Get Your Premium Membership

It Is Was On My Morning Stroll

it is was on my morning stroll 
i first noticed that common
white house dress, pearl buttons
busy in her garden
sauntering on, a most common sight
on subsequent passings 
my evaluations were she was
not of any particular beauty 
yet, there was a numen
behind that simple picket fence
one that many times held me
in a strange fascination
her beauty was in a simplicity
that left my inductive mind
in a madhouse to understand
so, i began, to steal my moments 
with her as an opportunity provided
lost in the study of some neighbor's oak
i became the ornithologist
i was to take on many rolls
no avenue was to be denied
later i was to realize
it was the grasp of that numen
as Odysseus sirens
i was born to succumb
this ship would not pass in the night
in the red sunset, a harbor found
Benedick is ready to surrender

and so my wish within did find a line
to be man enough to balance a motorcycle
and wear the dress of Emily
a metaphor for abandoning the leather vest
but if we must deal with the truth
give freedom to dreams
indeed i would forsake all the world
could bestow on me, wealth, honor
as with each line i dwell with her
to turn back all of time
and be the man that won the heart
of Emily Dickinson

   OKC 5/22

Copyright © | Year Posted 2023




Post Comments

Poetrysoup is an environment of encouragement and growth so only provide specific positive comments that indicate what you appreciate about the poem. Negative comments will result your account being banned.

Please Login to post a comment

Date: 8/10/2023 5:58:00 PM
Dear Timothy, your enchanting pen spills introspection, emotion and imagery with dramatic and romantic beauty. I especially loved the use of the word "numen" and the revelation of your beloved Emily, a woman of no "particular beauty" (but great poetic talent) who held your fascination: "as with each line i dwell with her" - just lovely! A shining and soulful piece! Warmest wishes my friend.. ~Susan
Login to Reply
Ray Avatar
Timothy Ray
Date: 8/11/2023 2:33:00 PM
thank you Susan....love that smile!!!
Date: 8/7/2023 5:33:00 AM
Much enjoyed the missives of this highly romantic poem, Timothy. Freedom to dreams indeed!
Login to Reply
Ray Avatar
Timothy Ray
Date: 8/7/2023 10:27:00 AM
thank you.....i enjoy your quill immensely
Date: 8/7/2023 4:18:00 AM
…. Swept away by your admiration, heart , imagination, longing and reinvention into realms of infinite possibility dear Timothy ! Enraptured by your beckoning words . Hugs, Susan :)
Login to Reply
Ray Avatar
Timothy Ray
Date: 8/7/2023 10:29:00 AM
yes i deeply admire Emily....for many reason but mostly she makes me think as opposed to to feeling...
Date: 8/7/2023 3:30:00 AM
WOW! Brilliant. Love this. A fave. God bless you. Love, Gina
Login to Reply
Ray Avatar
Timothy Ray
Date: 8/7/2023 10:31:00 AM
well to be honest....i did flirt quite a bit with Jane Austen

Book: Reflection on the Important Things