THE PORCH
by Luke Taklo
Before I knew them
I knew their house.
I would pass by
the vacant cave
on my way to the river.
Once, my grandfather
gifted me a stone,
my eyes shone
with welcomed rebellion.
I hurled it through
the already broken glass,
into the decaying house,
like a seed
tossed into a fertile soil.
I would approach,
with caution,
the porch,
no further would I dare.
.
Soon enough
the new windows were warm.
I crossed the threshold
my heart pounding
alongside my thumping fist.
I came seeking a friend
who looked to be my age.
As the portal opened
I glimpsed the light.
I was greeted by his mother.
She told me to try again
as her youngest son
was soon to return.
I left that day
expecting to see
the porch
and the lady again.
.
Tireless days
of young experience
climbing the sky,
like the green ivy
on those pillars of truth.
I polished
the porch
pacing between
my house and theirs,
endlessly unaware
of my former apprehension.
Soon my limbs,
growing alongside
that ancient seed,
began to bud.
.
The first signs of life
weren’t pulled premature.
I was allowed
to explore.
I ventured far from field,
high on the hill.
When the time was right
I made my way
back to
the porch.
I sat with her,
my careful sister.
I heard of grace,
of simple salvation.
Hanging low on the limb
the ripe fruit,
was plucked by tender hands.
Few, if any would be able to write this poetry. Few, because there were several who ventured onto that porch, but non with a grateful poets heart that I know of.
Bravo, Luke. You’ve managed to get inside my emotions, and painted a childhood fantasy within. This makes me envision what your life was like as a child, yet I can still only question so much. Please, write on. I’m hooked!
-SXB
Thanks for the encouragement Seth. I enjoy processing emotions that are tied to events, as well as those that are imagined, all in the realm of possibility. Whether they are mine or someone else’s it becomes an exploration. I’ll be checking in on your world as well!
It reminded me of the Childhood of Neruda in
Isla Negra….The way you described the Landscapes,instill enough romance to transport us to the milieu you were in…
That makes me glad Jit!
You deserve!