These Are The Days


from the ABC set The Shadow Cycle

We find ourselves huddled on a bench,
by the Thames, opposite Big Ben -
his bright, white face mirrored,
not only in the river, but in the moon,
pastelled onto a cloud at his side.

Sam launches, full-speed ahead,
into a half-rehearsed speech.
(Philosophy and his new-found Christianity.)
It's still strange; having him, not me, bearing
his heart on his leather jacket sleeve.

Once finished, he turns expectantly.
And that's when you stir, Shadow,
having been beside me the whole time.
(My thoughts on his ramblings
displayed in your bemused expression.)

You raise a hand to shush me -
one cool finger to my lips. Begging:
"Don't tell him I escaped the first downfall -
been following you all summer..."
(That is the secret of a secret.)

I say nothing, only join him;
taking in the Westminster skyline -
just wishing I felt his peace,
safe in the knowledge that
these are the days of our lives.

He's ready for the journey to pastures new
- wants the change. I don't, can't, feel
the same. I'm clinging to the familiar
with both hands, fingers curling
over the edge - precipice,

as if I were facing my own death.
But you're still here, Shadow.
I remember you once told me:
"When one door closes,
another one opens."

And, sitting there, on that bench
by the Thames... I smile, knowing
my reply is the same now as it was then:
"This particular door will
always be left ajar..."

Discuss this piece in the abctales forum


Comments

Beeme | September 26, 2010 - 18:19

I really enjoyed this Magic, I love the line, 'That is a secret of a secret' I think the simplicity here makes it so,so beautiful :)

Beeme xx

MistakenMagic | September 26, 2010 - 19:44

Thank you, Beeme! That's one of my favourite lines too ;)

Magic xxx

skinner_jennifer | September 27, 2010 - 11:05

You are truely one of those people who are able to
bring your reader right into your work. I was almost
there watching you, I could see the bench, also
Big Ben. A great poem.
Jenny. xxx

MistakenMagic | September 27, 2010 - 11:17

Thank you, Jenny! I'm glad this was a very visual poem for you ;)

Magic xxx

insertponceyfre... | September 27, 2010 - 14:47

I don't know what you call a series of poems, but I have enjoyed all of these so far. Love the last stanza

MistakenMagic | September 27, 2010 - 15:32

Hello, insert! Hmm - I'm not quite sure either. But 'series' or 'collection' sounds about right, and I'm glad you've enjoyed reading all of them! :)

Magic xxx

skinner_jennifer | September 27, 2010 - 20:14

Well done on getting the cherries, very deserved.
Jenny xxx

MistakenMagic | September 27, 2010 - 20:25

Thank you, Jenny! And thanks cherry fairies - you've made my day ;)

Magic xxx

darkenwolf | September 27, 2010 - 23:20

You should always leave the last door ajar.
Sublime as always.
congrats on the cherry.

MistakenMagic | September 27, 2010 - 23:26

Thanks, Bruce! And don't worry - I intend to ;)

Magic xxx

Kahdai | September 28, 2010 - 09:07

Ah, its lovely Magic!
not only in the river, but in the moon,
pastelled onto a cloud at his side
made me smile and desribed clinging to the familiar part is great. K xx

MistakenMagic | September 28, 2010 - 09:24

Thank you, Kahdai :) Glad this one made you smile!

Magic xxx

Silver Spun Sand | September 29, 2010 - 14:52

You really do have a way of drawing your readers into your poems right from the start, Magic and this one, certainly a fine example.

The five-line stanza format works admirably here and I admire the way you start and finish the poem, sitting right there on that bench...along with me, Beeme, Insert, Kahdai, etc.etc.;-)

A cherry of a poem if ever I read one!

Tina xxx

MistakenMagic | September 29, 2010 - 14:58

Thank you so much, Tina! I'm glad you were along for the ride with this one too ;)

Magic xxx

RachelPatricia | October 11, 2010 - 15:43

Yup - I felt as if I was on that bench with you all (a tight but enjoyable squeeze)

Much admiration for your ability to immerse you readers in the moment, Magic. Love what you do and love the way you do it!

As always, a joy to read. Congrats on the cherry :)

Rachel xx

MistakenMagic | October 11, 2010 - 15:46

"Love what you do and love the way you do it!" - that means so much to me, Rachel - thank you!! Glad you enjoyed your sit on a bench with us ;)

Magic xxx

kheldar | November 4, 2010 - 19:40

As an exiled Londoner I feel duty bound to point out Big Ben is the bell inside the clock tower, not the clock or the tower itself - but I'm merely being peevish because as ever your work is flawless (and, in my personal experience, peerless)

xx:--)

BeKsta | December 3, 2010 - 00:00

Your are very talented with all of your writing I have read so far, what beautiful imagery. I look forward to reading more of your stuff! Thought uni would take up to much of my time to but its cleared some of the cobwebs outa the brain box instead :)