Untethered by Time
alley dark branches rain
scented cherry blossoms
The first time I heard My
Sweet Lady by John Denver I was living in Mt. Laurel, New Jersey and
dating the man I hoped to marry. Complications separated us. He left. It was
over a month when miraculously, it now seems, he returned with an album under
his arm—Poems, Prayers and Promises. Our record player
was on the floor of the family room, and he had me lie down next to it, and
close my eyes. Lady, are you crying, do the tears belong to me? Did you
think our time together was all gone?
While John Denver sang, my
love’s fingertips brushed my face, a touch so soft it seemed I could be
imagining it. Over and over his fingertips caressed my face, perhaps they hovered
above my face like an unknown wind.
whisper
of the sea…
renewal
Mary Jo Balistreri has two
books of poetry published by Bellowing Ark Press and a chapbook by Tiger's Eye
Press. She has more recently been enjoying learning and writing haiku type
poems. She finds it helps her see differently and experience life in a new way.
For more information, please visit her at maryjobalistreripoet.com
Jo, That is a beautiful story and poem. The first line appears at first not connected to the poem but it is and that first line emotionally describes the whole poem. Beautiful-Thanks
ReplyDeleteI met a girl, a decade ago. She was closely tied to John Denver, via the song "Poems, Prayers and Promises."
ReplyDeleteThat girl dragged me, kicking and screaming all the way, to my first group poetry blog. I met several people that day, who are still close to me this day, both as friends and as writing collaborators.
You just struck a nerve, a good on, in a very solid way. Thanks!
I met a girl, a decade ago. She was closely tied to John Denver, via the song "Poems, Prayers and Promises."
ReplyDeleteThat girl dragged me, kicking and screaming all the way, to my first group poetry blog. I met several people that day, who are still close to me this day, both as friends and as writing collaborators.
You just struck a nerve, a good on, in a very solid way. Thanks!
Thank you, JT and Michael. It is always a delight to have some feedback. I worried that maybe this was too personal. Yet, I wanted to share it with you.
ReplyDeleteMaking it personal made it work for me. :)
DeleteJo, I really loved this piece, you created a wonderful picture of a memorable time in your life - something that many can certainly relate to. Congratulations!
ReplyDeleteWhat a lovely haibun, Mary Jo. :) This past weekend I went to Sutton Foster's concert, and she sang "Sunshine on My Shoulders." It's nice to think about John Denver's music again.
ReplyDelete