Sunday, October 29, 2017

The Wicker Will Weave

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The Wicker Will Weave
 
 
If you ask how I'm doing... not very well;
just getting by, as far as I can or will tell;
Going down for the count, on a count of one,
on account of, you're done; I had barely begun.
 
I am merely a glass of water, you an artesian well;
Choice was mine, circle the drain, or break your spell.
Gaze at a different mountain, climb a different cloud,
Hang up a different veil, lift a different shroud.
 
Don't bother with details, burden of proof is on me;
Dispelling rumors, debunking myths; I hold that key.
I never listened when she implied I give up my boyish ways,
Now swept away; recalling what she decreed our end of days...
 
 
when she said...
 
“I wonder what lengths you might go, to keep me close,
when I begin to drift away, as I will inevitably will do.
Dropping my guard along the way, you got closer than most.
Did it ever occur to you, I was just passing through?
 
Somewhere in the process, you relaxed, dropped defenses.
Does this implied epiphany really catch you off guard?
Either way, don't beat yourself up for taking chances.
When silence settles, does it matter who had the last word?”
 
 
I readily admit, when that hammer fell, I was ill equipped;
It was a hard pill to swallow when I saw how far I'd slipped;
Time wasted like excess sap on the side of a maple tree,
Waters that were tried and true and tread, swept from me.
 
Find me now, sitting on a park bench, in search of clues;
Past the stage of mourning, no ready breath left to accuse.
Outsourcing emotion is a bad habit, one hard to kick;
Surely it is possible to teach an old dog one new trick.
 
Why get back up on that pony, with no finish line in sight?
Because I did not give up or give in without a fair fight?
She sure seemed happy, for one caught in throws of divorce,
When she laid down her law to me, in her matter of course...
 
 
as she said...
 
“Relationships tiered, on multiple levels, assembled in stages;
When the clock says closing time, one degree of separation;
Hold on to a renegade mood with all your might, read gauges;
My eyes reflect no measure of shared guilt or explanation.
 
Take at face value, merely my way of offering fair warning;
Reference material, should you go back and look for clues.
It is your choice, should you choose a lifetime of mourning.
It is my choice to break the ties that bind, as I now choose.
 
 
So here I dwell, in search of some alternative solution.
And, I really do believe in the healing power of absolution.
And, I know she spoke the truth, saying I have a choice.
When all is said and heard, the answers come from my voice.
 
When the lights go down and truth comes out, as I perceive;
My toe dipping in the water, too close to the edge to leave;
As postcards from a vacation conjure solace, grant reprieve,
The only voice I hear now is mine, and I am geared to receive.
 
For all said and done, I'd still meet her halfway, I believe,
I will always keep her in my heart and wear it on my sleeve.
But until such amend, I will no longer be found to bereave;
The curtain will come to call, and the wicker will weave.
 
 
Michael Todd (2014)

91 comments:

  1. a fine ink, Myke, love it! the night and the autumnal wind here enhance the subtle elegiac notes of your poem... just... he shouldn't stay for too long on that bench in this inclement weather..

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    1. For all of your changing season, Emy, I know you still have yellow roses, in hand. And, if that is not the case, don't tell me. Let me go on and believe...

      Thanks so much for visiting me on this park bench.

      And... Nice FRISTING !!!

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  2. Such a sad tale. Divorce is the worst ending for a happy beginning.
    Stormy

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    1. I have never been in a divorce, Clarice, but I have been close to some, along the way. I always found them unsettling. Either both parties were mad, or one was while the other was not of a mind to let go... Either way, I had to assume that at some point, both were quite taken with the other, and somewhere along the way, something went wrong.

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  3. Another beautiful weaving of prose. I have always enjoyed your writing creations.

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    1. Thank you kindly, Andrew. I sincerely appreciate that.

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    1. Thanks, Sallon... Theatre of the mind is fun to carry on.
      Theatre of the heart can be treacherous, or so I have heard.

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  5. You weave a masterful spell... when communication falters, what is interpreted is usually not pretty. Love the way you finish it with weave at the close. Bravo! -dave raider

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    1. Infinite thanks yous, My Brother. I was caught up in a sea of confusion, countering, as I assembled this one.

