Does a runner see with his legs?
Two capillary sticks of all-purpose material
fit for exercise, ice-skating,
kicking moss-balls down a country road in the blur of winter.
Fit for a King of dancing, upright in doorways eating jam.
Going inside trees and kneading the knolls with the edge of your shins.
Blushful as you jitterbug across an ice-rink,
steaming from the top of your bald head were thoughts are more than alive.
Becoming a soaring back against the sky should you sprout three wings.
Two for flying,
one for catching mayflies, buzz-words as you head back down.
The rub-rub-rub of two thighs together,
like striking a fire between flint and Burdock.
Or, falling flat on your back,
you still wouldn’t know all there is to know.
Running with multi-coloured ribbons around your wrists,
a fox mask on,
a ceremonial sword,
smoke bellowing from your ears
beating down Alstroemeria,
beating it down,
down,
beat it down;
until you’re running
without duty to dress.
Two capillary sticks of all-purpose material
fit for exercise, ice-skating,
kicking moss-balls down a country road in the blur of winter.
Fit for a King of dancing, upright in doorways eating jam.
Going inside trees and kneading the knolls with the edge of your shins.
Blushful as you jitterbug across an ice-rink,
steaming from the top of your bald head were thoughts are more than alive.
Becoming a soaring back against the sky should you sprout three wings.
Two for flying,
one for catching mayflies, buzz-words as you head back down.
The rub-rub-rub of two thighs together,
like striking a fire between flint and Burdock.
Or, falling flat on your back,
you still wouldn’t know all there is to know.
Running with multi-coloured ribbons around your wrists,
a fox mask on,
a ceremonial sword,
smoke bellowing from your ears
beating down Alstroemeria,
beating it down,
down,
beat it down;
until you’re running
without duty to dress.
© Eve Redwater 2012
I haven’t visited your website for a while because I’ve been busy publishing my book, but I get emails of your posts and I always read them. And I particularly like “Anthropology” and also your older post “Back Then.” Both are suggestive but not so obscure that it’s necessary to spend a long time puzzling them out. Not long ago I Retweeted a quotation originally tweeted by John Welford: “Genuine poetry can communicate before it is understood. T S Eliot” And your poetry is often a terrific example of that!
Hello Lorinda, long time no see! Thank you for taking the time to visit! It sounds like you’ve been really busy with the book publication, I saw it on Amazon – it’s really something, congratulations!
I’m happy that you like this one, and I hope to see you again soon! Take care~
i want to read it again and again
That makes me really happy, thank you Jane.
Wonderfully observed and original.
Many thanks David!
These are less ramblings and more words hurled at the speed of holy moly. Very cool way to pay homage to the days of bipedalism.
Haha, thank you for that! So glad you stopped by!
I’m not hardly a runner, but this is beautiful and I think this is the way running is supposed to be. Fantastic, my friend.
Thank you! I think taking a run can be quite freeing – like riding a bicycle or driving your car – something like that. It’s your own personal space, so you can think, breathe, and go as fast as you [want] can!
Your work and words here can only be described as “run-derful”!
Thanks for creating beauty, Eve.
Hehe, a delightful play on words – you made me smile, thank you!
Any smile is good for the soul…glad I could make that happen for you!
Fantastic writing.
Thank you ever so much for dropping by, Simon. You keep me writing!
WOW, what a way to describe a runner!
Thanks Kirsten!
Love the imagery and feelings of exuberance you have shared in “Anthropology.” For me it brings back fond memories.
Thank you Rich! I’m glad that you like it.
I should probably exercise a little more…!
Wonderful imagery and writing, Eve, I felt like I was “running and reading!” xx
I’ve tried walking and reading, but I’m not very good at it! I always end up bumping into things! I don’t think I’d fare too well if I ran, too.
Thank you for your feedback as always Lauren. x
A simple subject written with such beauty and complexity, an inspiring read. Thank you Eve.
Thank you for the lovely comment – it made me smile.
Filled to running over with action. Impressive!
Thank you Rick! I really enjoyed reading your poem “Demolition Specialist” the other day, it’s great!