair -/
But now I have the flower!

This brings hope in desperation, sings of life in the face of death. Beautiful, as is all of your work. It is no secret...you are an inspiration to me.

[Greg the Bard]

I have always wondered how anyone can see as much as you seem to see in your writing. That may sound a bit over the top but still that is what I wonder. Back when 9/11 happened I remember seeing a plant standing amoungest the aftermath of the towers coming down. It was the only sight of life on the entire street but there it was. Standing and growing.Your work with plants brings that back to me everytime I read it. Great work.

[Mauricio Montoya]

what enters my mind is flower power and they always have an effect in our lifes whether it be in sadness or bring forth happiness or just to say hello.
Excellent write.