Monday, October 14, 2013

Amaranthine


photo © 2013 Jennifer Wagner



Just outside this circle of light
the mood of sky is darkening
as sprinkles of rain are turning to floods.

I feel I won’t drown this time,
awash in ash, as deep autumn burns out,
thrusting the baton to barrenness.

Stained on the caverns of my heart
are four amaranthine trees.
Their branches and leaves are arms and handprints,
shoring up each chamber.
Their colors are lanterns,
bright and glowing.

This heart has been made rich and fertile;
this ship has beacons, reasons,
to remain buoyed and sustained.
By them I am helped to weave my way,
even when the dark bleeds thick
upon my mind, poisonous and looting.

I have found in their eyes
warm respite from the seeping cold of lifeless hollows
and cradle the hope that is anchored
in the breath and vitality
that each of their smiles light
to bring me home.



© 2013 Jennifer Wagner

For my four sons and all they have had to understand in my struggle with depression.  Ever yours ~ Mom.

11 comments:

revelations said...

lovely poem and picture... :)

Brian Miller said...

the darkness spread and looting...yeah, that it....i am glad you still find that warmth...i imagine one some level, and depending on their age it is hard to understand...i do though believe they also save you a bit, those smiles...honest piece....your little end note made me smile as well....

Fireblossom said...

What a beautiful tribute to the power of love and family connection.

Anonymous said...

deeply woven, Jennifer, poignant and beautiful ~

Vandana Sharma said...

In such dire times, family's support is our pillar.

Optimistic Existentialist said...

I interpreted this as an ode to the resilience of the human heart. What an absolutely beautiful poem :)

janetld said...

I love this poem, how you subtly work your message, how you save their eyes and smiles for the end. Rich, warm.

"Their branches and leaves are arms and handprints" - great!

ayala said...

A gorgeous poem for your sons.

Elliot MacLeod-Michael said...

I can tell you put some time into this finely wrought poem. I particularly liked the cavern/heart imagery.

Wendy Bourke said...

Ardent - yet tender. Profound insight. My favorite line: Their colors are lanterns, bright and glowing.

Tank said...

This is one of my favorite poems of yours, great imagery and writing. A beautiful poem by a beautiful Mom...