Making Up Reality

Wild joy filled me,
but I don't know why;
perhaps it was
the young woman
I imagined,
picking up discarded clothes
in the bathroom
with her skinny hands,
her hair loose, falling over her eyes.

She pulled the bathroom plug
and cleaned the ring
with a long-handled brush.
She mumbled a song to herself
and got up from her knees
with a small grunt.
She was wearing a bra
that pinched a little on the left.

I liked the way her eyes
turned the colour of whisky
when she looked into the light.

Outside the door
there was nothing;
not even the vacuum of space –
she hadn't imagined it yet.
Copyright © | Year Posted 2008

Poem

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Venter Avatar
December 4, 2008 at 1:42 AM
Hello Ciss G - I don't think a washing woman. The poem says: "The young woman I imagined". She is the embodiment of that elusive woman who does not actually exist, but with whom one always fall in love.
G Avatar
December 4, 2008 at 1:34 AM
hmm Are you talking about a washing woman?
Richards Avatar
November 24, 2008 at 8:46 PM
Another outstanding poem, De Waal! I'm intrigued by your style of poetry. Very imaginative. ~ Carrie
Winter Avatar
November 22, 2008 at 8:13 AM
Wow. This is so excellent and most interesting. Vivid imagery here. Especially love the ending and her eyes the color of whiskey. Love, Shar
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