Wind blown seed misses
the earth which cradled deep roots.
This new soil is strange
to me. These flowers are odd,
but I recognize their scent.
Photo by Wolfgang Hasselmann on Unsplash
Song Choices: Kyrie by Mr. Mister and Philadelphia Freedom covered by Tina and Ike Turner
Today's poem is linked up to Imaginary Gardens with Real Toads' Tuesday Platform.
This poem is from the point of view of Yuuki, a character I have enjoyed writing about for years. The events of this poem take place after this short story, though the full story of what happens to Yuuki next will be covered in my upcoming short story collection, The Trouble With Wanting and Other Not Quite Faery Tales, which will drop in Fall 2018.
one doesn't need to be kin to be kindred.... so true!!!
ReplyDeleteI agree :)
DeleteOh, such a thoughtful piece. I loved every bit of wisdom shared in the prose — it is indeed good not to ignore the shine of those who are different from us.
ReplyDeleteThe seed analogy in the tanka is very well done — it may be an odd surrounding and yet that hint of recognition may well keep us going on. Memories are harmonious but newness brings new opportunities too.
Very well-penned.
-HA
Thanks Anmol. I think that many times that bit of recognition can be so helpful when trying to adapt.
DeleteThere is such soul and wisdom in this poem, Rommy!💞 Especially like: "one doesn't need to be kin to be kindred."😊
ReplyDeleteGlad you enjoyed it :)
DeleteI love everything about your Yukki pieces! So excited for the new book!
ReplyDeleteYay! LOL, me too. I'm in the grace note proof-reading stage, but it won't be long now.
DeleteLove your Yukki character, congrats.
ReplyDeleteThank you so much Vicki
DeleteThis really evoked my curiosity of the character... I will have to read the story later, but I imagine a creature of the night... in familiar soil during daytime, and the claws of kindred makes me imagine something not quite fairytalic
ReplyDeleteI would say Yuuki is quite comfortable at night with other denizens of worlds not normally experienced by human eyes.
DeleteThe line about the reluctant traveler scarcely noticing the beauty of the road really chimes with me, Rommy. I used to love travelling but I can't cope with crowded airports and stations, so I prefer to explore areas close to home, where I can still enjoy sunrises and landscapes.
ReplyDeleteLOL, I wish I had traveled more than I was young, because there is a certain inertia I have to overcome now that I'm in my 40's to go anywhere.
DeleteFascinating contradictions / paradoxes.
ReplyDeleteThanks Rosemary
DeleteFlowers are much like animals some you can trust others not so. Humans are even more difficult to fathom. Although poets are usually trustworthy!
ReplyDeleteOh we're a wily and wordy bunch. :D
DeleteSo true one doesnt have to be kin to be kindred. Loved this!
ReplyDeleteGlad you enjoyed it
DeleteI so love this line: "I shall not forget my teeth if I encounter mistakes from my past." No, not just because I'm completely obsessed with teeth, but because of the duality of teeth (and what what this imply about the statement. I love that she will never forget her teeth--she's ready to fight, she ready to smile, she's ready. And I love that.
ReplyDeleteYuuki knows when to smile and when to bite.
DeleteAh - a beautiful scent is more overpowering than the seeming 'oddness' of flowers! It is the scent that will stay with a person.
ReplyDeleteScent does have that power to make someone recall wonderful things.
Delete" I shall not forget my teeth if I encounter mistakes from my past. But I will not ignore the shine from the steel of souls with claws different from my own." Pow! To enter strangeness, to find "kindred steel"!! I find this poem very encouraging. And I loved being reminded of your two songs.
ReplyDeleteI am so glad you enjoyed it
DeleteThese images are breathtaking--the teeth that could be both smile and threat, the steel souls shining, the strange earth that smells familiar. It makes me want to go adventuring with the speaker.
ReplyDeleteYes! I'm glad the duality of that image came through.
DeleteWow!
ReplyDeleteZQ
Cool! :D
DeleteYou have imbued this piece with a evocative 'traveller-esque' vibe. It is observant, philosophic and wise. It is rooted in a sense of 'place'. Wonderful writing!
ReplyDeleteGlad you enjoyed it Wendy
DeleteBeautifully written.
ReplyDeleteThank you J
Deletethe perfect traveller's poem. Love the ending lines, very evocative : "to me. These flowers are odd,
ReplyDeletebut I recognize their scent."