Magpie Tales #110 "An Old Acquantance, and "Do We?"

Image:  Duane Michals

An Old Acquaintance

An old acquaintance I can't completely shake
peers over my shoulder, creates self doubt,

insecurity.  Ignore her at times,
I do, but rather persistent is she

often makes me rethink my strategy
but mostly she is best ignored, defriended,

as my eyes desperately seek even a small reflection
of a more productive muse, Ms. Creativity.

by Margaret Bednar, Art Happens 365, March 25, 2012

* * * * *

This is for Magpie Tales #110.  I guess it is known know as "The Mag" as many poets have become quite familiar with this weekly challenge.  Thank you for being an awesome host, Tess!  I reworked this poem from a "One Stop Poetry" challenge on 4-3-11.  Not sure if it is better, but new life has been breathed into it, I hope.  

Below is a short audio clip of a graduate student, Sarah Mitchell, talking about a photograph taken by Duane Michals in 1967 "This Photograph is My Proof".   I found it quite moving as I am looking at 22 years of marriage in May... and it sparked another poem :)

Do We?

Do I still hold his hand, cling
to his every word, laughter
spill from my pores as he
makes corny jokes?

Do I hold him close
before he leaves for work,
remind him of what awaits
upon his return?

Does he still call me
throughout the day
ask me, lovingly,
what I am doing?

Does he bring me
bouquets of fresh flowers,
often dropped hurriedly,
knowing they can wait a bit for water?

After twenty-two years,
do we still nourish each other?

by Margaret Bednar, Art Happens 365, March 25, 2012