Happy Heat

Happy Heat

I had no Huck Finn
sort of existence except
for summertimes
at the lake.  

Walking the state road,
tar melting like licorice
as I worked it with my shoes.
air shimmered ahead.

Sure I saw puddles, 
I was always fooled.
Upon approaching the enigmatic sizzle, 
it was dry as a bone.

Now I step back into youth’s
mirages where life was glucose,
easily digested, and I never looked
behind except to see how far I’d come.

In my place of distance,
the simple sound of leaves 
in the wind flailing to escape
undulating branches brings me back.

Oh I am happy now
…. Yet…,
Then….
forward was limitless.

Today the future is slightly bound.
Pretend puddles puzzle me still.
Copyright © | Year Posted 2012

Poem

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Horne Avatar
November 4, 2012 at 2:39 PM
love this awesome write - I totally agree with Cyndi
Macmillan Avatar
November 3, 2012 at 8:14 PM
How deep and rich, multi-layered and honest, as always. Umm, whenever you can, dear, please read my poem, Christmas Gifts for Modest Poets. You're in there! What a treasure you are to soup. I truly need to visit more often, your words always touch me. Hugs, Cyndi
Kendrick Avatar
October 26, 2012 at 4:17 PM
I really enjoyed this one...I am glad that I stopped by this one today..You have used some very good simile and metaphors in it..Thanks for stopping by my work..Sara
Gildersleeve Avatar
October 26, 2012 at 1:18 PM
Childhood for most are happy days. It's nice to go back in memory to relives events. I loved the line, "tar melting like licorice." For a day or two I'd like to be the kid I once was. Life can be too rush, rush, no time to think. Thanks for the comment on my poem, 'On This October Day'. Keeping it real, Connie
Bauer Avatar
October 26, 2012 at 8:42 AM
wow! this is a wonderful poem. i love so much about it, especially the "tar melting like licorice" line. it also says so much about childhood and where we are now - very profound! by the way, thanks for your supportive comments and by all means, send my poems to anyone you want to!
Wesley Avatar
October 23, 2012 at 1:36 PM
Caught between the past and present, yearning for what was and finding what is. Your enigmatic lines tell such a wistful story.
Dietrich Avatar
October 22, 2012 at 3:03 PM
You always manage to write terrific poems about nostalgia. I enjoyed this the second time seeing it! Luv, andrea ps. yep, you sure can find great things at a yard sale!!
Eastman Avatar
October 22, 2012 at 10:36 AM
I love the way you wove the past and it's memories with the present.
Horsman Avatar
October 22, 2012 at 7:33 AM
you bring back many memories here, Kathryn, with this wonderful poem,, thank you...
Tsiluma Avatar
October 22, 2012 at 2:12 AM
I love it! Pretend puzzles and mirages - oh what a fantasy life can be! To live a life in happiness, is to live a life full of contentment. Lovely poem Kathryn!
Guzzi Avatar
October 21, 2012 at 6:20 PM
ahhhh yes those mirages..would we want not to have them? At least they got us to move that far forward aye? Light & love
O'Leary Avatar
October 21, 2012 at 10:35 AM
So many 'special' experiences of youth... each and every one crystallized in one poem! ... with the possibility that little pieces of youth still persist... Wonderful! Terry
Bickerstaffe Avatar
October 19, 2012 at 4:47 PM
A wonderful poem celebrating the passage of time... lovely images and phrasing. Well done Kathy!! Love, Keith
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