Every now and then
it's good to bend a knee
and point to the past.
Every now and then
a thin stone is all
that separates us.
Every now and then
a cement paddle board
is all that keeps us afloat.
For then as now
a life waked behind us
and we lean in.
For then as now
the surf's up and we
try to catch a current.
For then as now
a gift of flow has
offered us a ride.
Photo used with permission by James Rainsford
Poem submitted for Shoot Sunday
"a thin stone is all
ReplyDeletethat separates us."
Yep. Our time on earth will not last and "every now and then" it's good to recognize that in appreciation of the present. Powerful lines and use of the prompt, Jerry.
yep - good to bend a knee every now and then..leaning into life...love this jerry
ReplyDeleteWe peer into tombstones, expecting to find the name of a friend, a relative, a loved one -- and finding our own. Good poem, Jerry.
ReplyDeleteNice flow of words and rhythm, I love it.
ReplyDeleteClever poetry, Jerry. Interestingly enough, during my college years in engineering we had a "Concrete Canoe" team at PSU that competed with other Universities. I couldn't help but think of this as you referenced the "cement paddle board" keeping us aloat.
ReplyDelete-Pounds
Beautiful and true, Jerry.
ReplyDeleteLove the repetition, the imagery, the truth. Clever, clean, and clear. I like!
ReplyDeleteevery now and then a thin stone is all that seperates us...great line!
ReplyDeleteNice take on the prompt, Jerry.
ReplyDelete(I read this piece several times. Stopping the poem at the end of stanza 4 strengthens its effectiveness.)
This poem is strong in internal logic and reflection, and the language direct and cogent. Enjoyed it, Jerry, and the idea of surfing on the flow, via a tombstone, makes perfect sense to me.
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