A Ladder Our Boat
When we make a tree a ladder, we climb
out of the flaming fire, through our fear.
We are each from earth’s guts spilled,
Persephone rising, wild mint lacing
loose braids, sheaves of grain in hand,
spring’s re-welcoming cheered.
When we make the ladder our boat, we sail on
a kiss of wind above the Hades of our making,
spirits water-rocked in Zeus’s arms, seeds
of the pomegranate bursting, our offspring
full-disgorged.
We strike our fevered blessings on the wood,
water-tight, wave at the moon we circle twice:
the light, our safe harbor, shore.
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Write a poem of your own, based on Holly’s image or choose a line from Maureen’s poem as a starting place. Post on your blog and link to us (we love that), or just drop your poems here in the comment box.
Painting: “Warrior Canoe”, 30″ x 60″, by Holly Friesen. Used with permission. See more of Holly Friesen’s work in her online gallery. Poem by Maureen Doallas, author of Neruda’s Memoirs: Poems.
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L.L. Barkat says
I love this…
“When we make a tree a ladder, we climb
out of the flaming fire”
It’s counterintuitive.
The artwork is stunning. (Love the poem and the art together )
Maureen Doallas says
I was so pleased Holly allowed us to use the image of her gorgeous painting, which has been sold. From the time I saw images of it in progress, I knew I’d have to write about it.
Donna says
Maureen this is wonderful! I love it, and I wrote one too… I couldn’t get “Persephone Rising” out of my head…. I went to the web and refreshed my memory of her story. Rising Rising…. until the Fall.
Thanks for the inspiration.
Persephone Rises
http://thebrightersideblog.blogspot.com/2013/03/persephone-rises.html
Maureen Doallas says
Thank you so much, Donna. I owe the inspiration to the painting.
I hope everyone links over to read your poem. Lovely piece. Thank you for your kind words there.
Monica Devine says
Thank you, Maureen, for leading me to tweekspeak, and to Holly…a gorgeous painting! My poem: To Cast
http://monicadevine.blogspot.com/2013/03/to-cast_18.html
Bethany R. says
What a gorgeous poem and artwork!