my boy
i am the shade of his sun
afraid he will burn, but
i am more than the smell of the bosom
he has learned,
i am the album of regrets and
and deficiency and forgiving
the roots that climb deep down parents' omissions
i am the redemption of the years my mother
pushed through the choices she didn't have, on grit and coffee
did you know? korean grandmothers don't
have a name but Grandma in korean
and tradition erased their childhood
-- no one heard -- their cheerful silence was
their greatest gift to us
i am the epode on the piano
G major 7 in improv and
syncopation
while i keep time for my family, i am the sus pension
that knows to resolve
the heave of jazz
i can S C A T
i am the cherry blossoms that concede
their soul in season, unabashed
and the ones that could not hold on
their delicate dance down in death
dust to dust
i don't need self-esteem
i know Whose i am
but God doesn't have twins and
He doesn't make machines
we are each His masterpiece
no -- no, i don't need to roar
that i am Woman
i just wish silence --
license -- to put to paper my person
who cares what i am
but the earnest page
and the memories and dreams that ask not to die
i am the apology that i know what i want
and have begun to sing before the cicada's time
i am the choices i live with
am almost the books i wait
wait
to write.
The Commons Getty Collection Galleries World Map App
A fascinating report on cicadas ran in a number of media outlets
last year. A certain species remains underground for 17 years,
surviving on roots, to buzz an intense noise for six weeks upon
surfacing - only to perish. After months of trying to figure out
what about these creatures enthralled me so, it hit me in the
writing. Seventeen is about the age kids leave home for college.
I'd love to share this on my network.
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A Holistic Journey 
I know nothing about poetry, but this sang to me. “we are each His masterpiece.” I think that the word ‘masterpiece’ is translated from is very interesting – it’s poeo or poetry. Isn’t that a lovely thought…we are His poems
Yes love it…
“We are his poems”
Actually Lyn, you bring to mind the album songwriter Michael Card put out years ago called poeima in Greek after a Bible verse that states we are his workmanship, his work of art.
I like the part that you can scat! 🙂
Indeed I can. 😉
Sweet! So can the professor. We should get together and do it. You know, Torme and Fitzgerald.
Yes you CAN, D. 🙂
I would LOVE to. Except the PL timezone never jives (pun intended) with mine. I am always asleep when time would allow you to S C A T.
😆 Well, just switch your schedule then. I see no harm in that.
You don’t know, I see. The frequencies in the fourth dimension of the Punchy Lands are interfering with the second in Holistic Land. We are not connecting. I rue the hope that won’t see day after all.
I love this one. This part will stay with me forever I think:
i am the apology that i know what i want
and have begun to sing before the cicada’s time
i am the choices i live with
am almost the books i wait
wait
to write.
I am so blessed that somehow my journey’s energy got entwined with yours. 🙂 Peace and happiness this lovely Friday, Diana
Stay with you forever? Speechless. But to say that is a writer’s greatest reward.
“I am the apology that I know what I want” is something I always wanted to say but never knew how until I read it. Thank you, truly!
Hug. Big.
Returned. 🙂
Reblogged this on like an apple and commented:
Diana continues to write exquisite and bitter and juicy lines about the life of a woman trying to be a poet and a mother. My favorite part:
i am the apology that i know what i want
and have begun to sing before the cicada’s time
i am the choices i live with
am almost the books i wait
wait
to write.
Oh, Diana! This speaks to my spirit so much truth! My very soul poured out through your pen….
“i don’t need self-esteem
i know Whose i am
i just wish silence —
license — to put to paper my person
who cares what i am
but the earnest page
and the memories and dreams that ask not to die.”
Thank you, my friend. Your words have spoken so much of myself.
THANK you for letting me know, Doris. And I feel especially blessed to have touched you in the deep place for all you have given to other women and the heaviness you have known of late. All my love.
Mother’s love unsurpassed ,lovely poem .l liked the 3 chapter of your about.Thank you fo visiting my site.All the best.jalal
Thanks for taking the time, Jalal, I appreciate the sentiments.
I popped into see this post … and why it is that I sometimes read something that is so good, impactive … words (good) flowing out of your story and I am rediculously short on time, now, to write more specifically about this great poem? I’ve got my Bernese Mountain Dog hiding under my desk at my feet as the explosive thunder is rolling across us … my doge HATES thunder. Dinner and laundry and … Well, go to go. Keep writing, fellow sojourner … You are blessing many. T
Thank you so much. So much. I know all too well the call of duty and living. You wrote me under thunder from the other side of the trees and your words reached me sweetly.
You can SCAT?? I’d pluck my left eyebrow bare to hear that.
