“Unconditional Love”


from the ABC set Transparent mirrors.

Handmade love sailing in a bottle –
a ship destined for display.
Corked inside; quarantined; a cripple
imprisoned in that glass bay.

At night you conceived our haystack lust –
at dawn you miscarried it.
I’ve searched the haystack, a year’s harvest,
like some young, thieving bandit.

I fill the page with blunt metaphors
and bitter repetition.
I use rhythm like on-duty whores
to set your heart in motion.

I explore your love like a corsair –
a heart dragged by a towrope.
Your eyes paint a portrait of despair,
with hints of hazel-brown hope...

Nathan Bednarek 2009.

Discuss this piece in the abctales forum


Comments

Silver Spun Sand | February 14, 2009 - 16:50

Nathan, this poem enchanted me, truly.

From the first two lines:-

"Handmade love, sailing in a bottle
a ship destined for display."

to the last two:-

"Your eyes paint a portrait of despair,
with hints of hazel-brown hope..."

I cannot pick a favourite stanza. They are all special. Your poetry has such a unique style, Nathan, something which is hard to achieve, but you seem to do it with ease.

Although I always admire and enjoy your poetry, this one for me is quite special.

Very much enjoyed.

Tina

Nathan Bednarek | February 14, 2009 - 17:04

Wow, thank you Tina. I'm glad you like this one so much, but I must say that I'm quite surprised. I didn't think it would have this much appeal, but if YOU say that it's good then I guess I have no reason to be worried ;-p

Again, thank you so much for your lovely comment.

Nathan.

MistakenMagic | February 14, 2009 - 17:20

The first two stanzas were my favourite! Such intriguing imagery :) Well done.

Magic xxx

Nathan Bednarek | February 14, 2009 - 17:21

Thanks Magic, I appreciate it xox

MistakenMagic | February 14, 2009 - 20:34

No problem and Happy Valentines Day - you wouldn't happen to have my address would you Nathan? Strange question I know, but I actually got a card in the post today and have no idea who it's from! I have to narrow down anyone I've ever come into contact with lol My sister thinks it's my ex boyfriend! pfff

xxx

Nathan Bednarek | February 14, 2009 - 22:52

Well it definitely wasn't me, because as Jehovah's Witnesses we don't participate in celebrations like that, but thanks for your lovely comment ;-x

Enjoy your half-term.

Nathan.

PedroJulio | February 15, 2009 - 02:25

I agree, the first two stanzas are the most powerful and serve as a hook in a poem that flows gracefully. You've done it again my friend!

MistakenMagic | February 15, 2009 - 10:43

Thanks Nathan, I shall enjoy my halfterm - though it's stuffed with home work assignments :( But I'm looking forward to next weekend, I'm going down to Oxford to look around the university ;)

Magic xxx

MistakenMagic | February 16, 2009 - 16:30

Yay! Another cherry! Well done Nathan ;)

Magic xxx

Nathan Bednarek | February 16, 2009 - 16:33

Thanks xox

threeleafshamrock | February 17, 2009 - 22:15

Imagery painted on a canvas as surely and lovingly as any 'Constable'. There is almost a scent or flavour to this piece that makes you want to linger over it; and when you have passed it by to come back and visit again. The cherry is just the topping for the cream that it sits on.

Chris

Nathan Bednarek | February 17, 2009 - 23:06

Wow, cheers mate. Now this is what I call a delicious comment! ;-p

I'm glad you like this poem so much and I really value your opinion, so again thanks ;-)

Nathan.

Richard L. Prov... | December 21, 2010 - 01:49

This is a wonderful poem. Richard LP

Richard L. Prov... | December 21, 2010 - 01:50

This is a wonderful poem. Richard LP

Nathan Bednarek | April 28, 2011 - 13:27

Thank you Richard! Much appreciated.