deepundergroundpoetry.com
The Bliss of Old Socks
I toss brand new socks back and rifle
through drawers for solace and kindness
The old ones surrender and smile at me
the garters have given up they are
indolent around the ankles while
flesh peeps through threadbare cloth at the heels
Neckties hang in the order they were
hung long ago, ay, that was another lifetime
the days when socks rode high and denting skin
I do not put on socks but comfort,
do I mind if people see my bare legs?
I will cross them, pop one ankle on a knee
I prefer they see my contentment
the bliss in failing socks, an old mottled jacket
a life prostrate and languid at the edges.
through drawers for solace and kindness
The old ones surrender and smile at me
the garters have given up they are
indolent around the ankles while
flesh peeps through threadbare cloth at the heels
Neckties hang in the order they were
hung long ago, ay, that was another lifetime
the days when socks rode high and denting skin
I do not put on socks but comfort,
do I mind if people see my bare legs?
I will cross them, pop one ankle on a knee
I prefer they see my contentment
the bliss in failing socks, an old mottled jacket
a life prostrate and languid at the edges.
Published 26th Dec 2023
| Edited 27th Dec 2023
Author's Note
Image by AlexLoban from Pixabay
All writing remains the property of the author. Don't use it for any purpose without their permission.
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comments 7
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Commenting Preference:
The author encourages honest critique.
27th Dec 2023 12:02pm
27th Dec 2023 3:56pm
Thank you, Lauryn. Always good to realize that after the hard work, the result is intelligible.Have a great year of writing.
27th Dec 2023 6:36pm
HOLY FUCK! You are ... this is... YES! SO much yes. Intentional use of an extended metaphor with the rhetoric woven into every stitch. I gotta lose my shit a little at the unobtrusive grandeur.
LINE TWO.. WHAT THE FUCK?! The metaphor is laid and you've personified hosiery in a way that is so filled with tenderness and care that I'm gobsmacked.
I toss brand new socks back and rifle
through drawers for solace and kindness
The old ones surrender and smile at me
You don't rifle through drawers for socks, you look for solace.
The old ones surrender... its SO good. Are you doubling down on your meaning here, or simply using this gorgeous imagery of an old sock sagging into your hand? I DON'T CARE! I love it!
the garters have given up they are
indolent around the ankles while -- You are the only other person I've ever heard here use the word indolent. I had a bunch of folks try to correct me a decade ago "It's not insolent, you puke!"
Again. Beautiful phrasing.
A segue and the analogy backs the camera up so we can see the narrator a little more.
Neckties hang in the order they were
hung long ago, ay, that was another lifetime
the days when socks rode high and denting skin
DENTING SKIN?! I can almost see the elastic patterns. Fuck.
And the end is a beautiful cascade of acceptance and joy from age.
I do not put on socks but comfort,
do I mind if people see my bare legs?
I will cross them, pop one ankle on a knee
I prefer they see my contentment
the bliss in failing socks, an old mottled jacket
a life prostrate and languid at the edges.
I loved this.
You painted a beautiful picture, and your execution was without flaw.
Well done.
LINE TWO.. WHAT THE FUCK?! The metaphor is laid and you've personified hosiery in a way that is so filled with tenderness and care that I'm gobsmacked.
I toss brand new socks back and rifle
through drawers for solace and kindness
The old ones surrender and smile at me
You don't rifle through drawers for socks, you look for solace.
The old ones surrender... its SO good. Are you doubling down on your meaning here, or simply using this gorgeous imagery of an old sock sagging into your hand? I DON'T CARE! I love it!
the garters have given up they are
indolent around the ankles while -- You are the only other person I've ever heard here use the word indolent. I had a bunch of folks try to correct me a decade ago "It's not insolent, you puke!"
Again. Beautiful phrasing.
A segue and the analogy backs the camera up so we can see the narrator a little more.
Neckties hang in the order they were
hung long ago, ay, that was another lifetime
the days when socks rode high and denting skin
DENTING SKIN?! I can almost see the elastic patterns. Fuck.
And the end is a beautiful cascade of acceptance and joy from age.
I do not put on socks but comfort,
do I mind if people see my bare legs?
I will cross them, pop one ankle on a knee
I prefer they see my contentment
the bliss in failing socks, an old mottled jacket
a life prostrate and languid at the edges.
I loved this.
You painted a beautiful picture, and your execution was without flaw.
Well done.
Oh wow. That is probably the most generous compliment I have ever received. That was so large and profuse, that makes for a wonderful year-ender.
Sincerely appreciated, Betty. This small circle of ours is smaller by the day. People understanding the work we put in are fewer. And so we cherish each comment.
Sincerely appreciated, Betty. This small circle of ours is smaller by the day. People understanding the work we put in are fewer. And so we cherish each comment.
8th Jan 2024 11:57pm
So glad you've discovered one of my favorite poets ever. He's amazing, and your comment was delicious. Looking up yr stuff as soon as I finish this comment.
2nd Jan 2024 4:35pm
Yes, there is magic and bliss in "old things". "More old gold in 2024." XO
Anonymous
- Edited 18th Apr 2024 4:45pm
13th Jan 2024 8:16pm
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