Sweet and Sour Man

He makes a cradle with his arms 
for the pup to sprawl in
and languidly lets his swarthy body
sag in the rocking chair.

Something about him smacks
of black magic; maybe his eyes.
Sometimes, like an impenetrable 
wall of darkness, they could almost
physically force you to step back 
in retreat, or else, they may be smoldering
under the heavy lids and you find 
yourself orbiting in their magnetic field.

There’s also a look about him 
of a mountain brigand
maybe in the small suggestion of a welt
on his cheek, or is it his mahogany toes
that are protruding shamelessly
from his torn disreputable sandals?

A sharp bite from Sidney on the chin
jerks him back to full consciousness
and a tender, unnamable rush 
of understanding fills his face 
as his fingers gracefully
move over the hungry pup.
He smiles, and the smile spreads
through him like warm wine.
Copyright © | Year Posted 2017

Poem

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Inman Avatar
October 8, 2017 at 10:59 AM
The feeling of understanding is a very personal thing. Though we can never truly feel what another feels, we can sometimes get a glimpse from the expression on their face. A beautifully descriptive write Anne-Marie.
Williams Avatar
April 26, 2017 at 3:46 AM
I was puzzled by the name Anne-Marie, and then I saw the image and understood. Beautiful in its imagery and compassion. Not Gujarat, but I was born in Mumbai India, this scene was a norm every day on our way to school. We left and migrated to Australia, but part of my roots will always be there. Love the line mahogany toes.
Williams Avatar
April 26, 2017 at 7:54 AM
A very interesting life, Anne- Marie, also my dad being a professional musician had a very good job in The English Governers Band, and then later played for all the big studios of India. You could say 'Bollywood'? Don't know if you know Zubin Metha? the late Pavoritti's conductor ? He's from India, and his father and mine were the best of friends. No never been back , but my sisters have.
Coreggia Avatar
April 26, 2017 at 7:40 AM
Maria, you sound like you had an interesting life. I hope the move was a smooth one for you. It is not always easy to leave your country of origin behind, but stepping on foreign soil brings many new perspectives and positive elements to our lives. Did you ever go back?
Muita Avatar
April 7, 2017 at 10:35 AM
Nice one.
Coreggia Avatar
April 10, 2017 at 8:16 PM
Thank you so much James:)
Dietrich Avatar
April 3, 2017 at 3:19 PM
wow, this is one of the finest character descriptions I have ever seen on Soup. Very good vocabulary! You really SHOWED not TOLD!! SEVEN
Coreggia Avatar
April 3, 2017 at 11:22 PM
Andrea, thank you so much for you this very generous review and the kind rating :)
Kiran Avatar
April 3, 2017 at 9:19 AM
I was not expecting that your first poem I read is about a broken Indian guy. It is really amazing. Every line is wonderful especially the one "something about him smacks of black magic". Love it to the end...
Coreggia Avatar
April 3, 2017 at 11:20 PM
So glad to hear it took you a bit by surprise and you liked it, ravi. There was something a bit mysterious about Jerre, or rather something brewing :)
Horn Avatar
April 2, 2017 at 7:52 PM
Tuve que correr la mesa para tener más espacio.I had to move the table to have more space. Anything written by Corregia has to be moving.
Coreggia Avatar
April 2, 2017 at 8:09 PM
James, creo que usted va a necesitar mucho más espacio libre. I am very touched by your humorous comment James. Je suis très touchée par votre commentaire humoristique James :) Amitiés
Vaso Avatar
April 2, 2017 at 5:05 PM
I wasn't expecting this from the title, what a beautiful story within this beautiful poem!
Coreggia Avatar
April 2, 2017 at 7:59 PM
Arthur, I am so glad you could see the story within. Jerre was a multi-faceted man who didn't care about appearances and always tried to be true to himself :)
White Avatar
April 2, 2017 at 8:09 AM
How you describe him, that imagery, so lovingly. More people are needed to fight for the voiceless, and more like you, who write about them :)
Coreggia Avatar
April 2, 2017 at 11:28 AM
I hear you Darren, and thank you for your kind comment. So many need a voice, and that's what I liked so much about Jerre. He would put all his needs and wants aside, and could devote himself tirelessly to their cause :)
Andresen Avatar
April 2, 2017 at 7:01 AM
- A wonderful poem, Anne-Marie - a 7 - hugs // Anne-Lise :)
Coreggia Avatar
April 2, 2017 at 11:22 AM
Your kind review and generous rating are very much appreciated Sunshine Smile :)
Smith Avatar
April 1, 2017 at 1:15 PM
Very heartwarming , he must have been one heck of a man...thanks for sharing
Coreggia Avatar
April 2, 2017 at 11:21 AM
Thank you for your kind words, Tim. Yes, he was one of a kind, he marched to the beat of his own drum, but he was always willing to pick up the cause of the unfortunate :)
Ricci Avatar
April 1, 2017 at 9:01 AM
Dear Anne-Marie. Good Morning. I love this. I found your words lovable and endearing. How could they not be. This was a wonderful way to place a smile on your readers. The thought and vision are very sweet. Wonderful poetic expression for the sourness will do a complete turn instantly.
Coreggia Avatar
April 1, 2017 at 10:25 AM
Thank you so much for your very generous review Lisa. It is always greatly appreciated.:)
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