when we were children
the days melded
into one stream of out and about
as we explored
the back of beyond
pilots and warriors raced
through red brick alleys
pirates and wayfaring strangers
oblivious to cries from mothers indoors
cold dinners and forgotten aunts
our hands green
from stripping sage leaves
and rose petals
to mask the smell of stolen cigarettes
choked at behind high fences
we made pictures from clouds
and our dreams became wilder as the dusk settled
secrets whispered
through cupped hands over ears
lights switched on and radios blaring
as we raced home for tea.
KD 23/9/12
The image is Flying Down By David Salle 2006
Given to us by Tess at The Mag
do go and see the other writers work..it is amazing!!
Lovely memories.
ReplyDeleteSo much work for the privelage of smoking a cigarette.
That sounds a lot more wholesome than what I extracted from the painting :-)
ReplyDeleteLoved your deviousness in masking the tainted fingers with mint and roses.
oh yes stolen smokes as a child-
ReplyDeletenever thought of mint and roses as a mask for tobacco stench.
Somehow this manages to capture the feel of this picture of wild dreams...
ReplyDeleteI rather like your childhood, Kay...
ReplyDelete"Our hands green from stripping sage leaves"...great image among many!
ReplyDeleteStripping leaves! that caught me- and we used to strip the seeds off those weeds w/ 4 petals which took over many lawns- thanks!
ReplyDeletePerfect! I remember those days...
ReplyDeleteAnna :o]
I love that you conceptualized the painting as a memory of childhood days and all the foibles inherent in that. This is a beautiful poem, Kay. Thank you for sharing.
ReplyDeleteHi Kay, I enjoyed that look into your past. Love Linda x
ReplyDeletethis is awesome! you made me visit my childhood... love it!
ReplyDeleteJJRod'z
A delightful memory -
ReplyDeleteSuch a lovely way to see the image.
ReplyDeleteWow, this so captures childhood and the dance of memories~
ReplyDelete