The BlueIris Semi-Nightly Poetry Break, 2/14/09

[BlueIris]

"Heart Lesson"

Icicles drip in the sun, then drop
and silently pierce the snow.
Indoors the children bend over scissors,
red paper—their constructions—fresh-cut
heart-shapes personalized with their ragged edges—
lopsided presentations on white lace,
confections with designs on a friend,
affection to sweeten the day.
This year again the carpet's spilled with red,
evidence of the heart's excess
discarded in trying to get it right.
Now the oldest child shows how to form a heart
more perfectly with half the cutting,
as if at a certain age one knows
what will pass for love needs balance.
It's all in the fold, she says, and watching
where you start, remembering edges,
not forgetting the center.
Her small hands hold the stiff paper
just so, knowing that a heart given
such attention will open to you
doubled and whole.

—Nancy Dahlberg

[Chorophyll]

1. ...

Wonderful.

Happy Valentine-Schmalentine's Day, BlueIris!

[Justpat]

2. Nice. n/t

[BlueIris]

4. Thanks! And welcome new (?) reader.

I think...?

[Justpat]

7. I am a daily reader of both poetry threads - just and infrequent poster.

:hi:

[Justpat]

8. I am a daily reader of both poetry threads - just and infrequent poster.

:hi:

[RetroLounge]

3. Nice

:hi:

RL

[BlueIris]

5. That's what I say. And WOW! Look at all those hearts you have.

:-)

[RetroLounge]

6. I bought them all myself

I'm not well liked.

:9

RL

[Tuesday Afternoon]

9. lovely

The first and last sentences are just perfect.

[BlueIris]

10. Thanks, Tuesday. nt