No Sound

As I lay here alone,
in the silence of darkness’
digital age, sans the ticking
of the clock to mark
the passage of time,
I am engulfed by
thoughts of you.

It was only yesterday
(or was it the day before?)
that you came into my life
unexpectedly.
Within the protection
of my sheltering walls,
I heard you, stirring.

Now, there is no movement
under the covers of darkness
as outside my window
winter’s cold and whiteness
blanket the ground, deep,
and muffle all sounds
except winter’s wind.

Yet, I remember well
arising from a fitful sleep
moving about the house
in search of sound’s origin.
Downstairs still adorned
with tree and lights
I ventured with eyes
and heart wide open.

Not finding that which stirred
sound-waves of awareness,
I boldly passed through
the portal to the next floor
down into the basement
where darkness carries
its own weight.

Turning to the left,
a shelved item seen
on the floor, out of place.
Though perplexed, I turned
to the right, opening
yet another door until
I reached you, waiting.

There you were
fluttering your wings
time and time again
trying to get outside
pressing the glass
with your body, dark
with iridescent sparkle.

As soon as I realized
your distress, wide
did I open the door to
winter’s whiteness and
called upon you to leave –
to return to the comfort
zone of your nature.

Trying first to calm your fears
usher you to and out
the outside door,
then, attempting to capture you
without causing injury or harm,
lovingly, clumsily,
I struggled with each task.

Closing each door behind
I moved carefully
to direct your flight
but drove you into a corner
filled with a box
of yesterday’s memories.
Cowering, you rested there.

Piled on the box were rolls
of paper for the walls
that were keeping you inside.
One-by-one, I removed, thoughtfully,
until you were completely
exposed in your handsome
beauty and vulnerability.

Now, with hand confident
in the knowing
did I brush you forward
out of the corner
into the room of light
toward the brightness
of the new day.

At first, disoriented
then having to choose
between warmth
and freedom
you did hesitate, lingering
on the hanger of an item, cleaned
ready for another day's wear.

Finally, after another
moment’s pause, you rose
spread your wings
and headed straight
to the open door
back into the whiteness
and cold of freedom.

So, here I am
once again alone
in the muffled silence
of this new season
thinking of you
and our encounter
and how close we came.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Posted: Jan 2011

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Comments (16)

pilgrimageoflove
"cold of freedom" Freedom is a risky business.

"and how close we came." Such warmth.

beautiful gnj
andrew149
I really enjoyed this read, excellent seems to be in understatement here....thank you very much for posting it.....Andrew...
jazzy75
WOW!!! No Sound speaks volumes...a brilliant write my friendwine
Happygolucky4u
I enjoyed this poem so much. I know already I will come back to it and read it again. And most likely more times after thatbouquet
niah9
Wonderfully told....a real story, that we could travel through with you....I am always amazed, now I don't have the real Niah, how I sense it when my cats aren't in at night....well done gnj4u.
Niah....teddybear bouquet
caroljoyce
Tender, moving, completely exquisite piece of writing. Stunning.
cj
Ladybee42
This is just magic gnj4u, I have been struggling with a love poem the last two weeks and somehow this has flipped the switch!
truly lovely

thumbs up thumbs up bouquet bouquet
Macduff5
This is such a memorable narrative gnj. I know it's nothing like the style of "The Raven" but that's the poem that came to mind when I read this. Maybe you alone at night with a bird tapping and and a sort of mystical relationship developing....anyway I enjoyed it very much, thanks. thumbs up
gnj4u
Hi, pilgrimageoflove, andrew149, jazzy75, Happygolucky4u, niah9, caroljoyce, Ladybee42, Macduff5, and Fellsman,
I am overwhelmed and honored by your comments on my allegory. It is encouraging. Thanks to each of you for reading and taking the time to comment.
agoodguy2have
GNJ, this is certainly your longest effort that i have seen, in my estimation, your best also, an engaging story full of everyday events and allegory both. my kudos and accolades to you...wonderful, wonderful! ;-)
gnj4u
Hi, agoodguy2have,
Thanks for taking the time to comment and for reassurance that quantity and quality are not necessarily mutually exclusive.
ibram
great write thanks for sharing
beautifulyou
Beautiful in every way gnj...

Nothing or no one captured can truly be free to be itself or oneself

But when given an open door, anything can happen!

You, my dear, will not be alone for long


You live your life, you see life, with such beauty and grace ~



rose rose rose rose rose rose rose rose rose rose rose rose
Earlgreytea
Wow, how unusual, and what exquisite detail, i loved it thanks, i also loved this phrase:
[where darkness carries its own weight]
gnj4u
Hi, ibram, beautifulyou, Earlgreytea, and Swan87,
I am happy that you enjoyed my poem and am delighted to share this world with each of you beautiful people. Thank you for reading and your kind comments.
gnj4u
Hi, Ysabel,
I am happy that you enjoyed "the flight from every corner of the room". Speaking of corners, it's good to have you back in Poet's Corner!
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