Saturday, January 18, 2014

Natural Shocks




natural shocks

indignities of the body,
leaks and runs
and crusts,
shameful, smelly fissures, 
wheezes --
this is just
another fiery engine
that clicks and steams 
and rusts,
a clock that's sprung,
a race not won,
an hourglass of dust.
Posted by at
Labels: ,

19 comments:

  1. Carolina LintheadJanuary 18, 2014 at 7:38 PM

    This is, and you are, so brilliant! I don't follow you as close as I should, but every time I stop by here, I am wowed. Love you, sweet pea.

    ReplyDelete
  2. The UnknowngnomeJanuary 18, 2014 at 9:44 PM

    So true for we aged. Let the young take heed, theirs is but "an hourglass of dust".

    Good one!

    ReplyDelete
  3. FireblossomJanuary 19, 2014 at 8:59 AM

    Been looking in my window??? That last line is superb.

    ReplyDelete
  4. AnonymousJanuary 20, 2014 at 7:35 AM

    You nailed in a dozen lines what I couldn't quite grasp in 144. What is aging if not a yard filling with another and another spent "fiery engine." Loved it.

    ReplyDelete
  5. Kathryn DycheJanuary 20, 2014 at 8:00 AM

    Loving those last three lines. Great write.

    ReplyDelete
  6. humbirdJanuary 20, 2014 at 9:21 AM

    ...but strength inside, the soul wisdom, the hourglass can be flipped, dust wiped off ;)xx

    ReplyDelete
  7. Vandana SharmaJanuary 20, 2014 at 10:18 AM

    the dust will wither away soon

    ReplyDelete
  8. hedgewitchJanuary 20, 2014 at 11:10 AM

    A minimalist's look at age--and who really wants to look maximally? It's far to frightening to life the Reaper's robes and see those shriveled shanks. I relate to this--on every level. Just excellent.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. hedgewitchJanuary 20, 2014 at 11:12 AM

      too. not to, lift not life. ..sigh.. My eyes do a lousy job of proofing these days.

      Delete
  9. Gillena CoxJanuary 20, 2014 at 12:04 PM

    ah the process! have a good Monday

    much love...

    ReplyDelete
  10. TimoteoJanuary 20, 2014 at 1:27 PM

    And I was having a good day up until now...ha ha!

    ReplyDelete
  11. Sherry Blue SkyJanuary 20, 2014 at 1:29 PM

    Ah yes, you've gone and removed my rosy glasses. Hee hee. (no worries, all it takes is a look in the mirror). I, too, noted your closing line. Really great writing!

    ReplyDelete
  12. AnonymousJanuary 20, 2014 at 3:18 PM

    that last line perfectly sums your pen ~

    ReplyDelete
  13. Susie ClevengerJanuary 20, 2014 at 5:03 PM

    Yes, such is life...I too think you have been looking in my window :)

    ReplyDelete
  14. revelationsJanuary 20, 2014 at 6:18 PM

    seeing I am of the age where this battle between my will and my body is waging... (I am if nothing a stubborn old cuss) this poem hit the mark... I know of what you write... :)

    ReplyDelete
  15. PealogicJanuary 21, 2014 at 2:25 AM

    Witty, erudite metaphor. Splendid.

    ReplyDelete
  16. kaykualaJanuary 21, 2014 at 10:13 AM

    Just amazing how much indignity, pressures and stresses the body had to put up with just to please . Sadly one never realize the extent and seriousness it had gone through just to survive! Nicely Karen!

    Hank

    ReplyDelete
  17. The BugJanuary 21, 2014 at 12:35 PM

    I've been away for a while because of crazy work stuff, but you are still as fabulous as always.

    ReplyDelete
  18. UnknownJanuary 21, 2014 at 2:54 PM

    The commonality of the truth here is simultaneously comforting and disturbing!

    ReplyDelete

Subscribe to: Post Comments (Atom)