The recluse in her rare way
said it was “the thing with feathers”
and specified a small bird
that sang in the gale.
I never found it winged
as bird or angel but something else
that arrived in my sleep.
A maiden draped in long folds of linen,
holding a plant soft plumed in green.
Most of her face was hidden
beneath fallen hair, a crystal eye
and pale mouth revealed.
She told me
to provide the dream and prayer;
then find this flower in the marsh.
hinged with the shimmer of dragonflies.
Spread its leaves along the door step
and let my breath become
the wind that gives them flight,
Spring that carries the waiting —
pinnatus in her ancient tongue.
___________________________________________________
Note — “The recluse” is a reference to poet, Emily Dickenson, who wrote a poem about hope and called it ” a thing with feathers”. The word “pinnatus” comes from The Latin, meaning “winged or feathered.”
Wendy,
Emily’s “hope poem” has been on my bulletin board for many years.
I have always found it inspiring, double so now that I have read your
poem. The imagery and the ambience wears your signature proudly
and so does the seamless flow from stanza to stanza. I love it!
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Thanks so much Sarah!
I deeply appreciate your kind remarks and agree, that poem by Emily is one of my favorites! I love all her work that one really speaks to me!
Take care
my best always,
Wendy
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That Dickinson poem seems to be one of the most often quoted when she is discussed. You do it justice here.
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“the thing with feathers” –
“and let my breath become
the wind that gives them flight “-
love the voice,
craig
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Hi Michael
Thank you for reading and commenting on my poem!! I sincerely appreciate your kind words.
Hi Craig
So glad you enjoyed the poem and especially those lines! I really appreciate your thoughtfulness!
My best to you both!
Wendy
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