Sometimes, working late, I hear
a thump on the door, and think,
'There's my old cat wanting to come in'
though I know it isn't, and can't be,
and won't. Never again. My cat is dead.
and won't. Never again. My cat is dead.
***
Deep night.
That mournful sound:
faintly, a plane going over
high and alone up there,
droning its way away
dwindling into distance.
***
That tree, a weed not pulled,
grew fast, filling my skyline.
I try to remember now, and can’t –
had it even begun as a tiny shoot
when he was still here to see?
when he was still here to see?
(Written as separate gogyoshi, then I discerned a theme.)
Linked to Poets United's Poetry Pantry #280
I really like the third one, Rosemary. That growing tree which began as a 'weed' grows so very fast...and yes, marking the time after a death in a way. Who would ever imagine how quickly time passes?
ReplyDeleteThis is a great form for conveying short bursts of emotion. I feel your loss and aloneness. The sound of the plane at night was an inspired touch.
ReplyDeleteA theme for sure and one I resonate with completely these days.....beautiful, Rosemary.
ReplyDeleteI think all these emotions - the solitude and the passing of time.. I really love them separately but to me they for a triptych, each supporting the other.
ReplyDeleteSuch poignant thoughts... The loss of a person, a pet, a disappearing plane..wonderful set Rosemary.
ReplyDeletepassage of time in three touching images...beautiful....
ReplyDeleteThis works so well and and the feelings evoked are so strong.
ReplyDeletegogyoshi is the free verse cousin of tanka. :)
ReplyDeletegreat imagery in the 3 pieces. subtle, but the longing is palpable.
the first gogyoshi reminds me of the noises i heard while working late, but it's not a cat!
Such a poignant poem... have never heard of this form.. so the form is intriguing to me. I feel your pain.. the longing and deep sense of loss.. my heart goes out to you. Big hugs.
ReplyDeleteThank you Sanaaa. It is as dsnake1 says, gogyoshi is the free verse cousin of tanka, a five-line form with no other rules.
DeleteThe passage of time, thought and being...so very resonant and heartfelt...i could hear that airplane...flying and busy as we quietly lie alone in the middle of the night -poignant - and very powerful...
ReplyDeleteLove this entire, Rosemary. I love its tone of quizzical acceptance of loss. I too live in an environment full of love.
ReplyDeletehad it even begun as a tiny shoot
ReplyDeletewhen he was still here to see?
He must have missed it. Often one regrets that some innocent happenings could have made a difference if only made known in time!
Hank
Remembering those past...the loneliness that comes more in the late night....beautiful melancholy sentiments in each.
ReplyDeletewonderful use of this form! Together or separately, they all convey that sense of loss and longing, the mono no aware. The first one resonates with me deeply as I so miss my cat that died just a few short weeks ago. The last one wrings my heart. Beautiful work.
ReplyDeleteI don't know this form--but I love how these worked together--esp the last one for me--beautiful write!
ReplyDeletelovely contemplations
ReplyDeletehave a good day
much love...
I am not familiar with the form but, I think all verses are linked in thought. I think when we work late many thoughts roam through our minds. I can feel your contemplative mood.
ReplyDeletePS - One never knows who will call even if they are dead..just sayin'
Oh yes, that's very true. (Smile.)
DeleteLike the form and thoughts so familiar...
ReplyDeleteNeat form. That first one really moved me.
ReplyDelete