Komorebi
The way light filters through trees
the way small yellow-star-flower
reaches out to say hello. Grabs you
by the corner of your eye –snaps–
your head around like it’s a wrestler
trying out a move from top rope. But
it’s just a flower.
The way a shadow slithers along
the exposed trunk of an uprooted
dead cedar like a copperhead
hunting a vole when it hasn’t eaten
since the dusted Virginia Pines gave
up their old man-walking-in-park
disguise and shook off snow
in wind to explode into spring. And
it’s only shifting shadow.
The way the sky spins a whistle
right above the canopy treetops
from between the feathers of a bird
the size of a small hog that has been
watching you from it’s nest of limbs,
and bleached rabbit bones halfway up
the lichen covered vertical rockface
when the sky is breathing.
21 thoughts on "Komorebi"
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Is it wrong to want more? I so love the examples you give for flower, shadow and sky that I wasn’t ready for it to end. Don’t get me wrong, it ends on a strong note. It’s just that you have such a gift for translating the runes that I could keep reading all day.
Thanks 😀
Bill, The phrase “watch this space” originates from the late 19th century, ain’t saying nothing, just sayin.
I agree with Bill, your analogies are poems in and of themselves. Hint hint.
Thanks Lee 🙂 inspiration.
I agree with Bill. This poem places such rich images and expressions one after the next, and I selfishly want to read more!
This is incredible:
“The way a shadow slithers along
the exposed trunk of an uprooted
dead cedar like a copperhead
hunting a vole when it hasn’t eaten
since the dusted Virginia Pines gave
up their old man-walking-in-park
disguise and shook off snow
in wind to explode into spring. And
it’s only shifting shadow.”
I keep going back to this. Awesome poem, Coleman!
This took me by as surprise. I love the sustained list and how to lyrical it is. Like Bill, I wanted the poem to continue. I rarely get so immersed in a poem!
I want to visit this place. Great magic carpet ride.
Beautiful imagery that transcends the words themselves and takes us to another place. Peaceful journey.
yes, the movement of the stanzas approximates the dappling effect
I feel as though I’m standing there with you! I love: “The way the sky spins a whistle.”
Looked up “Komorebi”. And then saw that you showed the meaning of the word.
Love how the single lines’ understatements explode.
Agree with Bill, I wanted it to go on and on even though the poem is complete as is.
Fav lines:
Grabs you/by the corner of your eye –snaps–/your head around like it’s a wrestler/trying out a move from top rope
when the sky is breathing.
the lichen covered vertical rockface
when the sky is breathing.
wonderful landing. This poem breathes the sulfites out of my wine.
Beautiful, Coleman. Among other things that others have spoken of, I like the way you break the pattern of your couplets with a single-line stanza, which makes it stand out and also sort of resets the poem. You are becoming a true poet/strategist in that sense. We are putty in your hands.
This one has decided it will keep
Good.
You bring nature to life with your words!
This is clean and moves, yes, like light filtering through leaves in many ways. Had not heard of the word Komorebi—I will remember it now.
Agree that this line is spectacular:
“Grabs you
by the corner of your eye –snaps–
your head around like it’s a wrestler…”
I love the movements you make here, from “But/it’s just a flower.” to “And/it’s only shifting shadow” to the more meditative “when the sky is breathing.”
I always thought light through trees/leaves in the forest was better than any art museum. There is constant movement, even in stillness, and you captured that so nicely. What a unique experience you have given us! Thank you!
What a beauty of a poem. Thank you for reminding me.