Monday, March 21, 2011

Directions for a flawless life

Directions for a flawless life

Take a left
pass the zoo
do not marry the gorilla.

Five blocks from the second stop light
or is it the third?
veer right.
Avoid the lake, do not drown
learn to swim.

Follow the signs.
They are small and written in Greek
or is it Russian?
Squint. Wear glasses. Shade your eyes.
Do not buy candy at the country store.
It's out of date.

Take the hill slow, there may be mud.
Park at the barn, walk in.
Do not lose your boots
Remember to hum.
Cross the bridge
follow the cow path
do not pet the bull--
that's the one with horns.

You will know you have arrived if the daffodils nod
if the woodpecker taps
if the wind touches your cheek.

The last line is from a poem by Thomas Lux called "Give it to the wind." In our Monday poetry group we had a challenge to choose a line from one of several poems and use it for our last line. To hear me read my poem, click below.





Patina, Willow's first poetry chapbook, will soon be published by Finishing Line Press. To pre-order click here for Willow's blog and click on the book cover in the sidebar. Congratulations Willow aka Tess Kincaid.

12 comments:

San said...

What a wise and playful poem,Suki. And it was a real treat to hear your voice, literally.

Robin said...

Another beautiful offering from the mind and the pen of Suki!
I really feel honoured to know you and Willow - two fantastic poets!
Willow's book is now published....Suki - it's your turn....

Love to you and Bibs,

♥ Robin ♥

studio lolo said...

Oh no, I think it's too late for me. I married the gorilla the first time around!
And my second husband ate the candy at the country store, so he's out too.

Suki, this is wonderful! So many images that make me smile. Well done! And it's always nice to hear your voice. Kind of like a little visit.

Congrats to Willow/Tess!

xo
Lo♥

Tess Kincaid said...

The key is in the humming! I love this, Suki. Thanks so much for the mention, my friend. x

Unknown said...

I love it .... I always need both th written directions AND the map ... But I think I would get the candy anyway even if it's out of date

AM said...

what a fun poem..loved it :)

marianne said...

Oh..... why haven't I read these instructions before?????
Now I already married the gorilla
What a great poem and great idea to read it to us yourself!

Have a nice day!

Lisa at Greenbow said...

It was nice hearing your read your poem Suki. I always wonder if I read a poem "right" when hearing it in my head while reading. It seems I did this one right. Thanks for the guidance. Love the poem. You write beautifully. That gorilla gave me fits.

Katiejane said...

Love that poem!! Wonderful instructions. I think I will go there today.

Mim said...

Awesome poem Suki

Lynne with an e said...

I am soooooo delighted by your poem!!!

Lynn Cohen said...

Suki you are such a mulit talented being! Your first stanza made me laugh out loud. I saw lifes curves at every corner. Delightful poem and use of anohter poets last line!
Builds beautifully...thanks for sharing. And hearing you read outloud, wow, icing on the cake!