Rudiments of Wings

“As I watched the seagulls, I thought, That’s the road to take; find the absolute rhythm and follow it with absolute trust.” ~ Nikos Kazantzakis RUDIMENTS OF WINGS O child, your seablown hollyhocks— recall of Kilmer’s tree. So rapidly your heart ‘tis wild, carefree. Sweet child, your cherry cheeks are mountain peaks in Field’s gingham and calico The Feud. You soar on swing. Quill and ink — unflappable raven wings of Poe’s haunting ballad stir up feelings, never receding. Dear child, out in the lonely woods of Frost, harness bells shaking in the snowy woods— effervescent cold. The Lord is my shepherd, Psalm twenty-three. Lovely solemnity— a poem-prayer. Schooled in scripture. Rudimentary poetry in flight. you hold onto each illumined feather— the inner child. 2/19/2022 This or That, Vol 10 Poetry Contest Sponsor: Edward Ibeh