FISH OUT OF WATER (photomorph) & THE STONE GATHERER (non-dream free verse poem) by Roswila

THE STONE GATHERER

On first attempt, I do not drown
but float to the surface, my back bent
above the water.

I tell others the stones I now collect
are grave markers.

But my body is the true marker
and its own grave, deserted by all
but the faintest signs of life that twist
upward like stunted flowers
through graveyard dust.

And I continue to collect stones, lining
my seams with pebbles, my pockets with rocks,
my shoes and socks with gravel.

I even swallow small ocean worn stones.

I will not surface
this time.


[non-dream free verse poem written in 1990, revised & posted in 2007, rev. in 2013, & re-posted today, 9-22-18. I suppose there may be a connection between my re-posting this very old poem because it too accurately reflects my mood for some time now and it being my (deceased) father's birthday. Right at the moment I don't see any really meaningful connection. Except that I said to a friend the other day that this month (from mid-September to mid-October) tends to be sad for me as it holds the birthdays of my brother, father, and mother -- all deceased (at 65 years of age, 66, and 34, respectively). Leaving me the only one of my primary family still struggling along (at 75). And if that sounds self-pitying it's because it is. Photomorph "Fish Out of Water" (8-17-18 018v2b) by Roswila]

PLEASE NOTE: in most browsers you can click on the above image for a larger version. Also, the photo accompanying a post is not necessarily meant to illustrate it, but to reflect some small, even slant aspect of the verse, similar to Japanese haiga (illustrated haiku).

There are many other sorts of posts on this blog. I indicate which are about or influenced by dreams. Some non dream focused posts are book reviews, "regular" poems (some by other writers), scifaiku, writing exercises, Tarot haiku, photos, haiga, and so on. However, most of those are in much older posts. There's a listing by month going back to early 2006, at the end of the sidebar.

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until next time, keep dreaming,

[a/k/a Patricia Kelly]
**** If you wish to copy or use any of my writing or poems, please email me for permission (under “View my complete profile”). Roswila's other blog (dedicated to her photos only, i.e. no poetry or other writing; daily post); TRYING TO HOLD A BOX OF LIGHT.