Boy walking dog near destroyed building

Boy                      walking

           dog

near destroyed building 

lets arm loose 

            like kite string, 

offers voiceless                companion to low

white sky. Boy         ignores background 

noise of shuffled playing 

          card floors 

sliding from          low white sky. 

        In frosted cocktail 

        tumbler city 

where glass is cracked 

        and filled with aggregate 

ice cubes,          [shaken for optimum 

enjoyment], 

boy walking              %

dog could be          lifted %

by rogue                       %

bubbles            %

at any moment                              %

Author's Note

2016

Inspired by a photo which I saw online. The caption of that photo being the title of the poem.

Reviews

[CD Campbell]

I wonder if the boy has any idea that there are places in this world where destroyed buildings aren't part of the landscape.? Surely he does. Another question is how can a photographer click away and not feel a part of the machine that furtheres this kind of violence? Maybe they think they're making a difference. Maybe they are. My final question is why didn't the dog break away and bite our photographer hero in the a*s? That's a big dog.

I like your multiple references alluding to the destruction as an alcoholic beverage. The party is always on here in the west. We watch the news and gasp a little, but go right back to our minuscule problems on what to wear, why does this person not love me, etc. Love the chaotic slant and placement of your words. Drove it home like a hammer.

[Eilis]

Ha ha, too bad the dog didn’t. Just thinking about your first question I have to wonder if this has always been normal for the boy. Depends on where he is, I suppose. He certainly looks casual which says something about what he understands.

Thanks for reading, CD. Glad to know the formatting wasn’t a distraction. Felt important for this one.

[wu]

Hi Eilis,
I love the composition of this piece. There's something musical about it. Maybe it's the spacing I interpreted as pausing as I read it. Maybe it's your use of the % and its trailing to the finale.
Sadly the caption 'Boy being mauled by dog near new high-rise.' might get an equal reaction, but I don't think it would have the same ominous feel. How could it? Who knows, that might be what happens on the next block! - My apologies if I sound unkind. The intent was to note that in both poverty and prosperity there is tragedy.
%Cheers%

[gram linski]

loved the disjointed distracted method in your madness, the boy completely unaware of the dangers ahead, the staggered diction gives it an ominous feel

[Eilis]

Hi, Gram. Always nice to hear from you. Ominous is a great word for what I was trying to achieve, so score one for me. Ha.

Thanks for reading.

[Robert Trakofler]

in the clutches of the collective collateral chance casualties cast by corruptions cocktails causing crimes captured by your clicking keyboard catch my breath... the boy doesn't have a name but we know it, wear it and smile with our chagrin of discomposure and shame

[Eilis]

Ah, a poetic review! Even posting this and talking about it in review comments I have a sense of shame at my freedom to do so in peace.

The Victorians were unaware of what was happening abroad as a result of their leaders’ desires to ‘civilize’ and colonize the world. We are aware, but what do we do? I don’t know.

Thanks for the cool comment, Robert.

[Robert Trakofler]

you painted a very minimalist worthy painting exposing the core of your image perfectly I just interpreted its reflection on my retina be that as it may:) right or wrong

[Robert Trakofler]

by the way brush strokes with words not an easy thing to do....

[Eilis]

Sorry if my reply seemed negative or like I was saying you got it wrong. That was just me feeling helpless about the whole thing. I’m in a rough mood this morning. Nothing against your comment. I thought your comment captured the spirit exactly. It’s not always easy to translate feeling or meaning in these little boxes. Thanks again, Robert.

[barleygirl]

THE most brilliant thing I've read in recent weeks. Choosing this picture is such an inspired move. To be honest, I had doubts becuz it would take a mighty poem to measure up to this photo, which speaks volumes without anyone's help. That's why it's especially impressive that your poem stands tall next to this photo. You offer thoroughly unique details to pique all the senses! (((HUGS))) Fondly, Margie

[Eilis]

Thanks so much, Margie! I’m really excited by the feedback on this because I wasn’t sure if it was worth a damn. I’m so glad to know it’s translating like I hoped it would.

I try to write semi-political/social commentary poems but never quite feel they’re as strong as my more personal ones. So I’m happy to hear this one has impact.

Thanks, again. I always appreciate your feedback.

[Chris Shaw]

An excellent photograph to accompany your words Eilis. I did not find the layout a distraction at all. I found it enhanced your poem. It reminded me of the boy pulling tightly on that lead, jerky movements. This scene of the bombed building probably all too common place in his little world. I imagined booby traps, incendiary devices planted and I feared for both of them. Your description of the destroyed building is incredibly creative. The photo tells a story. Life goes on after the bombings. Normality in a boy walking a dog. Could have been anywhere and yet is wasn't. A short poem which evoked strong emotion. Lovely work.

Chris

[Eilis]

Thank you, Chris. I mentioned in my reply to CD that the boy looked casual, but that was the wrong word. You’ve described it much better in your use of the word normality. He’s out alone in his sandals among all that rubble as if it’s just another day. Of course there’s tension with the dog pulling, but also the sense that the boy understands the scene probably too well. He’s probably a much stronger person than me. Strength seems imperative under a strain like that.

Thank you for your thoughtful comment. Insightful. I appreciate your notes on the format as well.