"Everyday in every way I’m getting better and better" - Emile Coue
Thursday, June 8, 2017
the day before
we came, browsing stores
and towers of lore-
walking
London Bridge, sky's choir,
River's silver floor-
talking
we bought snacks & swore
peace! it was day 'fore
killing
Posted for D'verse Poets Pub - Hosted by Victoria Slotto - My officemate was touring London and was on the same London Bridge, the day before the June 3 Massacre.
The lai is another French form. It’s a nine-line poem or stanza that uses an “a” and “b” rhyme following this pattern: aabaabaab. The lines with an “a” rhyme use 5 syllables; the “b” rhyme lines have 2 syllables. It feels kind of like organized skeltonic verse.
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Really makes you think, as you just never know. But have to keep striving for that peace.
ReplyDeleteOh my goodness, that was too close for comfort...........I love the sky's choir and the river's floor.
ReplyDeleteOh I am so glad she is okay. So very sad these horrific events. But we must keep believing in the good!
ReplyDeleteSo glad you addressed this, Grace. It's almost as though so much terrorism has numbed us to tragedy. Grateful your friend is safe. My niece was scheduled to visit the Twin Towers the day of 911. It really brings it home, though we still need to be so aware of how much pain there is.
ReplyDeleteThis hits pretty hard, yet the descriptions, especially the river's silver floor, are beautiful.
ReplyDeleteIntentions of peace get shocked by unexpected violence.
ReplyDeleteIt's always an uneasy feeling - we were in London that evening but nowhere near Borough Market, although it's a place we know well. You've expressed it so well in a short, tight form, Grace.
ReplyDeleteSuch a peaceful moment when only afterwards you know you felt the breath of death. I recognize the feeling... I was on my way into town that day in April when the terrorist in a lorry killed people in Stockholm
ReplyDeleteThe contrast between the beautiful imagery and the horror that followed is striking.
ReplyDeleteGood on you for creating a more somber tone, illustrating that a Lai can tackle a serious message too. My Muse was all giggles today. Had a great aunt who had the distinction as a child of missing the sailing of the Titanic.
ReplyDeleteWhew. That last line hit me like a punch. Great tone here.
ReplyDeleteA reminder that tomorrow is not guaranteed. Sobering thought, well written.
ReplyDeleteWow, written to powerful effect, Grace!
ReplyDeleteGrace, you nailed the form so well that reading your words feels formless - the flow is flawless!
ReplyDelete"Towers of lore" and "River's silver floor" were really nice. You packed a lot into this poem.
ReplyDeleteGood description of a touristy day in London before something dreadful. Well crafted piece.
ReplyDeleteWow. Quite a punch in 9 lines.
ReplyDeleteYou brought us there
ReplyDeletepeace interrupted, one just never knows when that might happen.
ReplyDeleteLife is precious...and fragile.
ReplyDeleteThe poem gave me a shiver that one would have in the day after. The lines are basking in peace. Specially love the second stanza.
ReplyDeleteI, too, am struck by the contrasts in this poem. The 'river's silver floor' is incredibly evocative.
ReplyDeleteOh... your piece highlights the uncertainty of the future and that everyday is truly a gift.
ReplyDeleteIt also reminded me of my own visit to WTC In August 2001. I did not get a picture at the tower because I thought I could have it next time I visited. But it would never happen because a few days later, WTC fell.
The words 'sky's chore' is so beautiful and poem itself paints a vivid picture of the calm before the storm. Great poem.
ReplyDeleteSuch great lines
ReplyDeleteTerrorism is a great plague in our world. It touches every aspect of our lives. Someone's watching over you, for good
ReplyDeleteImpactful and so very, very sad. The contrast between 2 days that, seemingly, began the same - is chilling to contemplate. My husband and I were on London Bridge around a decade ago and my mind did go back there again and again, the day of the attack.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the introduction to the 'lai'. I found it intriguing.
oooooooooh. beautiful
ReplyDeleteThat's really thought-provoking.
ReplyDelete