Ragnar Two Ax

How to describe him,
the he that was so much a part of me
but for such a short while
brawn.

The span of his shoulders 
as they stretched across his un-ironed flannel plaid.
The wedge shaped fan of his finger nails, 
always a bit black;
even though, by God, he tried.

Locks drew him,
puzzles, pleased him,
whiskers became him.
And the blue of his eyes
was Dresden 
bringing back memories of the Irish Sea. 

Suren, his kin seemed for all intents and purposed
to be shan ti Irish
and not lace curtain Irish at all.
Who would want all that thin, 
untried blood anyway,
when you could have a true mans-man
with forearms like tree boughs
with a heart so big, his laughter 
seemed to crack his face
at the corner of his eyes.

A taunt man
who you didn’t mind seeing
coming or going
who wore a slouched felt hat,
threw long-handles axes
and carried a long bow.



*names have not been changed to protect the innocent
no one's innocent here ;)
Copyright © | Year Posted 2013

Poem

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Harper Avatar
May 31, 2013 at 8:56 PM
Excellent homage to Ragnar, Debbie, very strong characterization.
Omara Avatar
May 25, 2013 at 5:20 AM
Great portrait, Debbie. You had me, simple soul that I am, believing it all. Until the last line. Wonderful.-Red
Eastman Avatar
May 7, 2013 at 12:16 PM
Congratulations on your win. An amazing write.
Jones Avatar
May 2, 2013 at 4:57 PM
So this is where your big smile comes from....congratulations.... wonderful poem
Dietrich Avatar
May 2, 2013 at 2:51 PM
yes, Debs, now THIS is what I call descriptive writing. congrats on your win with this excellent poem.
A   Avatar
May 1, 2013 at 6:17 PM
D G, a nice winning poem in the "WORD PORTRAIT" contest :-) *LINDA
Harper Avatar
April 30, 2013 at 10:24 AM
Debbie, excellent portrait you have drawn here, he seems such a strong man, enjoyed reading it. Congratulations.
Gildersleeve Avatar
April 30, 2013 at 9:52 AM
Debbie congratulations. You've described him so well I almost think I could draw a portrait of him. Nicely done. Warm Smiles, Connie
Tams The Golden Girl Avatar
April 30, 2013 at 7:05 AM
Many congratulations Debbie xx
Hunter Avatar
April 30, 2013 at 6:41 AM
Congrats, Debbie!
Hunter Avatar
April 25, 2013 at 8:25 AM
As for your awesome poem...it's a mystery to me why it has never won a first place too. I've had a few I thought could win, but the only three I've had to win first places were some of my silliest ones. One about farts, one about eating bunnies...I think, and one about being naked after losing my pants.(in the recent moon contest)..haha
Hunter Avatar
April 25, 2013 at 8:21 AM
Love everything about this one, Debbie...I hunt with a long bow...among other things...was an axe man for years, though not the fighting type...ha. Even did some competition throwing for a bit and my fingernails are always dirty, and my eyes are always blue.:)...blood of the Irish too, along with Scottish and Cherokee. I'll have to fave this one.
Tacito Avatar
April 22, 2013 at 8:57 AM
"No one's innocent here"...I DIG IT! LOL! This was an awesome read! :)
Nair Avatar
April 22, 2013 at 5:26 AM
Intriguing and vivid , quite interesting, Deb:) Jag
Richards Avatar
April 21, 2013 at 5:35 PM
First of all......, such vivid descriptions, that you painted a portrait with your wit and amazing imagination.......but HE is so real, I can't believe he came from an imagined place.....so would love to know who, where, and more than I have a right to know...ha ha! your postscript made me smile so big!
Sivey Avatar
April 21, 2013 at 4:37 PM
Wow your descriptions were just amazing, I am thoroughly impressed with this creative write! I really enjoyed reading this illustrious and enlightening poem this evening! What a dynamic piece, full of passion for the description of this man! You have energetically filled my head with awe with this write! Such a wondrous poem, Great Work!!
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