Broken English

He speaks in broken English;
It's interesting to see my language this way-
Spread out like pieces of shattered ceramic,
The edge of each word tossing off glints of meaning
Like bits of light, illumination; a kaleidoscope
Of light or sound dancing in the air before his lips...
At times he seems embarrassed, pausing before he speaks, 
Like the boy who tipped over his mother's favorite vase-
He knows how I love words- and scrambles to piece back
Together the fragmented ideas, hoping the cracks might
Be overlooked; the result of his efforts is often unconventional,
And yet... impossibly lovely too... 
It's a picture puzzle of a lonely landscape rearranged into a flower
It's a mosaic; the pieces don't have to fit to make the image radiant
It's a kintsukuroi bowl, the language veined through with gilded passion,
More beautiful for having been broken
Copyright © | Year Posted 2014

Poem

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Lamoureux Avatar
July 11, 2019 at 9:26 AM
I am going through my favourite pieces and got to enjoy this one again.
Lamoureux Avatar
January 18, 2014 at 9:06 AM
Of all the pieces I have read so far this is my absolute favorite. What an exceptional write. Congratulations! Adding to favorites.
Mehta Avatar
January 17, 2014 at 8:53 PM
Great write and imagery, congrats on the fine win, Cameron
Jerden Avatar
January 17, 2014 at 7:20 PM
Wonderful imagery of how broken language can seem poetic at times, like a child's. I like where you took the concept. Congratulations on the win.
Clemons Avatar
January 14, 2014 at 6:15 PM
Great poem, Cameron. Deeply expressed emotion in this amazing piece. Pure talent written in this piece. Enjoyable overall. Check out some of my poems, might find some you like. Peace.
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