A river of stars
a bed of roses still in bud
we're but water lilies
learning to be rainbows
with comet ribbons of light
where a thorn of passion cuts
bled itself out red in the valleys
I find lust is my ground-blanket
but it's always bitterly cold.
Black ashen as a moonlit cloak
I long to kiss the earth.
Be one day return to the dust.
The smoke engines a star
to glow red and orange.
I long to be another solitary-seed
waiting for its roots to cleave
cut a blade of green corn.
But I'm like a phoenix born
without any feathers
looking lost—mystified back at you.
Roses are on fire
tears perspire—I choke.
I wither on the vine
always faithful, without true faith,
isn't it time this star, my star, collapsed?
And joined a river of sand
ah, quicksand isn't He, my companion.
He's filled the chambers of my sky,
He's filled life, my lungs I no longer-
remember how once I, too, could cry.
Has a surreal visual power to it- I can almost see a painting of rivers made out of stars and beds made out of roses and of course those Roses on fire. Great sense of place and imagination….enjoyed!
The imagery of this work is rich and vivid. Very imaginative and creative; a wide palette of intriguing visuals. Thank you!
I like this stanza: Waiting for its roots to cleave Cut a blade of green corn But I'm like a phoenix born Without any feathers Looking lost, mystified back at you. a mystic, seducing poem- voted 10.
A beautiful poem Mark.Congratulations on being member of the day Col Muhammad Khalid Khan
I am like a phoenix born without feathers Great imagery and a pleasure to read. Congrats on the member Poem of the Day.
This poem has not been translated into any other language yet.
I would like to translate this poem
A fantastic poem, Mark! Congratulations for having it chosen as poem of the day!
Much appreciated Kim, thank you.