LOL I advise you abjure the vow of either/or. I would really rather you not go around with asymmetric brows. And yes, I thought you would relate to the poems.
See, you needn’t have worried, it turned out fine. I really like the way the poem flows upon the page (literally/visually), as well.
Thanks. Your final point that the reference is bosom, not shoe, was helpful. I saw that made all the difference. It was a faint old, old grammar injunction from the recesses of memory that had made me worry, that “smell” is usu. negative, as in smelly.
You’ve written music without “notes” on a 5 line sheet! But your chords are breathless beauty ! Bravo !
Seriously, you are something. And I’d wanted to say….that your voice is all the more gorgeous for the MSD.
Your words bring forth images of love and hope, passion and identity…thank you for this!
I so appreciate the sweet feedback.
wow, just love the i am repetition. the beauty and tempo come alive. i am the choices… the shade of his sun… truly lovely
Thank you so much for the clear feedback. I appreciate your time.
Very beautiful.
THANK you. Xxxx Diana
i LOVE this poem!!!!!!
it beats… comes alive… right off the page/screen.
words take flight 🙂
THANK you, JJ. Your input means a lot.
Reblogged this on tot123itsme.
Thank you for dropping by the blog, you are all you need to be….
Goodness. You certainly took me back, Chris. Oh my. All I need to be.
Thank you so much for the rich regards and the reblog. Your tale is worth telling, btw. Pretty amazing life there. I hope you are well.
Blessings.
“the earnest page
and the memories and dreams that ask not to die”
very nice synthesis of the whole poem.
Thanks for taking the time to comment.
whoa.. this poem is pretty powerful. so many great metaphors in one poem, i don’t know that i can digest them all. but indeed my favorite stanza is “i don’t need self esteem, i know Whose i am.”
so well said. reminds me of psalm 139. thanks for this reminder. =)
Oh, thanks so much for the humble, rich feedback. Love, Diana
Quite lovely. I am somewhat confused by the indentation used so I ignored it save for the line breaks. The following three lines stood out as best of the best:
who cares what i am
but the earnest page
and the memories and dreams that ask not to die
Magnificent!
Aww, thanks Jim. Clear, detailed feedback is so helpful. Not sure how the formatting confused you.
I don’t understand why you indented anything unless it was just for decoration. I feel I might be missing something. There was an author I can’t remember that did this for purposeful effect, not that I understand. I do remember Lawrence Ferlinghetti did it and I remember him being criticized in a poetry writing class. It’s all fuzzy.
I can appreciate your reaction, Jim. Decoration, no. I would never do anything just for adornment. How words look, alone and together, on a page matters to poets. For this one, the shape as a whole expressed, along with the content, that I am MORE than the parts I have played, and that like the run of syncopation or the delicate fall of blossoms I was filling out, in motion. It was the most license I had given myself to play with the form among all my poems, a visual and literal expression of freedom. Running down straight lines would’ve felt confining for this piece. Too static. I did go a bit overboard (I know you think I did so for sure) and upon my husband’s mumbling, pieced together that some places were too distracting so I ironed them out. Thank you for your time. I WILL keep your input in mind for the future. Yours is among the all too, too rare less-than-positive reaction I’ve had on the blog and I love the differing take that keeps me on track.
When all I get is showered with praise I feel I am being humored or pandered to. I don’t do that. There is great talent in both you and your son, but no one is perfect. If I comment it will likely be a “mixed blessing”, but it is done out of admiration and respect or I would not bother.
I am grateful for your time — and indeed feel it a blessing. =)
I decided I agree on the formatting. It was a bit too much. I liked it better after reining in the lines to fit the columns here.
Music provides metaphors of life. Even cicadas, which could be looked upon as noise, or a unique but out-of-natural-rhythm sound of nature.
Mmm, really like your take on music.
Thank you … .and I invite you and your readers here to attend Time: The Musical – Act 7 (the curtain goes up in about 5 hours). Bring a song with “Hour/Hours” in the title. Beware … .no duplicates of offerings by others.
This piece is elegant and rich and gentle. Yes, “We are each His masterpiece,” each with gifts to share. Thank you for sharing yours.
Thanks so much for the blessing.
recharging my batteries…
*Smile*
I must ask, though, do you mean the poem leaves you wanting to recharge?
i feel complied after the poem…
Please do!
So happy to know.
And thank you for the follow. =)
…be yourself; everyone else is already taken said oscar wide).
Ha ha. Wonderful.
I found the beauty in love and emptiness at the same time.
