Stroke
The clotted red hammer dropped.
The light, north star, my reason
lies afraid behind the bathroom door.
Driven to the floor like a pale nail.
She reaches for a strand of hair;
a soft cobweb bothering her face.
Her complaint is trembled nonsense.
Lost fingers fuss with her blouse.
She tries clumsily to rise confused.
The light, north star, my reason
lies afraid on the bathroom floor.
One word translates out ” fallen “
14 thoughts on "Stroke"
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Incredible opening line. “soft cobweb bothering her face” is a wonderful image. Solid work!
Beautiful rendering of a terrifying moment, “The light, north star, my reason” says it all.
love the tightrope feel of this between
open/closed
exposed/contained
Oh lord. I can’t imagine. Actually I can, and I know it would have wrecked me. Y’all have both been through so much. Thank god you’ve come out on the other side alive. I love you both so much.
Wow. The last line is especially strong, and the last word, devastating. Your love for her shines throughout it all.
Truly amazing poem.
Especially love:
Driven to the floor like a pale nail.
She reaches for a strand of hair;
a soft cobweb bothering her face.
Heart wrenching, with gorgeous pacing and word choices. Thank you for sharing.
I have been on the road and unable
to keep up with everyone. Hope you and Linda are both OK.
This poem packs a punch.
It’s scary. We’re at that age.
We are Jim ( lots of therapy appointments) thank you, happy June great to read you again.
This poem takes my breath away! “The light, north star, my reason” – tears!
Oh this hurts my heart.
So beautifully expressed.
Terrifying, but so helpful to be able to write. And write. And write.
I feel the love and fear.
Gorgeous and gripping. I am so grateful to get a glimpse into your heart through your words.