Appalachian Dawn

I have a passion to hold a lamp aloft,
to capture one acre of starshine
before the sun writes a new dawn.

Rusting Chevys bloom in the half-light.
Nightjars depart on shadow wings.
Shimmering’s walk toward my window
on silver slippers.

A native mildness calls me out
to the green hollows
where poppies cling to secrets.
I’ve a yen to lean like a greening barn
that’s honeycombed with sky.

The dew bathes, hills run with deer.
The woods hold aloft their nocturnal dreams
while the sky turns those to mist

I am invited to be kin,
to the verdigris of millstones,
to the mist and blood
of feuding legends,
to the weather-worn
secluded places

where dirt roads end
and life proclaims
its right to be free.
Copyright © | Year Posted 2020

Poem

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Ashford Avatar
March 1, 2020 at 5:32 PM
Hi Bob, I am pleased that you picked out that first stanza for it does lead the reader into the poem. I had it way down the list originally until that old light bulb went on - such is the writing process! Thank you for this thoughtful review.
Trezise Jr. Avatar
March 1, 2020 at 5:11 PM
Outstanding images Eric. The opening stanza so inviting- discovery that a place is history. Nice. Bob
Ashford Avatar
March 1, 2020 at 1:07 PM
Thanks Nina, love that part of this great country.
Ferdous Avatar
March 1, 2020 at 12:42 PM
Dear Eric, Stay there. Going through a lot of critical understanding of poetry. At last ,when things will be internalized by me, I want to see you there, waiting somewhere. Thanks. Tamanna
Ferdous Avatar
March 1, 2020 at 1:02 PM
No rush... what you believe, need to specification. Take care.
Ashford Avatar
March 1, 2020 at 12:45 PM
Thank you Tamanna, I will, if only in my heart. Thank you for your kind comments.
Pigeon Tart Avatar
March 1, 2020 at 12:42 PM
Rolling in your words. Loving it.
Pigeon Tart Avatar
March 2, 2020 at 7:23 AM
I am of similar muttdom pedigree.
Ashford Avatar
March 1, 2020 at 12:47 PM
Glad you enjoyed the rolly ride Maureen. I am Scots/Irish so I fit in well to that part of America and its history. Have a great Sunday.
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