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Nora O’Dowd's avatar

Hi, so new to this.

Tattered blanket curls in gentle waves

unbroken, trembling toward release

still warm, still cradling

one so lately there

Sand castle definition ebbs

at tidal command

the green woolen blanket

is pulled away and

smoothed into practical folds

ready to embrace

another body and soul

anxious for its warmth

For a moment, it remembers

the twists and turns,

the midnight prayers

of one so lately there

10 poetry notebooks's avatar

Hi Nora, Aren't we all, new to this, that is? No matter how long I've been writing, each time I sit down to write a poem, the process feels so new. But you've written a lovely poem and you have no reason to explain it as a "new." The poem stands, ready to be read as all others. I especially like the repetition in it, the blanket showing up repeatedly, the "curls" and "twists and turns." It's a solid image and hopefully you feel good about it! Robbin

Nora O’Dowd's avatar

Thank you so much for the warm welcome! And I very much appreciate your kind comments, Robbin.

J. Zheng's avatar

First, the spiked air of clary sage,

then the slow melt into mint

and the sharp sweetness of star anise.

Soon a field of lavender rises,

and in its haze, cedars lift,

tall as your shadow.

The bottle warms in my palm.

Hours drift. Lavenders fade.

Now the air is dusted with tonka,

soft as memory turned to powder.

And I inhale nothing.

My breath is thick with absence.

Please, let me forget.

Let this scent carry away

whom I refuse to name.

10 poetry notebooks's avatar

Wow...I love, love "My breath is thick with absence." What a line! Ending with that line is another option. Thank you for sharing your poem with us. It is evocative.

J. Zheng's avatar

You are right, good idea. Thanks! :)