(A first draft, I may come back to this one)
%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
We woke too early in the honeymoon suite
of the Mark Plaza Hotel, compliments of Scott,
my new brother-in-law who had flipped me the key
when he and Sharon left for an early flight at O’Hare.
No time to linger in luxury and the absurdity
of three beds pushed togther for two newly conjoined,
we fled Midwest conventionality as fast as a taxi
could take us to Mitchell Field, our escape route
to the freedom of the American West, Fort Collins
our enclave of life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness
and independence just for independence’s sake.
It’s afternoon already outside Stapleton,
thumbing a ride north on 25, the past to our right,
the future to our left and the present
rushing to meet us at 70 miles an hour
past Longmont and Loveland, three rides
in quick succession, the last five miles on foot,
a time when people walked and all you needed
fit in a backpack. Home on the Front Range,
sun slipping behind Long’s Peak and Horestooth,
we walk to City Park to watch the fireworks
and the ducks and geese, heads tucked
under their wings, and the other young couples
under the star spangled sky.
poeticgrin said
You probably know this because it’s all I’ve been writing lately – but the narrative poem is my favorite.
I love being let in on details of people’s memories and moments and this poem is no exception to the rule.
I like writing narrative poetry because it makes me feel proud when I’m done. Like I’ve preserved something, made it immortal, in a way. Did you feel that way with this poem? I think you should be proud. And I’m thankful you’ve shared it.
Well done.
Ray Sharp said
To be honest, I just thought I had gotten the memory down without much poetic language. I guess narrative poem’s a good descrition, as it is basically a narrative from dawn to night in order. I’m not sure what it has to say, but yes I’m happy for having recorded it. Mybe something more than nostalgia — something about striking out on your own, back in the day when you were free and unencumbered and newly independent. Also, fleeing from the big wedding scene and out to the wild world.
On the other hand, your narratives of late are much more than simple reporting — they get at the larger truths, the big metaphors.
Thanks for reading!
Birdielou said
I like your poetry too. Reading this was a great way to start my day. And I love narrative in poetry or any other media. Glad to see you creating it.