Perennial
“You know you do.
We all have a PoMo crush”
– Unnamed PoMo Friend
Planted in beds and soils
my roots will never taste,
even so, you are the flowers
melting at fingers’ touch–
pouring color from palette skies
across my June-ish mind
like viscous drops, ever falling:
I’m an Afremov painting
under layer after layering–
distant knife, always reminding
petrichor doesn’t have to be
smelled to be fragrant;
affection doesn’t have to be
owned to be beautiful.
13 thoughts on "Perennial"
Leave a Reply
You must be logged in to post a comment.
Cool. Reminds me of a Beat Happening song called “Bewitched.”
Ha! I didn’t know that one til now!
Thank ya
Count me in on Pomocrush.
Speaking of crush,
your last two stanzas do it
I love Afremov!
Thank ya, Jim. ✊
And yes, Arwen. Me too 💙
What a tender poem. The subject appears to be cared for by another: “planted in beds”, but the speaker leaves room for hope: “affection doesn’t have to be owned to be beautiful.”
I love the underlying tension among the safe, yet confining rooted place, and freedom’s untamed beauty. Perhaps there is a chance for the wind to carry seeds to soil those roots can taste?
My favorite line: “even so, you are the flowers
melting at fingers’ touch–” 💔
I hope your PoMo crush reads it and loves it. I know I do! Gorgeous work, Joseph.
Thank you for your close reading, H.
June is that wind and her pieces nearly a taste, anyway 😉
Your favorite line…I don’t know a way to fit it all in, but the image in my mind was Robin Williams touching the flowers in What Dreams May Come, that moment too like an Afremov or a Van Gogh.
I’m pretty sure she’s made her way by now.
I LOVE THAT FILM AND SCENE!!!! Joseph, may the June PoMo winds caress your face with affection and appreciation…and a sweet taste to savor. I hope this PoMo crush reads and responds!!! Oh, that poet is a lucky one, for sure! How beautiful!
I need to rewatch it. Been too long. I’m sure life experience will make me see it differently again this time.
Anyway, tyvm, lady!
You are most welcome. Your Writing touches the heart and resonates deeply with the soul.
This is so lovely, Joseph. Tender and delicate but you’ve captured the longing too. Perfect title. Yay for June and all the earnest and beautiful offerings shared here!
Thank you, Jasmine!
Ugh, the longing. 😂
Glad it is felt. Gotta be good for something.
And yes. Yay for June. In all of its fleeting, and near-ending, splendor.