Stray Wind

The wind is too frail to carry across oceans 
the echoes of distant bells, 

too wayward to traverse the wild plains 
to deliver wolves’ howls 
and the hoots of owls, 

too headstrong not to tussle with the storms 
it passes, and thus lose its cargo 
of muezzins’ calls and mermaids’ coos. 

Jungles are jumbled with passages from rooftop 
saxophonists’ solos, 
valleys brim with the arias 
it spirited away from piazzas, 
and dropped heedless along the way. 

The perfumes of rare books and hidden brooks
are lost too, 
as are the aromas of faraway bazaars,  
stranded on city streets,  
harassed by exhaust fumes.    

Snowflakes languishing in deserts,  
petals flailing in glaciers, 
the vibrations from a hundred fandangos,  
the thunder of a million migrating hooves,  
all were by the wind misplaced before
they could be deposited through my window.  

To find them, I must travel forth.
Copyright © | Year Posted 2017

Poem

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Ashley Avatar
December 8, 2017 at 7:49 PM
As always Bernard, the content and imagery of your poem is enthralling, enticing and breathtaking. Every line took me further into this poetic journey that I didn't want to end. So appealing to the senses, I was swept up and carried away by your poetic words. A magical and mesmerizing write dear friend. Warmest wishes ~Susan
Ashley Avatar
December 9, 2017 at 8:18 AM
Aww, thank you Bernard. That's the nicest response to a comment I've ever gotten :)
Chan Avatar
December 9, 2017 at 2:50 AM
Thanks so much, Susan! Reading your generous comments is the next best thing to reading your poems :)
Thomas Avatar
December 8, 2017 at 1:16 PM
A good enough reason to travel I'd say! Love the visual ride :)
Chan Avatar
December 8, 2017 at 7:18 PM
Thank you for your visit and comment, Shadow. Much appreciated :)
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