Stranger
Posted by Rob Kistner | Filed under Free Verse, Image, Poetry, art
Stranger
•
this day
as I journey
I come upon a stranger
standing by the road
looking sad
heavy box
held in his arms
clutched close to his breast
he stares
expressionless
into my eyes
his gaze stops me still
fixes me in place
his face is tired
and drawn
etched in withered worry
when at last I move
I draw near
as I do
close enough to see
this sullen man
is me
he offers out his hands
that open on the box
he beckons me retrieve
this container he protects
filled with apprehension
I reach
and grasp the case
lift it cautiously from his grip
lay it gently at my feet
it opens
as I do
slowly
to reveal
its haunting
strange contents
seven broken hearts
mute with wonder
I behold
confused
yet riveted
I ponder
as I do
then inquire of the meaning
these are yours
I am told
created by your deeds
cruelly left behind
as you ventured on
once
they each belonged
to one who trusted you
each trust you did betray
without a second thought
each love you tossed aside
abandoned carelessly
now the burden of this box
is mine beyond the grave
it was on a road like this
that it was passed to me
I have carried it too long
I am weary from the load
now you must bend and lift
and clutch it to your breast
to struggle with its weight
until you pass it on
someday
a stranger will approach
over that horizon
he will stop
and stare
transfixed by your presence
you will charge him with this chest
then he will lift
and carry
as I do
in a cycle of forever
for he too
will be you
• • •
rob kistner © 2008
_____________________
collage above entitled: “Heavy Box” — by: rob kistner © 2008
November 16th, 2008 at 10:53 am
This is a riveting, haunting poem to be read and reread (at least I did), and the collage is beautiful. It fits the poem like the reptile skin in the background once fit its owner. Amazing! The leaden box with strange glyphs replicated eternally…
November 16th, 2008 at 2:10 pm
Wow! Beautifully written. Poignant. Fabulous.
November 16th, 2008 at 4:54 pm
Clever writing, this really makes me stop and think about the consequences of our actions…
November 16th, 2008 at 10:30 pm
Brilliant. Love the flow
November 17th, 2008 at 2:33 am
Another amazingly beautiful piece…7 broken hearts…I love it.
November 17th, 2008 at 3:00 pm
absolutely fantastic!! loved it that it made me think about the deeds left undone and people left to the side.
November 17th, 2008 at 9:31 pm
Makes you think. Great poetry here.
November 18th, 2008 at 2:49 am
Hi Phyllis -
Always nice to see you visit…
You are always so kind, thank you. I am pleased that you liked the verse and the image.
I’ll come visit you at my next opportunity.
…rob
November 18th, 2008 at 2:51 am
Mary -
thank you very much for your kind words - they are greatly appreciated…
…rob
November 18th, 2008 at 2:52 am
STG -
My thanks for your gracious sentiments.
…rob
November 18th, 2008 at 2:53 am
Jeeves -
Thank you my friend…
…rob
November 18th, 2008 at 2:54 am
lillyasia -
You are always so gracious — and I appreciate your kind words…
…rob
November 18th, 2008 at 2:55 am
sis -
I am pleased this piece resonated for you…
…rob
November 18th, 2008 at 2:59 am
Sunshine -
My daughter’s middle name is Sunshine, it was almost her first name — but we chose Jennifer instead.
She grew up being called Jeni Sunshine.
I’m glad it gave you pause to reflect. Thank you for your compliment…
…rob
December 3rd, 2008 at 11:49 am
I love this. Provocative, thoughtful, and the accompanying image is so compelling.