Well Sprung

When I was seven I felt the urge  
to capture an enchanted being.  
 
I caught him in the gentle grasses  
of our side yard.  
 
Cupped in my hands  
he waited,  
his antennae gathered signals from distant worlds,  
his cold eyes measured 
the texture of my skin,  
his armor sparkled 
in the shadows of my fingers,  
his legs were unanchored tent poles.

I held out my hand  
straight as a diving board.  
He sprang  
with power and grace --  
a green arc of parabolic escape.  

He was blind to what he left behind:  
a bonfire in my chest,  
a salty koan,  
the memory of a trinket  
I had to let go.

Copyright © | Year Posted 2016



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Date: 10/18/2016 4:25:00 AM
This touched me today. Feeling privileged. Wonderful way with words. :) thanks.
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Jim Howe
Date: 10/18/2016 9:04:00 AM
Thanks, Christian, for reading and commenting. I appreciate it a lot.
Date: 9/17/2016 11:49:00 PM
Jim Howe,Welcome to Poetry soup, I hope you enjoy the community. Here, you will find friendly poets who enjoy supporting one another. I myself, enjoy reading and commenting those who want to be read. The only time I give constructive criticism is when a poet desires it. However, if for some reason the poem is not my field I will guide you to someone who is more qualified than I. Stop by and read one of my poems if you like. My poems are not perfect, but I have a feeling you might like one. I encourage you to check out the contest page and read to receive comments. Tell me a little about your poetic skills if you like. It will be my pleasure to follow and read every poem you post from here on :) We are Lucky To Have you. Your New Poet Friend @-> LINDA <-@
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Jim Howe
Date: 9/18/2016 8:09:00 AM
Linda, Many thanks for your warm welcome and for your interest in my writing. I do appreciate constructive criticism and I would be honored to receive your opinion on my poems. Many minds make a good poem.
Date: 9/16/2016 8:55:00 PM
:) Now, the chances are slim, I'm just going on a hunch based on the caliber of your writing, but I have to ask... Bunnicula? My daughter is seven and this week I picked up the first book in the series from the library. We are looking forward to beginning it on Sunday. I know writers can write in many genres. I'm waiting to hear back from Orca Books, myself... so... are you 'that' Jim Howe? If (big smile) you are another Jim Howe, its still a pleasure to meet you.
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Jim Howe
Date: 9/26/2016 3:13:00 PM
Cyndi where are the blogs? And where are you published?
Macmillan Avatar
Cyndi Macmillan
Date: 9/20/2016 8:15:00 AM
Aww... thanks, Jim! :) You shook the "awkward" right out of my comment... lol... I'm not on Soup as much as I used to be. Writing for publication prevents me from posting my work. But I still like to read, socialize and blog, now and again. Looking forward to bumping into you around and about the Soup halls.
Macmillan Avatar
Cyndi Macmillan
Date: 9/20/2016 8:15:00 AM
I may post a "Poetry Pub" soon under blogs... a poem is posted and analyzed. Maybe, I'll see you there... cheers!
Howe Avatar
Jim Howe
Date: 9/16/2016 10:14:00 PM
No, not the same. I hope you and your daughter enjoy the series. I understand he's popular. And even though he's not me, I still can probably speak for him that he would be as happy to meet you as I am. Regards. Jim
Date: 9/16/2016 10:12:00 AM
Okay, WOW! I read the first lines, liked the flow, but wanted more poetics... and then came the last stanza and I saw how you carefully crafted this piece, to slowly build towards the last five lines. Excellent pacing. Welcome to Soup, Jim. Now that one has been posted, oblige us... ;)... post more. Looking forward to reading more. I'll be following your work. Cheers, Cyndi
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Jim Howe
Date: 9/16/2016 6:07:00 PM
Thank you, Cyndi, for your welcome and for your comment on Well Sprung. I plan to read some of your work also. I'm glad to hear you will be following my attempts to get the words right. I wish you all good things. Cheers.
Date: 9/16/2016 9:03:00 AM
Well done, Jim, Welcome to Poetry Soup. It will be a delight to read and become familiar with your poems in the future. As for now, I will greet you with the same smile others passed when I first joined the soup. Wishing you and your poetry the best. I hope you get to meet all the nice poets around here STARTING with me- SKAT :) Drop a hello and tell me a little about yourself if you wish. I would like to be your newest poetry soup "FRIEND" Hugs **YNR - SKAT
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Jim Howe
Date: 9/17/2016 5:36:00 AM
Skat, can one poem be entered in multiple contests?
Howe Avatar
Jim Howe
Date: 9/16/2016 6:11:00 PM
Hi Skat. Thanks for the welcome and for the good wishes. I send my best wishes back to you, my new poet friend.
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