The challenge for passengers this week will be to write about one of the following:
(1) a time you had to choose between two clearly divergent paths; (2) a time you were called to walk a path you didn't choose for yourself; or (3) a time you refused to travel the path you were called to follow. If these won't work for you, write anything about a choice you made.
I chose option 1, about a decision made a long time ago…
The tree outside my window
flings its leaves to the wind –
sunset colors flying.
How can I mourn that beauty?
On the cusp
of autumn in my life
I examine the choice
made by a girl in the spring.
I am leaving no legacy
with my blood in this world.
I search for an empty place,
but my heart is filled with
sunset colors,
flying.
Go here to read some other fine responses to Karen's prompt by (at the risk of getting beaned by someone) some real poets!
This is too good. May I use it for a meditation, giving you credit?
ReplyDeleteSure! I'm flattered that you would want to.
ReplyDeleteYou can't beat a good cusp. I liked this too.
ReplyDeletex
Well said, as always. But I'm confused. This was a path you traveled that you didn't choose? But the girl of the spring chose this? I think I may understand, but am not sure... And you don't have to explain if you'd rather not. It's not hard to confuse me these days.
ReplyDeletePS -- this intrigued me and so I gave it a try. Will publish in a day or so.
ReplyDeleteAnne - sorry to be so cryptic! I was considering the choice I made (as a young girl) to not have children - & came to the conclusion that it was the best choice for me :)
ReplyDeletebeautifully expressed. i like how the beginning and the end are linked.
ReplyDeleteGoodness, Dana! This is wonderful, and I believe may be the flipside of the poem I've been trying to write. I love the positive ending. Wonderful!
ReplyDeleteYikes - I just realized that I had put the wrong option # as my choice! I've fixed it (it said option 2 - no wonder Anne was confused!).
ReplyDeleteThat would be the Option not taken, then...
ReplyDeleteReally like this! of course leafy trees are a haunt any way... You really did a good polishing job on this, it shines.
ReplyDeleteOh I love this one. This is my favorite Dana poem. (Do I always say that?) What a gift to be able to look back and know you made the best choice for you.
ReplyDeleteAnd long may you fly high. :)
ReplyDeleteWell, Ms. Bug, I personally think you are FAR from the autumn of your life! We certainly made different choices concerning children (obv!) but I so appreciate people who DON'Y have them based on a decision that this would not be best for their life. I still haven't figured out why such a choice is still considered kind of unusual- I wish more people could examine themselves and find such a truth. this is such a biggie and can affect so many people!
ReplyDeleteTerrific, as usual. My only gripe would be that you're in your 40s and 'on the cusp of autumn' More like early July, I'd say...
ReplyDeleteone word. Beautiful.
ReplyDelete'leaving no blood legacy' ... a bold, honest statement. Approaching 70 next year, I am certainly in the homestretch, so to speak.
ReplyDeleteI have no "blood legacy" either and I feel the same way. Brilliant poem!
ReplyDeleteKat
How true though, you are leaving a legacy in your words. Look at Keats who died before he could ever marry or have children, I recite lines of his poems and it touches a deep primal place inside of me and that will go on living once I'm gone. A legacy of words lingers, thrives, and lives on.
ReplyDeleteI liked this and the thoughts within, the ending is especially poignant.
ReplyDeleteHauntng, soulful and so moving
ReplyDeleteDana Bug, this is one of those special poems that are complete and full, standing on their own two legs, finished. I've had only a few of them. You've got to frame this one. Or whatever. Beautiful stuff. Full of guts.
ReplyDeleteI guess the autumn is a time to reflect, loved the imagery.
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