again, this time from
commitments that leapt
on her the instant
she opened the door
as if she were a
department store sale.
She wants her pace and
time back and all not
given in fair trade,
that doesn’t really
fit and was a maybe
taken for a yes.
Let her restock self
and talk with her home
office—be that near
or far, be that cat,
dog, partners or God.
If you really want
her, let her close now.
Let her make her terms
work her own hours.
Time is ripe, you say
but if you want her
bring her sweet flowers.
Ask her who she is;
make her welcome tea.
As if she matters.
Posted for Poets United
Poetry Pantry #244
Copyright © 2015 S.L.Chast
I LOVE this...."make her welcome tea....as if she matters." I can resonate, all of the clamoring people wanting one's time and time is so over-full as it is.........this really speaks to me after a full day at my desk and not nearly enough progress made. One longs for time without demands.......
ReplyDeleteFirst I read "Let her restock shelves," as "Let her restock selves." Which fit in quite nicely. BACK OFF, ya'll, and let her restock herself, for pete's sake. ;)
ReplyDeleteThank you! I changed it.
DeleteI like the idea of 'running away' when one needs to. It is only when one runs away a bit sometime that one can take time to 'restock' oneself & then be ready to return again! I also like the idea of asking who she is, making her welcome tea. That resonates with me, as so many will tell their own stories without asking the other just who THEY are!
ReplyDeleteI love the analogy...and the last lines so poignant - tea and sympathy gets a bad press...but it is a simple act of kindness that we are...human..fallible..and all special in our own ways
ReplyDeleteI think that when the world asks too much of us, we all will need that time off... And that cup of tea is such a nice touch,
ReplyDeleteWe all need our space and time for ourselves, and work our own hours ~ I like that invitation at the end Susan ~
ReplyDeleteJust enjoy the time out, Susan. Re-discovering self is also important in one's growth. There's something in running away that's truly admirable & not at all negative. That is when you come back fighting again, ready, & ever more responsible to face what you have left behind. Pass the tea! Smiles.
ReplyDelete- ksm
sweet flowers and welcome tea becomes so precious and rare sometimes...
ReplyDeleteSometimes that one little thing you do may mean the world to another, always feels good to matter.
ReplyDeleteAnd I... will runaway....I would runaway....with you...( Corrs)
ReplyDeleteOh Susan your poem reminded me of this song... its lovely!! :D
Susan, I so love the 'pull' and 'push' of this poem - strong but sensitive, disciplined but spontaneous, analytical but carefree, all feelings and perspectives that pay us surprise visits during our every day routine. I especially am taken with the very first stanza, as it sets the scene for the drama that dictates the mood.
ReplyDeleteAs for the tea, just poured myself a cup, and your welcome to join me!
Poppy
yes this is awesome....'let her restock self' and bring her flowers and make her tea as if she matters...oh she does matter and good for you to have her run away until she can restock herself....she needs it.
ReplyDeleteSounds like a plan :-)
ReplyDeleteZQ
I enjoyed reading this very much. You caught me in the first stanza with comparing the woman with a department store sale. Excellently done.
ReplyDeletewe need to escape from time to time. escape from our daily routines, try different paths. we even need to talk to ourselves sometimes. thanks for this reality check Susan
ReplyDeleteOh yes! (Third verse my favourite. My home office has at various times included 'all of the above', lol.)
ReplyDeleteWhat an enjoyable read. It reminded me of my past days of juggling career and family, never feeling like I had enough time to do what mattered. It made me feel grateful to be retired now, and for the ease of my new life.
ReplyDeleteSusan,
ReplyDeleteThere is a hasty rhythm and sense of pace to your poem and its sad subject...Carrying onwards, without a possible destination in mind...Kindness would be appreciated in these circumstances I think, especially the cup of tea!
Eileen ( Enjoy your new Wireless Internet set-up Susan. It is great!)
"Ask her who she is.....as if she matters"----there is deeply profound wisdom here.
ReplyDeleteThe ending says it all. Treat people as if they matter.
ReplyDelete