On a Perfect Day
by Jane Gentry
... I eat an artichoke in front
of the Charles Street Laundromat
and watch the clouds bloom
into white flowers out of
the building across the way.
The bright air moves on my face
like the touch of someone who loves me.
Far overhead a dart-shaped plane softens
through membranes of vacancy. A ship,
riding the bright glissade of the Hudson, slips
past the end of the street. Colette's vagabond
says the sun belongs to the lizard
that warms in its light. I own these moments
when my skin like a drumhead stretches on the frame
of my bones, then swells, a bellows filled
with sacred breath seared by this flame,
this happiness.
please note: photo by Ariel D. Bravy
... I eat an artichoke in front
of the Charles Street Laundromat
and watch the clouds bloom
into white flowers out of
the building across the way.
The bright air moves on my face
like the touch of someone who loves me.
Far overhead a dart-shaped plane softens
through membranes of vacancy. A ship,
riding the bright glissade of the Hudson, slips
past the end of the street. Colette's vagabond
says the sun belongs to the lizard
that warms in its light. I own these moments
when my skin like a drumhead stretches on the frame
of my bones, then swells, a bellows filled
with sacred breath seared by this flame,
this happiness.
please note: photo by Ariel D. Bravy
What a wonderful poem, so filled with wonder. And I love your new header!
ReplyDeleteThe simple pleasures of life are not applauded as much as they could be. Love your poem - 'the bright glissade of the Hudson' - wonderful!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful new magpie photo ! (although I liked your previous header image also)
ReplyDeleteSacred breath seared by this flame... lovely, like Tom Hanks' character in Castaway... just keep breathing...
This poem make me miss summer.
ReplyDeleteI've been really enjoying all these poems that you post. Where the heck do you find them all?
Got to love that blue throat on the critter! Very dapper!
ReplyDelete