Eugène Atget
Etang de Corot, Ville-d'Avray, 1900-1910
The Mad River flows
away from my heart's desire.
The thrum of possibility
muted under rushing water.
I stand on the bank
and think twice about
what that means – heart's
desire – and what I need.
I need ice cream
and contentment.
I need to know that
you want ice cream too.
Or maybe not ice cream.
Maybe I need what
is just down river –
a sound on the edge of my ear.
Caught, I stand on the bank
and think thrice about
my heart's desire
and what do I need…
To plunge into that mad water,
or bide on the bank,
or turn and head back home
to you?
A stirring and transporting poem, you have interpreted the wonderful photograph in a subtle and profound manner. Indeed, perhaps understanding one's mind is one of life's hardest tasks.
ReplyDeleteI like this!
ReplyDeleteI need ice cream and contentment, too.
ReplyDeleteMaybe I need what
ReplyDeleteis just down river –
a sound on the edge of my ear.
A stunning line, Bug. Brava!!!!
An interesting choice to think about!
ReplyDeleteI love it: the eternal human dilemma, whether to plunge into the river or have an ice cream!
ReplyDeleteGreat piece
ReplyDeleteI love the pros and cons feel that this piece has the split personality
Home AND ice cream make the perfect couple!
ReplyDeleteLovely. I vote for ice cream, but the plunge is tempting.
ReplyDeleteKat
Just get the ice creams and come home to me before the 'mad river' caries you 'away from (your) heart's desire'.
ReplyDeleteFantastic shots of the bird bath and its visitors!
Dear The Bug,
ReplyDeleteI need the river and the boat and a pilot and some ice cream.
Just starting to figure it out, you know.
Ann T.
I agree with Sam Lui; subtle and profound.
ReplyDeleteVery beautiful dilemma poem, lovely take on the prompt, and quite frankly, some lines to die for:
The thrum of possibility
muted under rushing water.
and
Maybe I need what
is just down river –
a sound on the edge of my ear.
I also love the "think thrice" and "bide on the bank".
Oops, nearly forgot. It's also got ice cream!
Fab poem - love the wanting to want the same thing... ie icecream
ReplyDeletegreat stuff
'maybe I need what is just down the river' ...... loved this gem of a statement! And your entire poem.
ReplyDeleteis great! I love how being near water evokes such feelings in the human being... very cool writing
ReplyDelete:-)
I like this poem, the simple statments are the telling ones....a sound on the edge of my ear. That and ice cream!
ReplyDeleteFabuloso! Can't believe how good the pomesare this week.You is all enchanted.Nice one Bug!
ReplyDelete'The thrum of possibility
muted under rushing water.'
Oh, yes!
Very, very nice, Bug! I like the turn, rather unexpected, and the ending that it summons. Good work. Did you say you're fluff? Nonsense.
ReplyDelete