Friday, 25 November 2011

Elegy (for Amanda)

Perhaps I saw you differently
softly scented
a thousand unborn stars
glimmering in parens
between each rhythmic hip-swing.

When the pale mists came
you rose like twisted willow
a sweet, difficult rising
arms outstretched
as far as being reaches.

Under autumn’s cold shadow
remnants of your breath
splashed against my cheek
like alluvion.
I could not let you go.

But where to keep you
among the soul’s clutter?
Here, in this waiting space
between open-beaked birds
and creases of heaven-red petals.
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16 comments:

  1. Louise25 November 2011 at 13:14

    Just beautiful, Peter. Gorgeous poem. Your words bring tears to my eyes xo

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  2. Diana Lee25 November 2011 at 13:17

    Lovely from first word to last...in particular, the last three lines.

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  3. Anonymous26 November 2011 at 00:52

    Whoever be Amanda...she is alive in your memory and still hungry for her in some way between openbeaked birds and love's heaven red petals. What a beauty this is...Peter...what a poignant memory ode to someone once admired, loved.

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  4. Anonymous26 November 2011 at 07:11

    When I die I'd be completely overwhelmed to be regarded with this love, esteem and friendship Peter. She were a lucky woman to have you and I'm sure by reading these words she will be immortalised and remembered fondly. Lovely tribute xx

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  5. Peter Wilkin26 November 2011 at 07:32

    Sincere thanks to all of you for writing such lovely comments about 'Elegy'. Amanda was, indeed, a very special woman who will always have a place in my soul. ~*

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  6. Martin26 November 2011 at 08:06

    Certainly a special relationship to her. Your words are lovely and intense, reveal and veil.

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  7. Peter Wilkin26 November 2011 at 09:17

    Thank you for your lovely comments Martin ~*

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  8. KjM26 November 2011 at 11:06

    There's an ache underlying these words that is palpable. "a sweet, difficult rising..." seems especially painful, yet poignant.

    Beautifully written tribute.

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  9. Peter Wilkin26 November 2011 at 12:39

    Hi KjM ~ thank you for your kind comments ~ you are absolutely right: 'painful, yet poignant' ~*

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  10. libithina1 December 2011 at 15:37

    thank you so much for sharing something and someone so very precious Pete ~ I read this a few times and felt the heaviness in my chest and eyes filled with tears at such a beautiful soul ~ hungry and pained for the loss of her ~ I felt her gentleness in your so expressive elegy ~ for Amanda x

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  11. Peter Wilkin2 December 2011 at 02:33

    Thank you for those lovely words, Lib ~ so pleased you connected to my poem & to Amanda x

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  12. Anonymous2 December 2011 at 14:54

    Haunting imagery - rich like the soul who has passed

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  13. Peter Wilkin9 December 2011 at 02:33

    Thank you for such a lovely comment, Marousia ~*

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  14. Anonymous23 December 2011 at 11:06

    Georgeous poem. I always find myself going back to read your work over and over. Every time I find something I missed before. Great stuff.

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  15. Peter Wilkin10 January 2012 at 13:33

    Thanks ever so much Nick ~ your lovely comments are really appreciated.

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  16. The Linnet5 June 2012 at 11:40

    Peter,

    I remember now I was lost for words to comment when I first read this beautiful elegy. I am not much better placed now.

    To be able to fit such powerful emotion wrapped in so few words yet lacking nothing, it leaves me utterly affected.

    Thank you for sharing this again.

    Abi x

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