Tuesday, February 5, 2013

IGWRT's - In Tandem with Grace for "Lessons in Love"



 Grace (also known as Heaven) and I, Margaret,  collaborated for an "In Tandem" challenge from Imaginary Garden with Real Toad's keying in on February as the month of love.  Grace the teenager, me the mother.   I believe we ended up with a poem that pleases us both, and I hope you enjoy it as well.

Lessons in Love

He loves me, he loves me not.......

I carry this ache in my breast
Is this what love is, mother,
a madness that strikes your bones,  
rattling all sensations, snatching thirst 
until nothing sates your cup 
like his hands on your cheeks ? 

Do I tell her I remember
all-consuming passion,
youth unbridled, love
tempestuous;

that a woman’s heart 
is made to break a hundred
if not one thousand times?

There is a fire raging my hands  
Is this what being in love means,
To be a seed, potted with words 
Bursting with color, shape & rhythm,
I quiver like bowstring, an artist 
coming of age,  I write until his
breath lingers in all of my words.  

Do I warn her an inferno consumes,
rages until nothing is left? 

Love is a fire 
burning steady and true,
yourself reflected within his eyes,
an image blossoming, 
propelling you forward like an arrow, 
straight and true,
his voice blending with yours,
hands faithfully molding,
lips forever encouraging. 

His love wounds me mother
I am drowning like a seashell,
oiled in coral, burnt desert sky 
Is this what mercy is, an amnesia
of memories that swims with the tide
until everything is swallowed dry by the sea ?

What do I say as her love lies bleeding,
youthful innocence hemorrhaging?  

Would she understand if I told her
a woman’s heart is a flower
never ceasing to bloom, 
roots extending, petals reaching,
forever nurturing, regardless of 
“He loves me, he loves me not”.

Some things are as old as time, 
must be experienced and survived,
so I wrap my arms around her
and for now, say nothing.

by Grace & Margaret, February 4, 2013



9 comments:

RMP said...

a stunning collaboration. I enjoyed reading the dual voices. the descriptions from both writers are vivid and heartfelt. I imagine it is hard figuring out what to say, how much to say, and how to say it, but honestly I have always found the arms (especially) of a mother to be just the right response.

21 Wits said...

Absolutely defining voices, they are the test of time, and as your words flow wisely to the end, yes to each his own experiences, it's the only way. An amazing piece.

Nancy said...

How wonderful for the two of you to do this together..What a memory to recall at a later date....Absolutely beautiful...

Kathe W. said...

brilliant poetry made with love

Justine said...

this is fantastic! you should pop over to www.mortalmuses.com we are doing collaborations this month and we are looking for people to feature!

Friko said...

Mother and daughter in perfect harmony, a stunning poem.
I love the ending, such wisdom.

Anonymous said...

Very sweet. As a mother of two daughters, I've generally found it better not to say too much! Thanks. k.

Ginnie Hart said...

Ohhhhhhh. She is so lucky to have you for a mother. I'm guessing you feel lucky as well. And very proud!

eve said...

Mrs. Bednar this is AWESOME!