And I found a tender, reflective soul. =) Thank you much for the hearty support and follow. I don’t take it for granted. I’m glad you enjoy yourself here. Blessings. Diana
PS I decided to turn the My Articles into a My Music page. Soon. =)
G Major 7th – my favorite for life’s improvisations, though I am filled with false dominants that rarely resolve.
I place your poem in the top 10 of those I’ve read thus far here on WP.
—Chagall
Awww Carlos. Talk about feeling honored. (I hold high standards for poetry on WP, and I must say don’t always meet them myself. And the masses seemed to like Part 1 better.) We do have chords that don’t resolve easily in our living. What instrument do you play, my friend? And thank you so much for the faithful support I have not taken for granted. Diana
Motherhood is so filled with complex emotions. Your poem is lovely.
Thank you for your time….Adrienne? Diana =)
It certainly looks like you hit the spot with these … look at all the people who have liked it! And no wonder, that’s all I can add. Oh, except that I do too – very much indeed!
=) Thanks. The comments on the two poems took my breath away. Women cried. Omg. Amazing exchange.
Lovely!
elegant and eloquent.
i am the choices i live with
am almost the books i wait
wait
to write.
Wonderful line!
Thank you, Amy. =) I appreciate the specific feedback. Diana
G Major 7 is one of my favorite chords. What a beautiful way to describe yourself! Very creative.
=) !!
Nice one
Thx
welcome… 😛
Your writing, your craft of words are entrancingly beautiful, haunting even. What an amazing gift you are with your offering of words that enchant, that rouse us from our trance, shake us loose from our distractions for one singular, pin-pointed moment of amazement and awe.
Thank you for visiting my blog. I am honored. You hold a sacred gift that the world very much needs.
Thank you so much for the blessing.
Love your writing style and the way each verse is indented differently, like a flowing river. And thank you for visiting my blog.
Thanks for the sweet word. The visit was a pleasure.
This poem is so beautiful. You are truly a gifted writer!! Amazing post!!!
So sweet. Thank you. =)
You are so beautiful both inside and out! I really appreciated the poetry and found it moving, touching and very intimate. I thank you for sharing so personally and allowing us to enjoy! Thank you again, claudy
I am so grateful for the blessing, C. Thank you for the follow. Welcome to this special community.
Diana
My pleasure completely and thank you again, claudy
Thank You for following my blog !!! 🙂 *Cynthia
I appreciate your reciprocating. =) Hope you continue to enjoy what I offer.
HW
I like this, and part 1, which I have just found. Especially this:
i don’t need self-esteem
i know Whose i am
but God doesn’t have twins and
He doesn’t make machines
we are each His masterpiece
I think that self esteem is something that people envy in others, when it hasn’t reached the level of conceit.
Quite like your take on self-esteem. Many will disagree, but I have issues with this concept. I think we’re already full of ourselves. And poor self-image is an inverted outworking of this self-involvement. Thx.
Diana
This line stands out to me: “I am the apology that I know what I want, and have begun to sing before the cicada’s time.” Nice.
Thanks for letting me know, J. =) Seems to strike a chord with w/ the women.
“I am the choices I live with and almost the books, I wait, wait to write.” The sentence I identify with, D. 🙂 –Curt
Aww….that’s neat to know, Curt. Funny, more women sharing how this piece resonated.
Love that one! Very meaningful. A poem must always have meaning to its poet…
Of course. =) Thanks, Jen.
Truly beautiful.
Thanks so much. =)
Diana, Thank you for this luscious, at times, poignant, poem. I especially love the painterly and sensuous imagery-scent, color, sound, touch–and your honesty. Ah, yes…waiting….Masterful. xo
Appreciate the generous read, Chloe. I believe you saw Part 1 last year. Am pleased you caught this one.
Sigh. Waiting.
Xxx
Very well written Diana. Love the formatting – it says so much. I’ve never been a biiological parent, so although I can empathize, I really haven’t experienced that whch you wrote. It was eye-opening.
Thank you.
Appreciate your staying w/ the piece when your own experiences have been so different, Paul. =)
i love style of writing poetry. reply soon
Appreciate your going through my poems. =)
This is a moving piece, I love its jumbled coherence.
The cicada thought made me cold for a second, though…
I love how you said jumbled coherence. Prolly bc that’s my brain much of the tired time. LOL.
Cold, eh?
I just has visions of my kids getting crushed underfoot as soon as they left the nest…
*Scrunching up nose*
Mm.
I can’t even begin to find a favorite stanza. Each spoke to me. I love how your writing always does. Thanks for leading me over here. xo
You really are one of the sweetest, most genuine people I have met – on and off the blog, Mickey. So humble. Thanks so much for your time and I’m so glad it resonated with you.
Love,
D.