Chain of Hearts - Writers Forum

**Penelope** · 02-17-2006, 01:37 PM

Gaudy scarlet hearts pierced and strung
out in a loop on which high hopes are hung.
There were two strands bought on the fly.
One was handed off in the wink of an eye
while the other was kept, circumspect
of hearts far too easily flung
might be hooked on bottom rungs.

Such eye catching appeal for dollar store
drag, they even propped paisley ‘pajamas’
at below promenade deck, upper crust dining.
A see cruiser thought them very delightful
while his wife cast glances quite spiteful.
One could not help but laugh at his gaff.
Deficit wishes in a Baltic sea full of fishes?

A well fingered red rosary keeping company
with malachite beads for incongruous needs.
Bundled up in a cosmetic case and trundled
along in a vagabond song of train’s humming,
soft shoes running down platforms
and breathing sighs of upheaval revivals.
The plan was to bring the heart string
safely home; no further to roam.

Yet, when in need, lonely hearts bleed.
Impetuous pulses begin beating
out a kind of unwinding suspension
of tension and whatever for
becomes amore and je t’adore.

Again tucked away, for one more travel.
A shy secret gift to define one’s unravel.
Glad hearts can shine, no matter the cost
but until they are given, all may be lost.

PFA
17/02/06

gohn67 · 02-18-2006, 02:53 AM

Hey Pen,
The more I read of your poetry the more I appreciate it. I'm seriously awed by your use of language. Just amazing word choice - vagabond, amore, je t'adore, malachite. Along with the seamless (bad word choice, but I'm tired can't think of a better word at the moment) rhyming. It's a real joy to read with the great flow and alliteration as always.

Where did this poem originate from? Seems like you always have a story behind your poems.

mjk · 02-18-2006, 03:10 AM

oh, pen.

when i come across a poem of yours, i always know to read it out loud several times as i'm in for a treat, and each read brings new delight.

"dollar store drag" is just fabulous.

and the last two lines. i don't even know what to say, except my heart thanks you for articulating such sentiments and remains validated.

thank you for the excellent read.

**Penelope** · 02-18-2006, 04:26 AM

gohn - Thank you. I believe in exercising my vocabulary and it makes writing poetry a lot more fun for me. This is a true story about two strands of hearts I bought at a dollar store in Ladysmith BC on February 11th 2005 for my parent's joint memorial service on February 12th because the theme of my tribute was their enduring love for one another which spanned 60 years. I gave one of the strands to one of the church's lady auxilary caterers because she fancied it. The other went travelling with me in September and got tucked into someone else's suitcase on January 19th 2006. He found it when he got home. So, yes, there is a story behind this poem and yes, there is reality in quite a few of my poems. Some of them aren't about me but I'm really pleased this one is.

mjk - yeah, I liked the dollar store drag too and threw in some 'romance' language just for the hell of it. Thanks for such a lovely comment.

Ilan Bouchard · 02-18-2006, 10:35 AM

I don't think I fully appreciated the poem because I couldn't have possibly read it the way you intended. Despite this, I loved the poem and its sashays of language. I've compared your poetry to dancing before, Pen, and this one would fit as well into a ballroom as any clad gents and women.

I didn't like the word "strands" in the third line because it had emphasis which was broken by the semicolon, or perhaps some other reason that eludes me. Either way, that was the only word I'd change.

Thanks for the read.

eleda · 02-18-2006, 11:48 AM

Hi Pen, it's been a while since I've read one of your poems, and I'm so glad to have done so today. This was an utter delight. Skillful syntax in storytelling in a poetic format. I would love to write poetry like this. Thank you!

**Penelope** · 02-18-2006, 11:50 AM

As far as poetry is concerned, I don't intend it to be read in any specific way Ilan. It's down to interpretation which has to remain open due to different perspectives. Strand? Well, I think it will stay but maybe the semi-colon should go? Thanks a bunch for your feedback.

**Penelope** · 02-18-2006, 11:52 AM

hello Eleda - I was just in Spain! *photo in the gallery* oops - glad you like the poem.

eleda · 02-18-2006, 12:01 PM

Pen, send me a PM next time you visit Spain so I can show you around here. What part did you visit? I love it here! LOL

**Penelope** · 02-18-2006, 01:32 PM

that's very kind of you eleda - I might do that next time if I'm on my own but this time I had an .. um ... 'experienced' (?) guide. Costa del Sol - Ronda - Tarifa and beyond - Gibraltar too.

Beatrice Boyle · 02-18-2006, 02:02 PM

Loved this Pen...especially since it was so personal.

(Amazing what adventures develop when one travels!)

**Penelope** · 02-18-2006, 10:13 PM

Yeah, you are right Bea. Thousands of memories ready to be shifted into poetry of one sort or another. I should have written this on the 14th but the force wasn't with me. Thanks for dropping by.