A Smile and A Gentleness Poem by Coleman Barks

A Smile and A Gentleness

Rating: 4.2


There is a smile and a gentleness
inside. When I learned the name

and address of that, I went to where
you sell perfume. I begged you not

to trouble me so with longing. Come
out and play! Flirt more naturally.

Teach me how to kiss. On the ground
a spread blanket, flame that's caught

and burning well, cumin seeds browning,
I am inside all of this with my soul.

Friday, July 24, 2015
Topic(s) of this poem: longing
COMMENTS OF THE POEM
Allotey Abossey 24 July 2015

Sounds sweet and witty... Good work.

2 0 Reply
Rajnish Manga 29 May 2016

Amazing poem reflecting great zest and love for life. Thanks. A few words to quote: Come..... out and play! Flirt more naturally..... Teach me how to kiss.

1 0 Reply
Susan Williams 27 December 2015

I like this poem too- I wonder if there are more of his poems printed somewhere- -Google, here I come

18 0 Reply
Manonton Dalan 27 December 2015

very interesting poem... thanks

0 0 Reply
Kelly Kurt 29 July 2015

A natural poet. Thanks for sharing, Coleman

1 0 Reply
Fabrizio Frosini 24 July 2015

[..] cumin seeds browning, I am inside all of this with my soul. I like the finale.. and about cumin seeds: ''Cumin is a flowering plant in the family Apiaceae, native from the east Mediterranean to India. Its seeds are used in the cuisines of many different cultures, in both whole and ground form. It also has many uses as a traditional medicinal plant.'' (from Wikipedia)

6 1 Reply
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Coleman Barks

Coleman Barks

Chattanooga, Tennessee
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