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Woman at the Window, Salvador Dali (c1926) |
I promise to show up
in whole, not with parts faded
(the ones I still have)
like torn tee shirts in the sun
or bad reception on a radio.
I promise to show up
in focus, not with sensations shut
off
(those I still have)
and not stretched or melted
like Salvador Dali’s clocks.
I promise to show up
in spirit, not dulled
by lack of use
like lighters that won’t spark
or bushels of unlit candles.
I promise to show up.
For Sumana's Poets United Midweek Motif ~ Commitment
My blog poems are rough drafts.
Please respect my copyright.
© 2016 Susan L. Chast
Love the strength and determination which sparkle in your lines Susan, beautifully done.
ReplyDeleteLots of love,
Sanaa
This is such a significant promise. Showing up is 90% of loving. I like that you'll show up whole
ReplyDeletewith what you still have. That's the best anyone can promise. Lovely writing Susan.
I had to smile at the parts and sensations "(those I still have)".....I so resonate with that! It is a wonderful pledge, to show up, to be Present. A gift.
ReplyDeleteWith the Dali painting you used I could imagine that a young teen was ruminating on her future, planning her life, reaching for the world that was now appearing before her eyes.
ReplyDeleteThat's quite a big promise... just to show up and be there..though I must say I do like both Dali and old tees!!
ReplyDeleteJust came across your site. Your descriptive words are strong and tell us just how important you feel 'being' is...a strength of spirit surely.
ReplyDeleteInteresting poem.Love the painting and the bad radio reception LOL. Who wants a stretched Salvador Dali clock? This is a brilliant image and a brilliant poem of courage. Unfortunate life experiences are no excuse for offering anyone a sagging clock:)
ReplyDeleteThe essential commitment!
ReplyDeleteevery word scintillates with the promise made...a powerful write Susan...
ReplyDeleteI lovvved your flight of imagination, Susan! Far fetched similes..Brilliant!!
ReplyDeleteLife is a lot easier and more rewarding when you care about the promise and trust. Promises are an important element of a trusting relationship.
ReplyDeleteAn excellent write, Susan!
I love the stretched out reference - bravo Susan. strong and confident words in that promise.
ReplyDeleteThat last line is like the cement in the already strong bricks of this poem - it is all about fully being present - and yet how very hard that is...
ReplyDeleteAh this resonates! I always show up when promised, but oft bits of me are elsewhere...
ReplyDeleteAnna :o]
You know...showing up is half the battle, I think. So many people say they will do this, do that but actually showing up for that mouth-made commitment seems to elude way too many!
ReplyDeleteI love the mention of the Salvador Dali...and the use of the repetition really works...powerful.
ReplyDelete