Notes About The Poem

Where I Live

7/18/02

In a tropical place, the climate
becomes a way of being.
Fruits and flowers on shirts and dresses,
breakfasts of bananas,
pineapple flavored passions of
afternoon, pathways to the moon on
evening seas, coconut-milk tipped waves at dawn,
palms tilting horizons and gulls gliding
the edge of time. 

Yet, where I live does not define me.

Not like the Irish dairymen, who
rain or shine, milk cows they
could easily set their clocks by.
 
Here on this perfect stretch of sand,
I am rootless - envious
of those who have never moved. 
I feel puppet-ized by modern life;
a little schizoid - liking where I am,
hearing the voices, while 
a part of me pines
for pastoral beginnings.
Copyright © | Year Posted 2017

Poem

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Gauthier Avatar
May 31, 2021 at 7:06 AM
I can absolutely relate to this longing. A beautiful poem ~
Smith Avatar
February 18, 2017 at 9:43 AM
I've been blessed to have found something to love about every place I've lived. Never any place as exotic sounding as yours, but I was once told "home is where you hang your hat, embrace it" and find happiness. I try...
Delaney Avatar
February 18, 2017 at 11:16 AM
Me too, Charlie: ....and I have moved around quite a bit. I look for the best in people and seek out the quiet beauty around me. Have a wonderful weekend. SuZ
Dietrich Avatar
February 5, 2017 at 7:31 PM
well, lady, if you feel rootless, I will gladly trade you this SNOW of Utah and take root in your lovely paradise. You are so lucky. And this is so GREAT!! SEVEN
Scott Avatar
January 19, 2017 at 12:12 PM
love your write yours two full of mood thank you for comments on mine happy new year to you to davidscottxx
Lindley Avatar
January 10, 2017 at 10:15 AM
Always, I have dreamed of living such a life but this world got in my way. This fine poem, is as an ice cream cone on a hot, burning hot summer day to me.Adding to my fav list as it is a welcomed jewel.
Trifiatis Avatar
January 4, 2017 at 5:54 AM
It must be marvelous the place you live dear, Suzanne! A wonderful poem artfully written!
Marcum Wong Avatar
January 1, 2017 at 11:41 PM
This is lovely SuZ. So nice to read your work again. I miss you. I wish you and hubby a beautiful new year! 7 ; )
Delaney Avatar
January 2, 2017 at 4:47 AM
Dear Connie: I miss you,too. I posted my LadyAutmn poem on PFT a coupe of weeks ago. First inspiration I had in ages. They say a change is as good as a holiday. Thanks always fo your beautiful encouragement. Love SuZ .......may your New Year bring, health and happiness.
Onclaud Avatar
January 1, 2017 at 9:51 PM
a soulful write where a landscape shapes your essence and artwords!...happy new year dear suZ and more huggs
Delaney Avatar
January 2, 2017 at 4:44 AM
Dear Nette: Always a joy to hear from you. May your New Year be wonderful in every way. Hugging you. SuZ
Turner Avatar
January 1, 2017 at 4:52 PM
I live in my pastoral beginnings and I think I'm ready for a change. Sorta shuffle the cards, so to speak. When we have gold, we want silver. Love the poem SuZ. Happy New Year:)
Delaney Avatar
January 2, 2017 at 4:43 AM
We just had a complete change moving from Hawaii to NC. The only regret is leaving friends behind but -hey- wev'e given them a new exciting place to come visit. LOL Happy New Year and thanks for reading and commenting. SuZ
Anish Avatar
January 1, 2017 at 3:11 PM
Where do you live? It is kind of hard figuring it out in reading your poem. This is evocative and bittersweet work. Peace & Love Matthew Anish
Delaney Avatar
January 1, 2017 at 3:37 PM
I wrote this when I lived on the Gold Coast in Queensland, Australia. It is like a tropical paradise there. My referral back to Ireland came from my visits there.Thanks for stopping by and commenting. A Happy New Year to you. SuZ
Murray Avatar
January 1, 2017 at 8:45 AM
Oh my....what a beautiful mix of a Barrier Reef island and an Atlantic island Suz. You first took me back to those thousands of fruit bats that crossed Palm Island each evening against a pink sky. The sound of their wings overhead. Then, I was not even having to set my clock on a dark drizzly Irish night, knowing that beast of a rooster would be crowing at dawn.
Delaney Avatar
January 1, 2017 at 3:46 PM
Thanks Jean: That is a nice area where she is. I used to cross the border there once a week for Jazz Piano lessons.
Murray Avatar
January 1, 2017 at 8:48 AM
I will sent this poem to my older sister Teresa....forever longing for home from her home on the border between Queensland and NSW.
Krampe Avatar
January 1, 2017 at 8:22 AM
Lovely poem that speaks to me deeply. Happy New year, Suzanne.
Delaney Avatar
January 1, 2017 at 3:47 PM
So nice of you to stop by and comment. All the best for 2017.
Andresen Avatar
January 1, 2017 at 8:06 AM
- Sounds like a paradise .... but you yearn to a different location .... great written Suz - hugs // Anne-Lise :)
Delaney Avatar
January 1, 2017 at 3:57 PM
Hi Anne - Lise:..... I have found it now. A place where I am at peace..mostly, and will be, more- so , after the renovations are finished. I hope your New Year is wonderful and kind to you. Hugs,
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