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  6. You tell the story to my question as to why my ex was surprised. I guess clarity doesn't always wake up complacency. Great insight.

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    1. I am a novice in these matters of the heart, mind and sole survivor, Barbara; however, I am insightful, to a degree.

      Thank you so much for the Sunday visit.

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  7. Such a poignant tale, of a story with so many variables. Having worked for a family law attorney for twenty years, I can say the easiest are those where both parties are amicable, but they are in the minority. But in the end, life goes on.

    This was wonderful, despite it's sad content <3

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    1. Sorry about the sad part. I spent a couple of years writing this, finishing over three years ago. Each time I thought about posting, I would strive to write something a bit more cheerful...

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  8. Hi Michael! Third time is a charm! I previously wrote - Your poem today is so beautifully written and sad. Thanks so much for alerting me in regards to your newest post! Always enjoy reading your latest, my friend!

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    1. Sorry if it conjured any bad memories, Ellie. I really appreciate you striving so hard to work with me today.

      Thank you, and Happy Halloween Week. :)

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  9. Tough things to deal with. But when it comes as too big a surprise, I think something wasn't working too well to begin with... :/
    Food for ponderings, Sir Myke

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    1. There is much to ponder, indeed, Sir Ruggi. As for the food, today is a Stroopwafels, as declared... Thank you very much for visiting.

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  10. Profound statements from one who has never been through a divorce. You definitely caught the feeling. There is always the one caught unaware. That one will always need healing.��

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    1. I try to heed the needs of others, especially when their worlds seem to be in a bit of disarray, Joy. Thank you very much for visiting today.

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  11. A fine capture of what can be such a uneasy time. You caught the energy and the emotion throughout. Divorce is never easy but getting to read your work is a pleasure! Excellent!

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  12. a powerful write filled with deep emotional tides of highs and lows. Divorce, not only affects the primary subjects, but the entire family units.

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    1. Now, I have gotten blistered by volleys, while standing on the sideline... So, I really understand where you are coming from, Linda.

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  13. I love how you structured this.... the alternating rhyme schemes, according to speaker. Divorce is one of the most difficult of things to endure, affecting more than just the couple - and you certainly get to the heart of it. Profound, wise and full of emotion. xoxo Hugs

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    1. Thank you, Colleen. The back and forth was intriguing for me. I love writing dialogue, but when written in rhyme, it can be difficult to follow. Thankfully, we have italics.

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  14. That is really an engaging story...I read it, and reread it, looking for clues...what happened? What is going on here...why?
    Cold and heartless, then, the other guy...is wearing her heart on his sleeve...and wouldnt say no. You are so gifted at pulling the reader into the circle.

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    1. I cannot say for sure, but looking back over the course of their time together, we're the roles reversed? Was she the one who was more... dedicated?

      You have really got me reexamining this set of circumstances, Deanna. Well played.

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  15. I'm intrigued with this story...the fact that you never experienced divorce makes it even more intriguing,though I daresay that any breakup of a long-term relationship has a similar push me/ pull you back-and-forth of blame, angst, and a final refusal to be in pain anymore. Very interesting character study.

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    1. I have been very fortunate, Sandra. What else can I say?
      Thank you very much for spending time with me here.

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  16. To hold the hand of one you care for, fair warning or not, is tougher on the holder than the holdee. For inside each of us, who love unconditionally, is the hope, that maybe you will chose me. The choosing was made when the friendship engaged, even if she wasn't aware. He deserved better.

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    1. You bring out some great points here, Stephy. This story could have been told from opposite perspectives, just as easily. I just wrote it as I did, knowing there was a chance I would read it aloud sometime. But, it could have been him leaving her. Still, either way, that one degree of separation...

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  17. Masterful rhyme scheme and doleful flow. Tell me, dear Michael, what inspired this sad poem?

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    1. The inspiration, Debra, was just casual observations, over time, where the vast majority of the time, I did my best to remain neutral. Add to that, I have a vivid imagination.
      It is wonderful to see you, as always. Thank you.

