Saturday, January 18, 2014

Natural Shocks




natural shocks

indignities of the body,
leaks and runs
and crusts,
shameful, smelly fissures, 
wheezes --
this is just
another fiery engine
that clicks and steams 
and rusts,
a clock that's sprung,
a race not won,
an hourglass of dust.

19 comments:

  1. This is, and you are, so brilliant! I don't follow you as close as I should, but every time I stop by here, I am wowed. Love you, sweet pea.

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  2. So true for we aged. Let the young take heed, theirs is but "an hourglass of dust".

    Good one!

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  3. Been looking in my window??? That last line is superb.

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  4. You nailed in a dozen lines what I couldn't quite grasp in 144. What is aging if not a yard filling with another and another spent "fiery engine." Loved it.

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  5. Loving those last three lines. Great write.

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  6. ...but strength inside, the soul wisdom, the hourglass can be flipped, dust wiped off ;)xx

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  7. A minimalist's look at age--and who really wants to look maximally? It's far to frightening to life the Reaper's robes and see those shriveled shanks. I relate to this--on every level. Just excellent.

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    Replies
    1. too. not to, lift not life. ..sigh.. My eyes do a lousy job of proofing these days.

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  8. ah the process! have a good Monday

    much love...

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  9. And I was having a good day up until now...ha ha!

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  10. Ah yes, you've gone and removed my rosy glasses. Hee hee. (no worries, all it takes is a look in the mirror). I, too, noted your closing line. Really great writing!

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  11. that last line perfectly sums your pen ~

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  12. Yes, such is life...I too think you have been looking in my window :)

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  13. seeing I am of the age where this battle between my will and my body is waging... (I am if nothing a stubborn old cuss) this poem hit the mark... I know of what you write... :)

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  14. Witty, erudite metaphor. Splendid.

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  15. Just amazing how much indignity, pressures and stresses the body had to put up with just to please . Sadly one never realize the extent and seriousness it had gone through just to survive! Nicely Karen!

    Hank

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  16. I've been away for a while because of crazy work stuff, but you are still as fabulous as always.

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  17. The commonality of the truth here is simultaneously comforting and disturbing!

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