Ghost-rhythm
The little red truck, its relentless
work. Memaw once saw it move low—
window cracked just enough.
Enough for the slow rhythm
too soft to parade itself—
a dented chariot by the old root cellar.
I want to hold them in my hand now.
Barnlight on broken glass. The field
Barnlight on broken glass. The field
blurred thick through the heat-haze fractured
even in my dreams:
even in my dreams:
a mechanical psalm.
Just the ghost-
rhythm of when the heart cracked open—
every interstate exit
a groan of brakes and the smell of diesel.
a groan of brakes and the smell of diesel.
This is a cento made from lines of my previous LexPoMo 2025 poems.
7 thoughts on "Ghost-rhythm"
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Let me be the first to write, beautiful.
“a dented chariot by the old root cellar.
I want to hold them in my hand now.
Barnlight on broken glass.”
I think the work you’ve created this month is the strongest. I can’t wait to watch you organize these into the most epic collection. Love you!
I second Sam’s words.
Also love the sound and rhythm in “Barnlight on broken glass.”
Great Job Shaun!
“Barnlight on broken glass. The field
blurred thick through the heat-haze fractured
even in my dreams:”
Yes!!! Shaun, it’s been a pleasure to read your work this month. Keep writing! I hope to read more of your incredible creations next June. Happy summer.
Thanks for a month of good poems!
Love meaning of the title as it relates to your form of the cento! Adds a great depth.
aw wow, love this shaun. what a great idea to make a cento of your stunning poems, and truly this is such an artfully constructed cento. loved reading your work this month. perfect way to end it!