08 June 2016

Commitment

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


16 comments:

  1. Love the strength and determination which sparkle in your lines Susan, beautifully done.

    Lots of love,
    Sanaa

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  2. This is such a significant promise. Showing up is 90% of loving. I like that you'll show up whole
    with what you still have. That's the best anyone can promise. Lovely writing Susan.

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  3. 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.

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  4. With 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.

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  5. That's quite a big promise... just to show up and be there..though I must say I do like both Dali and old tees!!

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  6. Just came across your site. Your descriptive words are strong and tell us just how important you feel 'being' is...a strength of spirit surely.

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  7. Interesting 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:)

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  8. every word scintillates with the promise made...a powerful write Susan...

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  9. I lovvved your flight of imagination, Susan! Far fetched similes..Brilliant!!

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  10. Life is a lot easier and more rewarding when you care about the promise and trust. Promises are an important element of a trusting relationship.
    An excellent write, Susan!

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  11. I love the stretched out reference - bravo Susan. strong and confident words in that promise.

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  12. That 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...

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  13. Ah this resonates! I always show up when promised, but oft bits of me are elsewhere...
    Anna :o]

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  14. 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!

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  15. I love the mention of the Salvador Dali...and the use of the repetition really works...powerful.

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