Pandemic morning
i.
I wake briefly
leaden
longing for tranquility
drift back
into uneasy sleep.
ii.
My eyes open to
amber beauty–
antique glass
transforming sun rays
into wavery blocks–
an ephemeral Mondrian canvas
painted on my wall.
iii.
Outside
in the garden
a warbler lies
unblinking.
Cupped in my hands
his speckled breast and
olive feathers
fade.
No echo of warmth.
iv.
From within the apple tree
the hermit thrush
sings a haunting melody
then hovers
beneath the suet,
wings outspread.
Benediction
or crucifixion?
© Molly Hogan, 2020 (draft)
Jama Rattigan is hosting this week’s Poetry Friday Roundup at her blog, Jama’s Alphabet Soup. Pour yourself a cup of coffee or tea and settle in for a delicious post!
Nix the comfort zone 
Oh, definitely a benediction! Lovely poems, Molly. That amber window just steals my heart. I can’t help it. There’s something about all that window has seen and knows that calls to me…and the beautiful color. I have so enjoyed writing in community with #poemsofpresence. It feels like hugs — almost as good as hugs. One silver lining in this crazy time.
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Thanks, Linda. I have to say, my husband wasn’t thrilled with the camera whirring in our room at dawn, but I couldn’t resist. It was such a stunning sight. I’m fascinated by the antique windows as well and the color was unbelievable!
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An emotive, thought provoking poem that contrasts those life vs. death thoughts we’re currently having. Beauty/hope juxtaposed with despair. That first stanza describes me to a “t” every morning . . .
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I feel like I’m on such a roller coaster ride these days. I especially miss waking feeling lighthearted and optimistic.
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Yes, me too!
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What a shot. I like the contrasts in this poem. Love the second stanza.
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Thanks, Jone. The ups and downs these days are so exaggerated for me.
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Molly, I hope you’re entering your photos. They are fabulous. I do love seeing what you share on twitter. The juxtaposition of life and death is particularly poignant now.
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Thanks, Linda.
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Your poems have a poignant honesty that the world can relate to. Your hermit thrush pic is pure grace! (Also, suet? As in fat?) And your warbler, so beautifully written. You have a deft touch, Molly. xx
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Thanks so much, Kat! Suet is a mixture of fat and seed to attract birds. This hermit thrush was a new visitor this year and had the oddest way of approaching the feeder. I found it fascinating!
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The photo and these words “an ephemeral Mondrian canvas” are simply perfect. What an evocative morning, all colored by “Pandemic,” as everything is these days…
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There’s an idea for a poem–the color of pandemic!
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Wow. What a stunning photo and sharp, small poems. So precise. Loved all of this!
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Thanks so much, Laura!
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Such amazing beauty in your words. I love how you translate your photos into poems of presence, never leaving out any detail.
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Thanks, Margaret. Your poems of presence challenge has certainly sparked a month full of writing for many!
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That photo is astonishing, Molly. All four parts combine to produce a poignant bitter-gorgeous morning chronicle. Nice!
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Thanks, Heidi. All the ups and downs feel more intense these days and this particular morning was ripe with such moments.
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Your art (in photos and poetry) is transformative, Molly. I’ve so enjoyed reading your poems of presence on Twitter too.
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Thank you so much, Michelle! It’s been nice to have a positive focus with these poems.
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Molly, your #PoemsofPresence on Twitter have been so beautiful. IV. is new to me and I do enjoy your presentation:
the hermit thrush
sings a haunting melody (a lovely description)
and then the ending
Benediction
or crucifixion?
This leads to pondering…
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Thank you, Carol! I so appreciate your comments and supports.
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Oh, Molly, your photos and the poem are stunning. I feel pierced. You’ve captured the spectrum of emotions, the uncertainty and spikes of each day.
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Thanks, Karen. It’s such a roller coaster ride, isn’t it?
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