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  18. You captured the experience oh too well... ��

    *tips hat*

    -slj

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    1. I opt for practicing catch and release, on this fishing trip... Thanks, Stephen Lee... Enjoy your morning ride.

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  19. Myke,

    My heart is heavy for your poem's storyteller. I felt his sadness, maybe it I sense it because I have good friends going through this process and it hurts me so. If asked I would have never said they would ever end up in a divorce. Their love seemed genuine. Divorce is such a sad,sad thing. It's hard on them but I fear we have lost two good friends which further breaks my heart. Nicely penned and truly heart wrenching. I hope the character can find a new love again because I love happy endings. :D

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    1. I love happy endings, too, Cathy, but I sure fell short this time around. Time changes everything; not always for the better.

      Good luck with your friends.

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  20. You really captured the emotions of a divorcing couple, Myke! I love that you used both POVs. Putting it all together in rhyme shows amazing skill. Kudos!

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    1. The back and forth was the significant challenge, Debbie. The rhyming aspect just comes with the turf. Thank you.

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  21. A haunting yet truthful read of how life’s lessons teach us all how to cope on so many levels. Your pen also captures the adventures past and yet to come, excellent write Michael

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    1. Thank you very much, Cherry Rose, for your very kind overview.

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  22. ~reality is relative.. and shapes to our perspective.... a brilliantly woven work.. Thank you Michael for the tag <3

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    1. Thank you so much for coming, Katherine. I will always reach out to you.

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  23. intense imprints.....on ones heart.......and yet...incredibly
    doesn't miss one beat.

    Stethescope love

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    1. Heartbeats implied... really, they are there, in flux.

      Hello, Brenda. How is my favorite lense wielder?

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  24. Fascinating, I have never experienced the situation but I have imagined the emotions involved.

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    1. Exactly what I was thinking as I stumbled into this process. I am still clueless and hope to remain as such... Thanks, Dave!

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  25. Myke, you hit it out of the ballpark once again. With the leaves of Fall, your words of a fallen relationship echo through the trees. At this time of my life your prose has a special meaning to my heart. Just as the seasons change, so do our lives and those within. Thank you for the tag, I cherish it and your friendship.
    Susan

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    1. Susan, your personable approach to life is a thing that sets you apart from others, and draws me to you. Thank you for your generous assessment of this piece. That, I shall cherish.

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  26. Wow! Always and forever the best storyteller, of course I don’t necessarily embrace the subject but the writer and his way to lead the reader where he wants. Most wonderful, Myke Hammer. <3

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    1. The subject is a nasty one, Alba Leigh. I will try to avoid it in the future here. Oddly, I used to be relentless in writing breaking up poems, at the old place, but those were just me being hateful. This is different... Lovely to see you here on Halloween morning. :)

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  27. I love this piece! You have captured the twist of the knife very well. I have always said, "If you are going to love, love with your all, hold back nothing, so in the end, if there are tears, it was worth the taste of salt!" It is a bitter slap when met with a cold or indifferent heart. (but we must you know, always love "all-in," even with the box of bruises we hide under that heart-on-the-sleeve, lest we become jaded. In the end, salt never tastes as bad as the bitter of regret in a "what if.")O know this makes little sense, lol, but there I want, as always, following the trail your words led me down! <3

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    1. You took the time to offer an in-depth, personal look at the relationship process, Nyla. This totally works for me, making all kinds of sense. The salt analogy is brilliant.

      Thank you very much for visiting. I truly appreciate that.

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    1. I am not making light, but I am laughing. I can hear your voice saying this, with serious conviction and a foreign accent. :)

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  29. a wonderful weaving of words and emotions..

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    1. Thank you very kindly, Rebecca. I appreciate that.

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  30. This takes me on my own path years ago...it's frightening, anger filled moments with bursts of unbearable sadness . I wouldn't wish it on my worst enemy but I am glad I lived through it and wouldn't have changed a thing about the outcome my feathered friend!!

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    1. I guess there is a degree of validity to the claim, what doesn't kill you, makes you stronger... Thanks so much for stopping by to visit.

