The Elephant
Posted by Rob Kistner | Filed under Free Verse, Image, Poetry, dark, love, sensuality, tragedy
…this piece evolved from both a visual prompt (see below) on Magpie Tales, as well as a “hinge” prompt on Read Write Poem…
•
so many times
I return home from a business trip
swing onto our concrete carport
pause – and key the engine off
all is silent – save the tick and popping
as the engine cools
my favorite moment
just before I open the door
to step out
to approach the house — approach you
this moment of anticipation
knowing you are waiting
bathed and fragrant
warm and soft
dressed in something that will whisper
welcome home my love – I’ve missed you
to take you in my arms
fall into your loving eyes
pull your willing body close
to wrap ‘round you
drink you in – intoxicated
these moments melt into sweet love making
that continues until exhaustion
we both love when I return
but tonight
I do not key the engine off
I do not reach for the handle
do not open the door
I simply sit
my warm hand encircling
the coolness of the ivory fob
you gifted me with
on our African honeymoon
you are no longer waiting
not in quite sometime
not since you lost your battle brave
not since I held you, that final time
your body still soft and warm
warm as my trembling hand
• • •
rob kistner © 2010
…and check out what’s hinging at ReadWritePoem…
March 9th, 2010 at 2:19 pm
Rob,
As you always do: beautiful and emotionally drawing!
Good to touch base again. It’s been too long.
rel
March 9th, 2010 at 2:52 pm
Lovely evocation with a wonderful last line.
March 9th, 2010 at 3:30 pm
What an unexpected and poignant ending. A very elegant elephant piece, Rob.
March 9th, 2010 at 5:09 pm
Oh, what a touching piece. You drew me right in…
Thank you for your comment on my blog; you’ve such a creative place here. And the “Soundscapes” music is an added bonus.
March 9th, 2010 at 6:31 pm
My heart just broke open. . . a profoundly moving and touching story. . .
I am still sitting in the drive way…
Joanny
March 9th, 2010 at 7:40 pm
Beautifully written, Rob. The way it builds up and then the sad ending…
March 9th, 2010 at 7:56 pm
my heart stopped and ached as I read your poem-so honest and tender in its longing for a love no longer there but always there–bravo!
March 10th, 2010 at 3:56 am
I really liked the simple story telling using the details of you in the car in the driveway. I was afraid it was only going to be a soppy love poem (nothing wrong with that0 but you added the depth in those last lines. Nice.
March 10th, 2010 at 4:02 am
How lovely and poignant, Rob.
I too had not visited you for ages but I see now that it is my loss entirely. I am thrilled to see you participating to the magpie Tales.
March 10th, 2010 at 4:08 am
wow. great moving emotional piece…love the moment you picked to bring this in on…what could be random but for him special…
March 10th, 2010 at 4:23 am
Rob:
Thank you for visiting my blog.. That was one of the nicest comments I have received, , ,
I am totally captivated by your blog — the art, your writings, your designs — a sensual treat for the senses.
Joanny
March 10th, 2010 at 4:32 am
Lovely, lonely heartbreak!
March 10th, 2010 at 4:52 am
Hey Rob,
You can break a heart with just a few words. How on earth did that little pigophant inspire such angst? I remember you from Poetry Thursday. Thanks for stopping by my site and leaving such complimentary comment.
March 10th, 2010 at 5:12 am
Beautifully written. Very moving…
March 10th, 2010 at 5:15 am
You brought tears to my eyes with this. What a poignant, bittersweet piece — I’m incredibly moved by it. When I have a moment, I intend to read more of your blog. For now, please accept my thanks, both for your kind words on my own piece, and for sharing this with us. Beautiful!
March 10th, 2010 at 5:34 am
Rob,
The Bach
What a creative, touching verse. Thank you for sharing. I have made a new blog friend!! I must take the time to read some of your work here. I hope you have a great day and I’ll be back!
March 10th, 2010 at 5:45 am
So glad you stopped by my blog..
These words are very touching..filled with truth..thank you..
March 10th, 2010 at 7:59 am
Hello Bob, thanks for your visit and your nice comment. You are sure in your element in this Magpie Tales venue. I never get around to all the participants and feel so saddened that I can’t. I will return now that I have read your renderings. Blessings
QMM
March 10th, 2010 at 8:28 am
Beautiful and heart breaking. Wonderful take on this curious little magpie.
Thanks so much for the kind words on mine.
Happy Wednesday,
Jen
March 10th, 2010 at 8:30 am
So very touching, that brought tears to the surface; and the touch of African memories. . the music here is most soothing; will anticpate reading more next week…
March 10th, 2010 at 10:28 am
Grand! Profoundly moving. Thanks for your comment on my blog.
March 10th, 2010 at 10:37 am
You capture the feeling of resigned loss so eloquently. Your writing inspires me. Thanks for visiting my little blog and your kind words. LOVE your artwork - wow!
March 10th, 2010 at 12:57 pm
kind of sad but the memories aren’t gone, which can still be remember and cherish every now and then
March 10th, 2010 at 6:31 pm
Rob, thanks for visiting my blog. This poem takes such a moving, and surprising, turn at the end that I almost couldn’t bear it. Still warm, oh my.
March 10th, 2010 at 8:42 pm
Wow. Your words exude so much emotion and sensation. Beautiful.
March 11th, 2010 at 1:10 pm
I am speechless, perhaps the highest honor one can offer.
March 11th, 2010 at 1:26 pm
Tender, well written poem.
March 11th, 2010 at 1:50 pm
Oh, this was SAD! Rob, you are such a romantic!!!
March 11th, 2010 at 4:18 pm
Hello Rob,
Its such a pleasure to read your words….it really carry what you like to tell.
Last line really pushed a tear drop unknowingly..Thank You for sharing.
March 11th, 2010 at 4:19 pm
This piece is so very heartbreaking…and quite a tribute. Thank you for sharing.
March 12th, 2010 at 6:49 am
As always, it is a pleasure to read your poetry…
my arms around myself won’t let me down
March 12th, 2010 at 8:09 am
Rob,
My God what a beautiful and heartbreaking poem!
Thanks for sharing this. So well written.
Pamela
March 27th, 2010 at 8:02 pm
Memory, like an elephant, recalls the past routines as if they were continuing ad infinitum. The permanence of his wife’s death is not realized by his grief-striken and shocked brain. There is no way of blotting out the flood of recent memories. The trembling hand is the outward sign of the man’s emotional pain and grief. His body’s uncontrollable autonomic nervous system is beginning to experience feeling once the numbness of the shock of her death begins to wear off and reality sets in; “you are no longer waiting”. The strength of love shown in the way the mind tries to alter reality in some way to lengthen the belief that his wife is still alive. This powerful love relationship is eternally bonded in forever memory core deep and very beautiful.