deepundergroundpoetry.com
Lullaby (tanka version)
rain has since moved on
while he's gone and I listen
to metal tines’ pluck
a Zimbabwe lullaby
playing on the mbira
🦒
yet how still the air—
there's scent of unlit candles
gifts by and from him
throughout the hunting lodge
reminders to him of me
🦒
on the veranda
wearing little more than heat
endless savanna
for my eyes seek and yearn
he follows the migrations
🦒
I can't help but smile
as I recall we walked through
a gift shop one day
filled with colorful candles
and he cried that scent is you!
🦒
last of the thunder
empty, fading, still rumbling
I start to inhale
curled in my favorite cane chair
I have no heart to burn them
Published 20th Jan 2020
| Edited 27th Jan 2020
All writing remains the property of the author. Don't use it for any purpose without their permission.
likes 10
reading list entries 4
comments 15
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Bravisima, Jadey! You set the scene so vividly. The African savanna fascinates me, contrasts of beauty and brutality. There is so much suffering in Zimbabwe right now.
I am a candle fanatic. My son and I, when he was smaller, used to go to Tuesday Morning just to smell the candles...we both got awesome scented ones in our stockings 😁
Hence I identify with the candles and their scents being symbolic of your love. My senses are peaked by the last stanza, the scent of the candles mixed with cane and the petrichor of the savanna after rain. All together romantic 💜🙏
I am a candle fanatic. My son and I, when he was smaller, used to go to Tuesday Morning just to smell the candles...we both got awesome scented ones in our stockings 😁
Hence I identify with the candles and their scents being symbolic of your love. My senses are peaked by the last stanza, the scent of the candles mixed with cane and the petrichor of the savanna after rain. All together romantic 💜🙏
20th Jan 2020 5:39pm
Oh gosh, thank you so very much for all of this, the beautiful & touching read, and a place on your Reading List.🙏🏻
Your story & descriptives had me enthralled!
ever
Jade🐾
Your story & descriptives had me enthralled!
ever
Jade🐾
20th Jan 2020 5:43pm
Anonymous
20th Jan 2020 5:43pm
Hi, Jade! Another example of your respect for the economy of words, creative powers and inventive nature! You are so consistent in all those aspects -- your readers always know they can expect a great poem, whenever you post! Thanks!
22nd Jan 2020 3:06am
Dear Poet,
Thank you for your words of appreciation bestowed upon me as an artist of ethics.
Btw, I’ve been meaning to ask: is the illustration on your avatar a credit to your own artistic skills?
Thank you for your words of appreciation bestowed upon me as an artist of ethics.
Btw, I’ve been meaning to ask: is the illustration on your avatar a credit to your own artistic skills?
Anonymous
22nd Jan 2020 6:18am
Dear Jade, From the Department of Redundancy Department: My thanks for your thanks! :-) To answer your question, no. Whatever I paint or draw has my signature. The palm avatar was a free download, with no artist attribution claimed.
Thanks for your interest! :-) -
Thanks for your interest! :-) -
Anonymous
- Edited 28th May 2021 4:45am
20th Jan 2020 7:22pm
<< post removed >>
21st Jan 2020 7:57pm
21st Jan 2020 2:35am
You have such a diverse talent for different styles of poetry and you nail each one.
The second to the last stanza resonates as sometimes scents take us across the plains of time and remind us of something or someone.
Beautiful write.
The second to the last stanza resonates as sometimes scents take us across the plains of time and remind us of something or someone.
Beautiful write.
22nd Jan 2020 3:28am
Thank you, dear Wally, for your appreciation. And yes, the mere suggestion of a scent is a powerful incentive that brings up clear memories.
🐾
🐾
21st Jan 2020 3:28am
22nd Jan 2020 3:33am
Daniel, thank you for your reading, and sharing your thoughts of appreciation on my humble effort as an active haijin.🙏🏻
21st Jan 2020 2:14pm
Beautifully done Miz Jade...Harry would be proud, I'm sure. I miss him... Hugs... Ely
22nd Jan 2020 3:37am
Thank you most kindly, dear Ely. I also share your thoughts. Harry was always extremely supportive, and I too wish he was still here.
tiger hugs
Jade🐾
tiger hugs
Jade🐾
