Blackbirds

Behind, left in dust, of the old gravel road
is a faint trace of Marlboro and a soft summer wind

Skies burn orange and amber, and a blazing red sun,
that is filtered by a windshield, that's never been groomed
A radio station, has more static than tunes
and the song of the work day are tires, worn thin

The sun's going down, where the road never ends

There's a bend near the hill, where a windmill spins slow
and where dozens of blackbirds create ebb and flow
They dapple the rain clouds, like bats out of hell
then will perch pole to pole, plucking heartstrings, as well

Headin' home there are doves, that will bend every limb,
sittin' high in the cottonwoods, while cocking their heads...
Where a hawk circles low over fields, leveled plain
waiting for thunder to bring home the rain

She waits by the door, beneath light from the porch 
It halos her hair, like a torch that she's carried
from the day they were married, in a little white church
that has baptized a newborn, asleep in the crib

He drives an old pickup,  with a paycheck so slim
He has sweat on his brow, and grit on his chin
He is bringing home flowers, his heart and his grin
There is smoke in the horizon, from a fire within...
Not far, there is heaven where all reason begins


______________________________________________
"Sing Me A Country Song" Contest:
Resubmitted for Skat's Contest: Premiere Contest: #9
Written : 10/12/13



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Copyright © | Year Posted 2013

Poem

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12
Bangalee Avatar
April 16, 2019 at 3:37 AM
so lovely poem
Scars Avatar
September 9, 2016 at 9:10 AM
I lovely story told Carrie, congrats on your placement! :)-luloo
Grahamburglar Avatar
September 8, 2016 at 6:49 PM
This is very vivid. I can see and smell, and hear the whole thing. Nicely written, this has a very soothing, sort of nostalgic mood for me, and was a pleasure to read. Congrats on your win. -G
A  Avatar
September 8, 2016 at 12:33 PM
Carrie, Congratulations on your win in SKAT'S "Premiere Contest number 9" It was my pleasure judging this one for my sister. Stop by and enjoy your win on Skat's Blog "BLACKBIRDS." with lots of love LINDA (For: SKAT)
A   Avatar
July 10, 2015 at 1:46 AM
CARRIE, CONGRATS ON YOUR ANY POEM WIN..... ALWAYS & FOREVER ~~LINDA~~
A  Avatar
July 7, 2015 at 3:53 PM
Carrie, thank you for supporting "my ANY POEM contest #7." Have a nice day. Love **SKAT**
Richards Avatar
July 7, 2015 at 5:09 PM
Thank you Skat for the HM, and for all your kind comments ! :)
Trichet Avatar
August 8, 2014 at 11:22 PM
Exquisite verse Carrie, congratulations! "They dapple the rain clouds, like bats out of hell " - loved this line!
Dietrich Avatar
August 8, 2014 at 8:32 PM
I just LOVE this. I bet I must have seen it before too since it is an oldie and I bet it won in other contests!! BIG congrats, Carrie. wEll deserved. I remember doing this theme myself last year but in a rhyming poem. Can't even think of its name now, but it was not as good as this one.
Gibson Avatar
August 7, 2014 at 7:58 PM
Carrie, absolutely lovely reading...should be read aloud. Congratulations.
Johnson Avatar
August 7, 2014 at 7:20 PM
What a beautiful picture you have drawn. Takes me back to wonder days. Love, Joyce
Callus Avatar
August 7, 2014 at 5:01 PM
Great descriptive show that takes us back in time, Carrie! A worthy winner. Congratulations! and a 7 rating to go with it. // paul
A   Avatar
August 7, 2014 at 6:45 AM
Wow, now that is deep... Carrie... enjoyed..linda
Puddifoot Avatar
August 7, 2014 at 6:30 AM
I had a feeling this one was yours, carrie, it's a unique hybrid of free verse/rhyme/lyric, as so many of your poems are - they need to invent a new form especially for you! beautiful descriptions, but slightly unsettling at the same time - I like that ending trailing off into nothingness, leaving questions in the reader's mind...(perhaps consider changing 'in the horizon' to 'on'?) congrats on your win in my contest! :)
Maverick Avatar
February 4, 2014 at 1:41 PM
Conhratulations Carrie on the great winning spot with this love filled write..'
Torres Avatar
February 3, 2014 at 2:28 PM
Congratulations on the win, Carrie!!! :0)
Ali Avatar
February 3, 2014 at 9:45 AM
Wow this is so deeply beautiful and poignant...Congratulations on the win!!!
Lamoureux Avatar
February 2, 2014 at 9:20 AM
Stunning! You expressed this so well, you are an artist. Congratulations.
Garg Avatar
February 2, 2014 at 3:44 AM
Worth winning piece.................... congratulations Carrie.
Ligon Avatar
February 1, 2014 at 6:18 PM
Very nice descriptions. I love the heartfelt happy ending. Congrats, Carrie!
Mehta Avatar
February 1, 2014 at 6:08 AM
Thanks for entering my contest and congrats on your fine win, Carrie
Jerden Avatar
February 1, 2014 at 5:56 AM
A universal poem in a universal theme. Pickups, doves, Marlboros, slim paychecks. That tugs my heartstrings! Well deserved win. Cheers, Roy
A  Avatar
October 30, 2013 at 12:24 PM
Carrie, , enjoyed your GROOVE IT win............. ~LOVE SKAT~
Britt Avatar
October 28, 2013 at 10:09 PM
Carrie. My words cannot properly convey how much I truly love your words...the picture you've painted...brings back memories of my childhood and people I've known growing up in the rural areas of lower Michigan where the crows fill the sky with their wings and their voices. Much love and respect ~CTB
Deschler Avatar
October 28, 2013 at 6:30 PM
This is a beautifully written poem, Carrie. The imagery is so vivid, that I could see the entire picture, as I was reading this. Excellent work, Carrie! Congratulations on your well deserved win!...Thank you very much for the great comments. I am so happy that you enjoyed my poem! :)
Ryerson Avatar
October 28, 2013 at 5:24 PM
Now look here Carrie, I KNOW you love classical, opera, movie scores, broadway music, etc. but COUNTRY too? I should have known...Once again you have me speechless - Tim
Ryerson Avatar
October 28, 2013 at 5:27 PM
This kinda reminds me of '18 Wheels and a Dozen Roses' by Kathy Mattea (One of my favorites)
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