Graphite of my Soul

Africa is a continent of music in my living room,
an orphan's tears dampen the palm of my hand.

Not for me, cash misspent on some Gucci suit
that could build a well in Botswana, save a village

nor the obscenity of oysters, the cruelty of champagne.
I purchase hard-chosen presents: syntax of my love,
at festive times, to ease suffering, to buy smiles.
My heart has, through the years, harmonised,
with that of certain comrades. I make-believe
the world goes deeper than gossip,
the plot of soaps, the latest Ipod, secreted
in someone's denim pocket with pilfered notes,
the intricate matrix of the man-don't-give-a-damn.
With my face angled to the dark void of heaven,
I could curse the cosmos, but instead I keep giving

ingesting the infinite blackholes of dead nebulae

like failed friendships; false people, lightyears from truth.

Today, I will draw nature with the graphite of my soul.

Author's Note

Please give as much criticism as possible

Reviews

[Judy Ponceby]

It is difficult to criticize. You show in amazing detail the choices that can be made if only one makes the effort to improve our world or to be selfish. And then choose to do what you as one person can to improve our world. If only everyone could see and feel so deeply. Well done.

[Donald Meikle]

will try but it's no easy task

even feeling betrayed and lost your words are so well written and your determination shines on so Sel.
Failed friendships reads you tried.
lightyears from truth is so now normal
sketch on and remember to smudge where it helps

[Ed Hart]

you ask for criticism; i'll give you criticism: in one hand you hold a magnified sensitivity to the currents of our time, and in the other you mirror your own grace and graciousness; you are a powerful lady, and carve the world with your words

[Bloody Ceca]

Wauw... It's fantastic...

[Chris Smith Welshpoetcs]

Magnificent poem, from the title to the last line.

[Donald Meikle]

To study Memory Lane and still be.
Now that's something to keep.
It's good to know you're there Sel

[Hello, Goodbye]

this is filled with candid personal awesomeness.. the narrative is curious and the imagery quite engaging in its eccentricity..

[Emily B]

how could I criticize, it's so full of you, it shines, I want to see that nature