Maybe this
winter
will be easier;
maybe there is hope beyond frost;
maybe our breath will jut
in steamy tomorrows
across a river that never
freezes; maybe your dreams will dream yet
tachycardic, wild and blue,
like the pulse of the ocean,
muffling the deaths that lie spread-
eagled across decades,
hissing obscenities
under the bedspread, the deaths
that smell ever-so-softly
of overripe promises,
understated like
magnolia blossoms
at the end of summer…
like secrets for a December
no man has seen.
Joanna Suzanne Lee 
Reminds of the centuries old Jewish toast(prior to liberation) “Maybe next year in Jerusalem”.
ah, yes, well, tis the season of hope, i guess… 🙂
like the pulse of the ocean,
muffling the deaths that lie spread-
eagled across decades,
…wow that stanza just grabbed me joanna…and the overripe promises understated…really felt your words as i read them….
great title as well…
thanks –on both counts, brian. *smiles*
I loved this part:
“the deaths
that smell ever-so-softly
of overripe promises,
understated like
magnolia blossoms
at the end of summer…”
you’re in complete control of your skills, my friend!
thanks so much, friend Mosk. a pleasure to “see” you, as always. 🙂
like the pulse of the ocean,
muffling the deaths that lie spread-
eagled across decades…awesome lines and I hope it is easier…..
<thanks, ayala. everyone is liking the "death" lines… funny. originally i wrote the poem without them. it was much "happier" then, i think. 🙂
love every line:) and also love the tags..
thank you! i’m so glad someone noticed the tags, too! 😉
A dark poem but beautifully written.
appreciate you stopping by, Cressida. *smiles*
a perfect poem
you’re too kind by far, Ray. 🙂
Last three verses owned me, Jo. Wonderful work!!
BTW, bellydancers?!?
Loved this! ~ J
Thanks, Joe. 🙂
oh, and yup… bellydancers!
Great piece! I am praying to escape Winter next year!!!
Brrrr
e
aren’t we all? 😉 thanks for stopping in, e.
“maybe your dreams will dream yet
tachycardic, wild and blue,”
I have never seen a frozen river before (tropical country, you know) but I think I’ve gotten a feel for it with this piece. 🙂
🙂