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  31. I know only too well this story, dear friend. Wonderfully penned. It gives me reason to pause and look back and if, in so doing, that backward glance teaches me a thing or two, the glance of recognition was so very worth the look.

    Don MacIver

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    1. The glance of recognition...
      Good gosh, there is a poem in the line, just waiting for a writing. Do it, Don.

      Oh, and thank you for visiting. Always a treat to visit back and forth with you on the poetry pages.

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  32. Emotions captured. A truly sad situation for the two that once was in love thinking nothing would ever change that in the years to come, only to find out the impossible has happened to them. And the emotions change drastically to a state they do not recognize as having touched them. The search for solutions to this foreign intrusion is not found and thus the separation is solidified. You have captured it well, though it comes from him. It could from her just as well. There are always two to a division.

    Thanks for sharing!! <3 Leta

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    1. I thought this through from both sides, in places, Leta. You are right, that it goes both ways. Either way is gone, but not forgotten, then it is.

      Thank you for visiting.

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  33. ..............sigh....................woah........my divorce was final 10/18 this year.........and it hit him the same way....he called me.......its as if he wasn't present for so long and now FULLy so..it was sad......i wrote him a card...a thank you card...remembering all the good points.....death do us part...a weaving indeed..........and well...........we sigh and eventually smile...yah get that heart on your sleeve... ((hugs))

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    1. When I posted this, Brenda, the one person I was concerned about, as to receiving the poem, was you.
      So, you and I... We are still good, right? <3

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  34. I am intrigued, so, I am following, now. Thank you for visiting me, via Cathy. I write, and am trying to share my thoughts more. Admittedly, I am a work in progress.

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    1. It is so nice to meet you, Annie. Thank you for visiting.
      Cathy is the absolute best.

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  35. Beautifully written. It transported me to my big break-up, a year long process that pained me and nearly destroyed him. I am happy to say he and I are at peace with one another now, if from a distance.

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    1. The highlight of your commentary, Darla, is the part where the two of you are at peace with one another. Rather, I should say, the highlight of this entire post, is that the two of you are at peace with one another. We all have to live in the here and now, not in the past. Your here and now appears to be in good shape. Good for you.

      Thank you very much for visiting. I greatly appreciate it.

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    2. I am super blessed. Meeting folks like you is a wonderful addition to my life, Michael. ~grin~ Be well!

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  36. Wow Michael!

    I know of no other writer that receives the embracing of encouragement that you draw readers in. Though the subject may relate to many, it's sad that that it reaches out to many more than our poetry can begin to touch...yet, we don't give up hiding with fancy wrapping, not wanting others to know the truth.

    Thankfully, my husband and I are rock solid in my illness as well as a host of other challenges we have dealt with over the years.

    You have found that speaks of this "me" world, in addition to the slayings I never imagined back when I was growing up. Thank you for giving readers something to ponder about, my friens.

    Blessings and Best Wishers,
    Karen

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    1. Gosh, it is great to hear from you today, Karen. I hope you are faring well... Thanks for your continuing support and motivation. You are the best.

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  37. Powerful insights...very moving music!

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    1. Thank you, Lana D.
      I am so happy to hear from you today.
      I wish you peace, health and prosperity in the coming year.

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  38. Sad but so well written! Oh the insights here... xx

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  39. You have the ability to understand and share that understanding of the forces of Nature. Be yourself and speak from the heart.
    -Redwing Blackbird

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    1. This is a powerful charge you lay at my feet. I am humbled, and all for giving it my best effort. Thanks, Brenda.

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  40. What a great write, Mike. love that title, Voo

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    1. Thank you, Voo. It is nice to see you here. :)

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  41. A lovely piece, Michael. You always have an amazing way with words!

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    1. Thank you, Ellie. This was a case of colliding stories, that pretty much weaved themselves.

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  42. Mike!!! Where are you, dude??? miss you, Voo

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    1. Hello, Voo Bear...

      My Muse fired me.
      Now I am broken.
      No measures to see,
      not even a token.

      But I will return
      when least expected;
      thoughts to discern,
      too long neglected.


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