“Steady”


from the ABC set Transparent mirrors.

Steady your lung-sighs during Sabbath
and sit in your once dark-brown
armchair; now a spreading cancer of
autumn beige steals the chair’s gown.

Steady your once youthful coal-mine arms
and grant your coal-lungs a rest –
for a mine that brings harvest like farms
is a mine where coal is best.

Steady your bare-chested coughs and breaths
and soothe an old opera-voice
that was once a harmony; your bluff,
a coherent vocal choice.

Steady your once hasty north-bound feet
and why not for once head south -
like birds that rule the skies in their fleets
and dream of warm winter boughs.

Steady yourself for once and listen
to a heart immersed in lung-
sighs and hear the gold of a coal-mine
like the north-fleeing bird songs...

Nathan Bednarek 2008.

Discuss this piece in the abctales forum


Comments

Silver Spun Sand | September 4, 2008 - 18:07

This is really beautiful. What I really call 'poetry'.

In my childhood I spent many a holiday with friends of the family in Durham -right in the heart of the coal-mining community. Easington was the colliery most of the men worked on. My father was stationed up there in the war and they never lost touch. Those days are some of my happiest memories and it also opened my eyes to the lives of the mining families. Those people are like nothing else.

I shan't forget your poem. It is special.

Tina

Nathan Bednarek | September 4, 2008 - 21:26

Dear Tina. I really don’t know what to say. Your comment really made my day.

I am so glad that this poem embraced your childhood years and leaned against their value. I think that every person should treasure the happy moments in their childhood as it comes and goes just once in our lives.

Thank you so much for your comment. It really boosted my confidence in my work and I too can honestly say that this is what I’d call ‘poetry’- having the privilege to touch one’s emotions and memories with just a handful of words.

Thanks again.

Nathan.

Dan Ryder | September 4, 2008 - 22:13

nice work, real depth and feeling to this piece, enjoyed it. Dan

MistakenMagic | September 10, 2008 - 17:50

'Steady your lung-sighs during Sabbath
and sit in your once dark-brown
armchair; now a spreading cancer of
autumn beige steals the chair’s gown.'

The first stanza pulled me right in! I loved the repetition, a well-deserved cherry Nathan :)

Nathan Bednarek | September 10, 2008 - 18:12

Thanks M.M. I'm glad you liked it.

You're doing really well with the cherries too! I'm quite jealous... ;-p

luigi_pagano | September 12, 2008 - 14:01

A mature head on young shoulders, Nathan.
Your poetic voice is gaining strength and you express feelings eloquently. Well done on the cherry.

Nathan Bednarek | September 12, 2008 - 15:45

Thank you so much Luigi. Comments from more experienced writers mean so much to me as they are very up-building and they're a boost of confidence. I do feel that I'm just beginning to find my voice as even though I'm young there are things I need to express just like anybody else. Thank you again. I am truly grateful for all comments.

Caolan_le_Paddy | September 12, 2008 - 16:39

Really enjoyed reading it, definity better then the poetry I'm having to do for GSCEs ;)

Brilliant piece of work, looking forward to reading more of your stuff

Nathan Bednarek | September 12, 2008 - 17:50

Cheers Caolan. I'm glad my poetry appeals to teenagers as well as it shows that it can be enjoyed by all kinds of people, no matter what age. That's always a positive thought. As for the GCSEs, I know what you mean, but believe me that even though some of the poems you’re studying might be a little dull, learning how to analyse them and noticing the different techniques used will prove to be useful as you keep developing your writing. I hope this helps. Thanks again.

Nathan.

LjDeveney | September 16, 2008 - 21:43

nathan i love your work, i think you have a talent that many poets desire, the ability to make 5 words say what some people use 15 words to say :), keep up the good work,

l.deveney

Nathan Bednarek | September 17, 2008 - 12:20

Wow, thanks L. It's always great to get so much positive feedback as each comment is a little taste of success ;-). I'm glad my work appeals to you so much. Thanks again.

MistakenMagic | September 17, 2008 - 17:08

No idea why you're jealous! You were getting cherries way before me and I'm sure you will for a long time after Nathan master craftsman of words! And when are we going to see any more of your work? I'm getting impatient!

MM x

Nathan Bednarek | September 17, 2008 - 18:36

Oh thanks so much MM. That was such a nice comment. As for my work, I just started the second year of college, so it's a little hard to find inspiration ;-p but I promise something soon. ;-x thanks again for your lovely comment.

littleditty | October 30, 2008 - 12:21

really evocative poem, blending season, aging, reflection, in a place/culture that is recognisable -so people can relate, and as your word choice and light touch is full of image also -this poem works a treat - well done, enjoyed :)

Nathan Bednarek | November 1, 2008 - 00:50

Cheers LD. Your words mean a lot to me ;-)