Vulnerability

Vulnerability hurts more
than blunt indifference
thrust uncaringly
into my penetrable heart -

For in the unguarded
moment - my heart - exposed
to beat faithfully, for you
unfailing always

Seems that it might
bleed out while
waiting - agonizingly for you
to notice this wound

Wound round around this
living we call life -
Defenselessness
They say is strength

To be susceptible
to love and be loved
In return, but all
I feel is numbing, excruciating pain.

© Eleanor Clark
30 September, 2014

Coming Home

You are the
coming home
for me
when first I
stepped into
this place and
into arms
outstretched
and warm -
welcoming
me back to
a place
never been.

You are the
light at dark
when first
Venus ventures
slowly into
the night -
thrilling with
the raucous
choir of cicadas
screeching out
the notes
and conversation
of an afternoon
now passed.

You are the
smile that
meanders
across this
face at
evening's dawn
misting in
with dewy drops
and jasmine
scented air -
at pass of
day and the
coming home
is all I ask
when all else
is gone
and done
that you
always
will be there.

© Eleanor Clark
28 September, 2014

Scattered Boxes

My dreams
Lie scattered
Across the continents
In backyard sheds
And cardboard boxes
Stuck in the garage
Amid spider webs.

Somewhere wrapped
In cellophane and
Bubble wrap is the
Picture I wanted to
Hang and the fridge
Magnets from that trip
I took once.

And the blanket
Bought to go with
Those IKEA cushions
And the china set
Carefully wrapped for
Some future summer
Afternoon tea.

A muffin pan as well
And box of paints
And hopes and
Wishes, dreams and
Pictures - memory packed
Up on temporary hold.

When will I get
To unpack these
Trinkets collected
Over years in
Anticipation of
My home of dreams?

Eleanor Clark
22 September, 2014

Generations

For my grandparents, and those who have gone before

Deep in this
marrowed bone
the ties that
bind this flesh
and blood
to yours
speak deeply
to my soul
and heart
and mind.
In generations
past and future
these eyes and lips
will mark the
passage of time
found in
photographs
and hands gently
cupped, wrinkled
around the new -
With ears and
heart and limbs
bestowed through
double-helixed
twisting
around this
tree of names
and faces
long gone from
earthy shores.
Yet in the fire
of the heart
lies love
still burning
through all
these generations
lost and living still -
Love,
deep in the
marrow of
these bones,
wandering
through the
centuries
to find
again, this
family
before leaving
one day to
meet again
on Heaven's shores.

© Eleanor Clark
19 September, 2014