Heading in Different Directions
The one I remember
as the most romantic
gave me Leonard Cohen:
poems, novels, songs.
How soon it came
to distances, things
we couldn’t untie;
to sorrow and goodbye.
Just a station on my way?
Oh yes, and I on his.
Until the night grew older.
Sound of wheels moving.
Since then, what long
good journeys both,
diverging ... then briefly,
later, waving across tracks.
Neither would wish
to have missed
our fine, separate travels.
Nor can we go back.
Yet resting place
was turning point –
our pause for warmth
at that waystation.
Should I credit Leonard Cohen for a few of these lines? Perhaps ... but I've changed them a bit.
Written for Weekly Scribblings #79 at Poets and Storytellers United, where the prompt was to be inspired by the word 'waystation'.
The metaphor works so beautifully with the bittersweet tone.
ReplyDeleteAh, be still my heart … such lovely writing. Mr. Cohen and I have a decades long relationship ~~~~
ReplyDeleteFine work indeed, Ships, passing...
ReplyDeleteGenerally these way station waystation stops are sooo pleasant though often there are hard feelings and bitterness at the end. One of mine lasted over a year but ended when her true love was discharged from military, ending his overseas duty. Your work here tells of those elegantly and evokes many memories. Thank you.
ReplyDelete..
The journey in its entiety is what counts. The waystation points however precious.
ReplyDeleteHappy Wednesday
Much💜love
Your poem made me think of a couple of tender way stations in my life, Rosemary. Thank you!
ReplyDeleteYour journey with and trough a book has come alive. A clever piece.
ReplyDeleteA romantic bittersweet remembrance
ReplyDeleteLucky to have such memories of romantic sweet boyfriends....mine were hip cultural marxist pseudo intellectual jerks.
ReplyDeletePeople as way stations. I never thought of that metaphor until I read your poem. Now I can identify several of those way stations in my own life. Thanks, Rosemary!
ReplyDeletea staycation on the way
ReplyDeleteamong evergreens that lay
spreading peace and calm
in the hot weather of May
lovely composition
I love the way you depicted way stations. Great direction
ReplyDeletefor this prompt.
Fine work indeed, all of it; but I esp appreciate the " late, waving across the tracks" image.
ReplyDelete