TRAINSTOPS (A SERIES OF HAIKU ON FRIENDS ALONG THE WAY)
Gently walked, or crashed,
across my life. You built me.
I drink to you all.
-1-
I started writing
to create a space where you
could love me. Thank you.
-2-
Emerald sweetheart
State lines and love beckoned you
Make it what you want.
-3-
I forced you into
a brother mold, but you smiled
and wore those clothes well.
-4-
There wasn’t a day
when they all tasted my blood
that you didn’t call.
-5-
Is there anything good
I could tell the world of you
other than you left?
-6-
So much the center -
did any of us realize
your internal wars?
-7-
I savored your taste -
it was all a fantasy
that brought me to truth.
-8-
Do you think of me?
You’re the reason I escaped.
I know you saved me.
-9-
A phoenix walking,
recognize you deserve more.
When will you realize?
-10-
A sister, strong still,
no matter months, miles, changes.
Good neighbors exist.
-11-
Us, almost honest -
though I honestly loved you.
I apologize.
-12-
The purest of hearts
will conquer all obstacles.
Vivan tus sueños!
-13-
In an old journal,
ink, the tears from my pen, wet
for someone like you.
© Bryan Borland
This literally makes me sob.
medicatedlady
October 25, 2008 at 3:19 pm
I want to save this one. It’s very thought provoking, making me remember all of the friends I’ve left behind already, and all the friends I have yet to leave. Good post.
thesleepingtypewriter
October 26, 2008 at 5:24 pm
I love this poem. When I read it, I hear Sia’s “Breathe Me” in my head. It fits perfectly!
lamarj72
October 26, 2008 at 10:31 pm
It’s bubbling brook of beauty, Bryan. A field of fragile feelings. Wonderful.
Wayne
October 27, 2008 at 8:38 pm
I appreciate your comments. It’s difficult to reduce a relationship to seventeen syllables, but, if done correctly, maybe instead of reducing, it magnifies. And who knows? Maybe you’re represented here!
poeticgrin
October 27, 2008 at 8:54 pm
#5 is my fav. It reminds me of Alanis Morissette’s, “Unsent,” but yours is better. For real. It’s poetry after all…and she only had four people.
Telemachus
October 28, 2008 at 9:36 pm
These are beautiful, Bryan. You gave a nice voice to all your different friendships. I enjoyed reading this very much. And, the poem above this is really good too. Keep up the good work. Have a nice day.
Michelle Johnson
October 29, 2008 at 7:43 am
“It’s difficult to reduce a relationship to seventeen syllables,” but you’ve done so amazingly. Again, number 8 makes me think we dated the same person.
And that’s the beauty of poetry. What’s said and what’s implied, how so much can be conveyed in a few miraculous words.
sonofwalt
October 30, 2008 at 12:23 am
Unsent is one of my favorite songs, Telly. That’s a cool comparison.
Michelle – I always appreciate you feedback. I’ve got to visit Poefusion soon and tackle some of your challenges!
sonofwalt – Maybe! No. 8 got around! (Just kidding, if you’re out there, No. 8.)
poeticgrin
October 31, 2008 at 3:11 pm