Thursday, February 11, 2021

Dramatis Personae of Left Hand (WC)



(Wendy Cabell, February 11, 2021, feast day of Our Lady of Lourdes, Saint Caedmon (above), Saint Theodora the Empress, World Day of the Sick, and eve of Rosh Chodesh/new moon, for Hebrew month of Adar. Image from  here.)


Dramatis Personae of Left Hand

(after Charles Simic)



Thumb curls, like a nursing cat.

Re -members Mother's milk, midst 

chilly world. Aches for something to

hold, maybe ever.


The second one holds a Rosary, ie

pilgrim's staff. Horizon will provide. 

A yearning to travel light.


The middle one is a weary soul. 

Was it ever? Tension, ache in throat. 

Doesn't know where to belong. 

Can a pilgrimage last forever?


The fourth is a big ol' travelogue. 

Piled journals, notes. A few pictures. 

Bursting to open a window, 

Somewhere.    


The fifth finds its way to heart. 

Listens. Lights a candle. Makes small 

offering. Doesn't realize the piggyback, 

other four must tag along. Doesn't

realize she's brought them Home.




*From prompt: Freewrite as inspired by Charles Simic's Bestiary For the Fingers of My Right Hand; from Esther Lin's Quarantine Write-in (Hugo House, Seattle, WA), February 11, 2021.


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