The thunderclap
of fireworks
breaks over
the night's headland
as if to hearld
the real storm
that thunders & lightnings
San Luca's feastday.
All night
the storm prowls
our little balcony
shivering the shutters
demanding to be
let in.
We, all
at sea
cuddle
closer
(closer still)
until morning bells
peal with sunshine
the day blessed
with the sun's holy heat
...our miraculous love.
******
San Luca is the patron saint of Praiano where we were cuddled together
*******
And then again the same experience just coming in at a different angle and the whole emotional trajectory and imagery changes to produce the landscape of this poem.
******
YOU AGAIN
Your summer dress
comes to rest
upon the balcony
hung up on a thin
wire hanger
(an exotic bird)
it cries for your body
weeps at being
parted from you
& your curves
a pool of tears
collects at its hem
as longingly it dreams of
the touch of your skin
asleep now
in the sun.
Later that evening
frightened by the approaching storm
it tries to escape
the clamour of its hanger
almost flies off
beyond the reach of my hands
run away to sea
seeking for further horizons.
I calm it
tame its panic
fold it tenderly
carry it like a dreaming
child
lay it to rest
at the foot of the bed
where all night long it sleeps
at your feet
awaiting your footstep
the sunshine
of being
you
again.
Dónall Dempsey
http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/we-all-at-sea/
