Tuesday, March 13, 2007

Impermanence

This is the worry, you see,
that in the end
the air will disappear;
there will be nothing
and nothing will not sing any song.
Butterflies will tremble
in some new air
somewhere
wings healing from
smallness will never
swim through the passion
that our lungs felt
(with that air
knocked rock hard
and hammered into
wordless headstones).

Do say I loved you –
that we knew eternity
before we wore out
and sank into
that rugged, wooden night.

Tell someone we
were a something
that mattered.

12 comments:

Pat Paulk said...

WOW!! Feeling a little close to the grave?? Great poem!!

Russell Ragsdale said...

Hi Pat! I don't know how your watch is but on mine Mickey's hands are relentless. Thanks for the great comment!

gautami tripathy said...

"Do say I loved you –
that we knew eternity
before we wore out
and sank into
that rugged, wooden night."


I kind of agree with the sentiment.

Russell Ragsdale said...

Thanks GST! It's an interesting idea. Thanks for commenting.

Anonymous said...

Hello Russell, you show off, you. :) Well done!

Anonymous said...

Sank into that rugged, wooden night...I love that. It's true, we are so small and it is hopeful to think that something good will be remembered of us when it's over. This poem makes me want to savor the day and the air outside.

Russell Ragsdale said...

Thanks Aurora! Boys are a bit that way, aren't we? We just do that so you cute girls will notice us and add your sweetness and mystery to our otherwise simple lives. Anyway, I'm glad you liked it and left a cute note to let me know. Thanks my sweet.

Russell Ragsdale said...

Yes Louise! You are so spot on! Turn your lovely face to the warm sun and suck that cold air into your waiting, greedy lungs. This day was meant for you to leave your mark on our hearts. Savor every second!

Thanks for your wonderful comment.

rch said...

Hi Russell, sorry I haven't commented in a while, I've been so busy, but this poem makes me realize why you have to stop and look around for the beauty. Thanks and take care,

Bob

Russell Ragsdale said...

Thanks Bob! Yes we do need to be reminded of that from time to time. Glad to see you and thanks for that thoughtful comment.

Sue hardy-Dawson said...

Such a wonderful poem one of my favourites definately

Russell Ragsdale said...

Thanks Sue! I'm so delighted you found this compelling enough to become one of your favs. I'll definately treasure that comment, my sweet.