The 1st of Many

If you read my last post you would know that I have vowed to write and post one poem per day from now until Valentines day for my step father who passed away on Valentines day, Raymond Valentine Hardin. Ray and I connected at first over music, and then once I learned about his passion for poetry and writing, I asked if he would give me assignments, like his students that he taught poetry to. Long began a series of e-mail exchanges between us where he would give me "assignment" and I would give him my poetry. A month before his passing he gave me permission to write freely, without assignment, and I still didn't believe that I was strong enough of good enough to continue on my own. I reluctantly wrote and continued for a few months after his death until I eventually stopped.

Maybe enough time has passed that I feel strong enough to write, or maybe it is that I've grown up a little more and have something to say. Either way, I'm going to write for you all now, and I would enjoy your thoughts and critic's and if you would like to give me an assignment or two - I would love that as well.

Here is the first, I hope you enjoy.

Turmeric

Every element of beauty

Driven deep beyond the surface

Hidden inside, tunnel and groove

Its path is its distinction

To be uncovered, and turned over

But it is fall now, and the leaves are ever-blowing

And the wind is stirring a crazy breeze inside; it’s mixed

An avalanche of archives

Movements of the nineteen-seventy’s

Fall beneath the feet

A pull on spirit downward

Will a rise yet be the falling?

Will it be yet ever-ending?

Or will rest in arms of sweeten turmeric

Be the guide that warms the field?