he walks with his wounds
underneath his jacket, protesting
words on placard, his voice
a war song in the streets
above the din, old tower bell
chimes
clock wound tight
as wings of departing birds
echo
tides of moon
i keep a storm watch
Posted for dVerse Poets Pub - Quadrille, hosted by Lillian. This is a 44 word post with the chosen word - Wound. Thanks for the comments & visits.
I can see him... the nightwatch who alone keep us safe, a wounded man to never forget.
ReplyDeleteThis is incredibly evocative, Grace! I can picture him, hear his "voice a war song in the streets," and admire the strong image of "wings of departing birds," echoing the tides of the moon. Beautifully done 💝💝
ReplyDeleteThat "clock wound tight" could be the soul beneath that jacket.
ReplyDelete'he walks with his wounds
ReplyDeleteunderneath his jacket'
- these could be physical or emotional wounds, or both. I love that his voice has become 'a war song:' there are many ways to read this. I imagine him a wounded veteran who has been forgotten about by the very people who sent him to war.
This is so powerful. I can see the man described in the first stanza....I can feel his heavy tread. The old tower bell chiming....a metaphor for him...as he walks he bears witness. An evocative poem indeed. Really has me pondering on the scene...
ReplyDeleteI love the way you created the character through the ‘wounds underneath his jacket’ and his voice, ‘a war song in the streets’, as well as setting the scene with the sound of the chimes and the simile ‘clock wound tight as wings of departing birds’.
ReplyDeleteVery textured atmosphere for the wounded soldier trying to save more from dying.
ReplyDeleteOh, I can see him--with his hidden wounds and "the clock wound tight." So evocative.
ReplyDeleteGrace, this is really powerful. I love that his voice is a "war song"... fantastic.
ReplyDeleteYours,
David
Nice one
ReplyDeleteHappy Monday
Much💚love
This conjured the scene very nicely. I loved it!
ReplyDeleteA great image for sure... One to watch out for... and stear clear of....
ReplyDeleteWell done Grace.
Love the image of the war song. Enjoyed.
ReplyDeleteThis is beautiful poetry, Grace .............
ReplyDeleteI think we've all met this guy; I know I have. I sketched him, too! Well done.
ReplyDeleteAn interesting take on the word "wound", Grace.
ReplyDeleteI love how you describe this character and made us feel angst.
ReplyDeleteNice poem.
ReplyDeleteLove this!
ReplyDeleteI want to second others' comments. There doesn't seem to be many new thoughts for me to share, but I do like that you used "wound" for a clock and made it fit so well with the story your poem told.
ReplyDeleteSo atmospheric - great use of both forms in your poem.
ReplyDeleteSometimes, in order to hold it together you have to take it to the streets. I felt his pain, a powerful write.
ReplyDeletePat
Oh I feel this watcher, for whom the bell tolls. So few words, so ominous and well done.
ReplyDeleteLovely. Such a wonderful use of the prompt.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful Grace!
ReplyDeleteLove the imagery!!
ReplyDeleteVery interesting imagery - the old bell tower, the flight of dark birds, the din of violence in the background. Delicious.
ReplyDeletethere is something almost revolutionary in walking - a rebellious act. good to read you, Grace ~
ReplyDeleteI liked the words of your blog, hope we follow each other
ReplyDeleteThis man is well drawn. I also love the flight of the dark birds.
ReplyDelete