no rhythm
no long, yearning stanzas
no swinging scythe
evening hued grasses
a hurried social hour
a stratagem
a standing on laurels
when perhaps resting
would make more sense
better still
tossing them away
no hidden beauty to unlock
by stripping back
aching facts of labor
but something warm
beats under all,
wordless against words
in the morning is a word
and from that word
spins heavens and hells,
matters of all days
up into earthly purgatory
and on
6 responses to “Daywork”
I love how you juxtapose so many opposites here to create harmony and flow. This is a beautiful poem.
Very kind of you. I am really struggling with how hard it is to write about work — it’s what we spend so much of our time on. We will see if I can make any progress on this little project. Thanks so much for the encouragement!
but something warm
beats under all,
wordless against words
in the morning is a word
These are my favorite lines, but the sounds and rhythm are wonderful throughout.
Thanks. The opening of John is without rival. I have no idea what it means, but it mesmerizes me over and over. Maybe someday I will understand it. A faint attempt at uncovery here.
Yes! I just love how you play on it in the first line of the last stanza. And maybe understanding isn’t necessary (peace that passes all…). 🙂
Reblogged this on Kate Houck, Poems and commented:
Follow this blog! Jenifer is a talented and thoughtful writer.