Wednesday 5 March 2008

Timeless

These hills are timeless;
they have been our landmarks
five lifetimes through.

I have watched them change
from backdrop to a Roman fort
to the rarely seen, dull wilderness,
smog hidden, on the edge of town.

They and you are constants, part
of me, my body’s slow sure compass,
the only given points
on the maps of all my lives.

I never understood life’s meaning
to be eternal death,
I long for future lives,
the excitement of love’s progress.

But as I watch your spirit pass
from this world to the next,
lungs battered by the blood
of our beloved hills,

And as I watch them dig your grave
on our hilltop’s blackened stump,
I hold your hand and quietly pray:
let the next life be Nirvana.


(Previously published in Smallfry)

A Different Voice for Totally Optional Prompts

19 comments:

Geoffrey Philp said...

Wow...I love this poem:

But as I watch your spirit pass
from this world to the next,
lungs battered by the blood
of our beloved hills,

Yes. simply beautiful

polona said...

how wonderful and poignant!

Anonymous said...

I loved the many layers in this poem! Interesting how the mountains where you are inspire very different thoughts/poetry than the mountains where I am (Canadian west coast).

I haven't visited your blog in awhile (or anyone else's). Lots of good stuff!

WH said...

"The excitement of love's progress." Great line.

The last stanza, however, conveys it all. Perfect finish.

Anonymous said...

This is amazing. I wish I could write as well.

Anonymous said...

My dear friend passed away two weeks ago from breast cancer. Her suffering was immense. I prayed that her next life would be Nirvana. Thank you for this.

Anonymous said...

lovely words...you have crafted it beautifully!

shadows and clouds said...

what a really very special and beautiful poem, gave me little shivers..

Stan Ski said...

So many of life's 'landmarks' are the passing of others, they often outweigh happier events. If Nirvana is the reward, it kind of justifies some of the sadness

anthonynorth said...

Deeply spiritual.
Loved it.

Anonymous said...

Excellent as always. Your poems are so very deep.

Robin said...

I like it too. Haunting.

paisley said...

that was perfection... it reminded me of some ancient indian burial rights... very full of intricacy and meaning....

Tumblewords: said...

Superb work! It has a prayerful, spiritual, pleading sound that probably speaks to our 'each' day events. Absolutely superb!

UL said...

loved this piece of yours...such a different voice, yet such a strong one

Andy Sewina said...

And every life has a different voice too - I guess!

Dale said...

Lovely.

Pauline said...

"let the next life be Nirvana."

such a heartbreaking line!

writerwoman said...

Really loved the last line. This poem was very well done.