a broad-limbed
melancholy dude
(bearded,
carries a pocketknife)
levitates
thinks eternal thoughts
indifferent to the fact that
nothing’s happening
a sunflower rises in an empty doorway
the sea is disorganized
the mermaid’s a false intention
she’ll come over him
in a tin cup
indicating death
a red insect on a hill
flutters in a glass jar
a round, full-throated vision
darker than bark
along the lines of a sallow birch tree
a light is on inside the cave
the moon is in a state of grace
its wings are fastened on a doorstep
the cypress could have been different once
before he grew accustomed to the world
a word, a vein of thunder
its pitch covers the soil
of carparks and highway falcons
reaches with piano arms
moves faster than a talking bird
back when birds were all the rage
like epigrams of imaginary flowers
the interstate is over
the generation is booming
hails a taxi with a flashlight
asks the dude for change
The Used Life 
13 responses to “Epigrams of Imaginary Flowers”
There are good poems and well worth the effort in their making. You are obviously so passionate and empathetic, that this poem just ring with genuine but controlled emotion. It is absolutely perfect.
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Thank you very much, J. I’m happy you enjoyed the poem.
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“epigrams of imaginary flowers” -that’s a fantastic line. You’re imagery is always so stirring and vivid. A wonderful poem.
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Thank you very much. I changed that line several times before it became “epigrams of imaginary flowers”. (At the time I was listening to “Imaginary Lover” by Atlanta Rhythm Section, which is where it came from.) I’m happy you like it.
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I was not familiar with Atlanta Rhythm Section, I had to look them up. Good song.
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For sure. I like their music.
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Such vivid lines and images. You’re a creative force.
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Thank you so much. That’s kind of you to say.
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“Reaches with piano arms”…such a good line. Piano arms, the song and wit necessary to reach what needs to be reached. And “the cypress could have been different once before he grew accustomed to the world” is so good. The moon shining on our doorstep, sometimes we wonder how things might have been different if we hadn’t gotten so used to how things are…
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And once again, you have given me fresh insight into my own words. Thank you for the beautiful comment!
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Your poem made me think of Allen Ginsberg’s poem, Sunflower Sutra.
Your image reminds me of him too.
As usual, there are so many delicious lines, but these two made me pause and think of many things, including how “the world” influences people-away from their/our true natures~
“the cypress could have been different once
before he grew accustomed to the world”
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I think they’re two of the most meaningful lines in the poem, too. And I love the comparison to Sunflower Sutra. I went through a pretty big Ginsberg phase a few years ago. Now, I may want to go back and reread that one. Thank you, as always, for the wonderful feedback!
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You are most welcome. I love that I connected to your most meaningful lines. 🥰 I haven’t read Ginsberg’s poem in many years, but his title came to me when I read yours. I do remember enough to know they are different, but I am sure some similarities can be drawn.
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