The Elephant

…this piece evolved from both a visual prompt (see below) on Magpie Tales, as well as a “hinge” prompt on Read Write Poem…

 

 

The Elephant

•

so many times
I return home from a business trip
swing onto our concrete carport
pause – and key the engine off

all is silent – save the tick and popping
as the engine cools

my favorite moment
just before I open the door
to step out
to approach the house — approach 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

to take you in my arms
fall into your loving eyes
pull your willing body close
to wrap ‘round you
drink you in – intoxicated

these moments melt into sweet love making
that continues until exhaustion

we both love when I return

but tonight
I do not key the engine off
I do not reach for the handle
do not open the door

I simply sit

my warm hand encircling
the coolness of the ivory fob
you gifted me with
on our African honeymoon

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 soft and warm

warm as my trembling hand

• • •

rob kistner © 2010

…come see what else this little elephant inspired at Magpie Tales
…and check out what’s hinging at ReadWritePoem

33 thoughts on “The Elephant”

  1. Rob,
    As you always do: beautiful and emotionally drawing!
    Good to touch base again. It’s been too long.
    rel

  2. Oh, what a touching piece. You drew me right in…

    Thank you for your comment on my blog; you’ve such a creative place here. And the “Soundscapes” music is an added bonus.

  3. I really liked the simple story telling using the details of you in the car in the driveway. I was afraid it was only going to be a soppy love poem (nothing wrong with that0 but you added the depth in those last lines. Nice.

  4. Rob:

    Thank you for visiting my blog.. That was one of the nicest comments I have received, , ,

    I am totally captivated by your blog — the art, your writings, your designs — a sensual treat for the senses.

    Joanny

  5. Hey Rob,

    You can break a heart with just a few words. How on earth did that little pigophant inspire such angst? I remember you from Poetry Thursday. Thanks for stopping by my site and leaving such complimentary comment.

  6. You brought tears to my eyes with this. What a poignant, bittersweet piece — I’m incredibly moved by it. When I have a moment, I intend to read more of your blog. For now, please accept my thanks, both for your kind words on my own piece, and for sharing this with us. Beautiful!

  7. Rob,
    What a creative, touching verse. Thank you for sharing. I have made a new blog friend!! I must take the time to read some of your work here. I hope you have a great day and I’ll be back!
    🙂 The Bach

  8. Hello Bob, thanks for your visit and your nice comment. You are sure in your element in this Magpie Tales venue. I never get around to all the participants and feel so saddened that I can’t. I will return now that I have read your renderings. Blessings
    QMM

  9. Beautiful and heart breaking. Wonderful take on this curious little magpie.

    Thanks so much for the kind words on mine.

    Happy Wednesday,
    Jen

  10. So very touching, that brought tears to the surface; and the touch of African memories. . the music here is most soothing; will anticpate reading more next week…

  11. Hello Rob,

    Its such a pleasure to read your words….it really carry what you like to tell.

    Last line really pushed a tear drop unknowingly..Thank You for sharing.

  12. Memory, like an elephant, recalls the past routines as if they were continuing ad infinitum. The permanence of his wife’s death is not realized by his grief-striken and shocked brain. There is no way of blotting out the flood of recent memories. The trembling hand is the outward sign of the man’s emotional pain and grief. His body’s uncontrollable autonomic nervous system is beginning to experience feeling once the numbness of the shock of her death begins to wear off and reality sets in; “you are no longer waiting”. The strength of love shown in the way the mind tries to alter reality in some way to lengthen the belief that his wife is still alive. This powerful love relationship is eternally bonded in forever memory core deep and very beautiful.

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