Justin Bordner Poet Epic

Lightning Ridge

This jade river roils 
into the heartbeat of your weather beaten canyon
wetting the wonderment of a restless rebel
searching for a lost song
yet to be sung,
an ancient wisdom winds through
the young temperature
of your rain forged temple
perfume of broken sandstone
stirs secrets unstolen by Time
while a graveyard of unbroken yet dormant trees
yields an invisible fruit of forgotten fates
a knowledge quiet on the edge of eternity,
yes, there are bones here,
bones that speak of the stars...

J.A.B.  2021

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Alesia Leach April 20, 2025 at 6:04 PM J.A.B., this feels like prophecy carved into canyon walls. The way you describe the land--its restlessness, its memory, its quiet wisdom--turns the entire landscape into a sacred archive. “Perfume of broken sandstone / stirs secrets unstolen by Time”--that line alone could echo for centuries. And the ending… “bones that speak of the stars.” That’s not just poetic--it’s cosmic. Ancient. Humbling. Thank you for taking us to Lightning Ridge. I’ll be listening for its wind for a while. --Alesia Justin Bordner April 21, 2025 at 11:45 AM You'll know, when the wind lifts the soft song of your hair to the tender tips of your awoken ears Poetess...yes, a "sacred archive" is a wonderful correlation...J.A.B.

Joe Maverick May 16, 2022 at 1:46 PM Bones stars knowledge wisdom Lots to think on Justin.'

Laura Breidenthal June 11, 2021 at 6:04 AM This one gives me chills, Justin. Especially those last two lines. Breathtaking. Always, Laura Justin Bordner February 20, 2022 at 9:15 PM Yes yes yes Laura!!! Oh how I revel in riveting your splendid senses into imagination intrigued by the taste of ancient mystery...J.A.B.

Regina Mcintosh April 17, 2021 at 5:17 PM This is like breathing fresh rainfall or glimpsing a falling star... brings a smile and lifts the soul, colors the heart in rhythms of light. I love your thoughts, dear friend. God bless you again and again. With love, Gina

Susan Ashley March 13, 2021 at 9:25 AM Dear Justin, my imagination intensifies under the influence of your sumptuous pen. This immortal connection speaks to the new heart and old soul of me, as does this spectacular line; "wetting the wonderment of a restless rebel".. though, every line’s a star. Glorious poetry! Warmest wishes.. ~Susan Justin Bordner February 20, 2022 at 9:08 PM Your unbridled response to this vision makes me glow with joy Susan. I am proud to be your intense impetus Poetess...J.A.B.

Susan Woodrow March 11, 2021 at 2:40 PM this was beautiful! loved the wording and imagery infused with the never-ending mystery :) Justin Bordner February 20, 2022 at 9:01 PM Yes Susan, the spirit of this poem does move on the verge of a revelation, thank you...J.A.B.