Thanks, Lawrence. Edgy it might be, literally, containing a gathering
of things I saw whilst checking out various craft moored around
Stockholm, plus my own fancies.
It isn't as 'about' the city as the other poem I sent through couple
of weeks ago. But I think it is, in part, a traveller's poem, hence
the movement.
J
________________________
Jill Jones www.jilljones.com.au
----- Original Message -----
From: "Poetryetc: poetry and poetics"
To:
Cc:
Sent:Fri, 17 Oct 2014 13:59:55 +0100
Subject:Re: Packing for the Journey
Very fine, Jill. It has a well-made movement to it, propelling us,
rushed?
nervous? nervous isn't the right word, but something like - edgy?
Whatever! I like it!
L
On 15 October 2014 20:51, Jill Jones wrote:
>
>
> PACKING FOR THE JOURNEY
>
> _NORRA HAMMARBYHAMNEN_
>
> you take plastic stars, a bicycle,
>
> a dozen pot plants, a padlock, a pencil,
>
> enough beer, money for the ferry
>
> even when you get there, or if you don't
>
> you take a succession of songs
>
> they don't have to be old as cafe songs
>
> they could be new as rain
>
> you listen as you haul, it will work out
>
> you see the ferry stalling on the other side
>
> as the lights begin to come on past the quay
>
> you gather the things around you
>
> the plants need sun but here's the rain
>
> the plastic stars are all they have
>
> and the pencil, don't forget the pencil
>
> it draws earth below water and imagines the sun
>
> in the starry night the ferry brings
>
> and you bring your things to the landing
>
> the gates are opening, the padlock drops away
>
> even the rats in the storehouses, the fish
>
> in the sluices, the trams on the bridges, the camp
>
> of the homeless under the pylons, even the strays
>
> are quiet. Except for the rain, and the engines
>
> which begin stuttering. At least
>
> you have the beer.
>
> And there's enough for everyone.
> ________________________Jill Jones www.jilljones.com.au
>
>
>
|