NaPoMo poem #14
This is the fourteenth of the poems I will be writing each day here in April, in honor of National Poetry Month, as proclaimed by the Academy of American Poets.
• NOTE: these poems will all essentially be early drafts, so edits may occur after their initial posting.
The Return
•
sparkled and stretched away
pulling me along
as 2 cords
of diamond bright white
clustered up from behind
to nudge me onward
the precious ribbons
stranded for miles
disappearing over the horizons
the freeway had been dense
this night
as I made my way
from the busy airport
back to our beloved home
our sanctuary
the one we’d found together
deciding immediately – this was it
on that crisp spring saturday
when we were beginning
to feel we never would
the home we’d come to cherish
but finally
this turn
down our country lane
I could make it in my sleep
so familiar
I anticipate every bend
and rise
every dip
they are welcome as a friend
like the sound of my tires
as they trundle ‘cross
the narrow wooden bridge
that fords
our crystal trout stream
as it falls
brisk from mountain snow-pack
and coming round
I see the corridor
of faithful old-growth Doug’s
stepping back for me
to nestle the foothills
inviting my return
guarding my safe passage
they sway
as if to celebrate
that I am back
now
it’s left up our gravel drive
the pebble and crushed rock
crunch and clatter in stony rustle
as I traverse our hill
then swing onto our concrete carport
pause
and key the engine off
all is silent
save the tick and popping
as the engine cools
this is my favorite moment
just before I open the door
to step up
and approach the house
to bring myself to you
this moment of anticipation
knowing you are waiting
bathed and fragrant
warm and soft
dressed in something that will whisper
welcome home my love
I’ve missed you
then I take you in my arms
fall into your loving eyes
pull your willing body close
to wrap ‘round you
and drink you in
intoxicated
these moments
melt into sweet love making
that continues until exhaustion
we both love
when I return
happy ending, stop here…… from a business trip ……stop here, happy ending
• • •
tearful ending, read on…… but tonight ……read on, tearful ending
I do not key the engine off
I do not reach for the handle
do not open the door
I simply
sit
you are no longer waiting
not in quite sometime
not since you lost your battle brave
not since I held you
that final time
your body still warm and soft
not since then
not since then
now
my business trips are longer
my returns
fewer
and farther between
• • •
rob kistner © 2009
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• you can find other NaPoMo offerings at read write poem