as needful to our being,
we partake of the essential
nourishment of air and water
and swallowing of bread and milk
and savoring of salt
we endure the sufferance
of idle conversation dispersed to nothing
(god, keep me from the spider’s web)
and abide time’s slide to otherness
so that if and when our worlds disperse
in gravity of a quasar blasting passion
and firm new courses in existence
frighten us with strangeness
then we shall hold to knowing
that breath means life
and water is abundant absolution
and bread and milk are nurturing
and salt … is preserving certainty
of friendship … wisdom … love
Bonnie Marshall
Art by Pieter Claesz, 1644
I thought this an excellent poem.
Grateful thanks dear friend. Such meaningful praise from a master poet! Smiles …
Extraordinary, Bonnie. I love the way the poem opens on what seems ordinary, continues to embrace the expanding universe, and returns to remind us that the most simple elements contain the most profound expressions of humanity. When the worlds collide, we will still be here.
I love your understanding of this poem, Sharon. Means a lot to me when a reader … and an excellent writer … takes the time to respond his way. Thank you so much!
Ah Bonnie…when words are able to touch the deep and create a seed, or a nest, or simply a resting place…. we feel beauty move within us… so sorely needed. Thank you fine poet…
Then, I shall make a print of your gracious and poetic words to read and read in times of drought. Actually, right now feels rather wonderful. Thank you, Jana.
Beauty and peace in simple things and in your words Bonnie
Know I value your response, John. Very much.
Thank you Bonnie
So wise and so true. Words that mean so much.
So good to know, for this is how they were intended. Smiles …