Tuesday, December 9, 2014

In the Bottomlands--By John Swain--United States

In the Bottomlands

Sandhill cranes arise from the cornfield
in the whipping dawn,
grey against grey as the sky becomes their wings.
Recent floods have drowned the forests
of peeling river birch.
I entered in my tall green wading boots.
Water traveling through wind in holiness
with the safety of no people like this ancient day
brightens into eternity.
In the air like dog teeth, I am devoured,
torn to eat at my own limbs
for your communion in this wilderness.
I took the moon to soothe the briars
on the mule of my speaking tongue
in exhaustion and drift continuing a red prayer.

John Swain lives in Louisville, Kentucky, USA. Red Paint Hill published his first collection, Ring the Sycamore Sky.

13 comments:

  1. Welcome to Whispers John! Thank you for sharing this powerful and thought provoking poem for our readers to ponder about. I hope you enjoy your time spent here. I wish you the best wherever your writing journey leads. Best wishes with your book.

    Blessings,
    Karen

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you very much, Karen. I appreciate your kind thoughts and look forward to reading great poetry here at Whispers.

      Delete
  2. especially liked the air like dog teeth - very much enjoyed

    ReplyDelete
  3. Hi, John, the painting could very well be in any part of these United States and yet the uniqueness of your words speaks of an unique experience for each one after the storm.............you are very talented, to be sure! Sheri

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you very much for your kind thoughts, Sheri.

      Delete
  4. sober and wonderful at the same time...thank you for your words

    ReplyDelete
  5. A wonderful poem from a welcome talent John. This is EXCELLENT! Holiday blessings, Connie

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you very much, Connie. Holiday blessings to you as well!

      Delete
  6. Welcome to Whispers, John and thank you for sharing such a wonderful poem with us. Continued blessings!

    -MJ (www.tgbtgpublictions.com)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you, Maurice. Blessings to you in the New Year!

      Delete