A Yardstick for Carson

Things are always falling.

Slipping from the finite

into the void.

And back again,

stopping cold, and not, at one point or another

balanced along a particular line,

the fluidity of illusion.

This is what really

turns the world:

pencil marks on a door frame.

But listen child,

I can tell you how far it is,

your heaven,

but there is no language

to describe the way.

You just have to go.

Comments: 19

Anne B. Grote Aug 25, 2008, 5:47pm EDT

beautifully written poem with a clear message for all.

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Atticus *. Aug 25, 2008, 5:55pm EDT

Thank you Anne, you are always so kind to my little poems. I appreciate very much that you stop by to read them.

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Tonia, who hugs trees G. Aug 25, 2008, 8:27pm EDT

You just have to go - how achingly true.

Your "little poems" speak large truths.

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Atticus *. Aug 26, 2008, 10:45pm EDT

Thanks so much Tonia.

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Carolion Grailbear Nov 17, 2008, 9:58am EST

I'd love for you to publish this in TRUTH WORKS, Atticus - I'll feature it there.

You've laid out that line which also happens to be the great chasm and the updraft and the Fool's edge.
Bravo.

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Atticus *. Nov 18, 2008, 9:39pm EST

Thank you Carolion. This is a poem for my niece of whom I am quite fond. I really appreciate your comment and your visit! I will publish to your group This is a few days old though and I'm sure it will be buried a few days back. I am flattered at your offer to feature it.

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Carolion Grailbear Nov 19, 2008, 7:20pm EST

Thanks for sending it over. Your niece must be some person, to bring this poem out of you.

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APE 131313 Nov 26, 2008, 4:18pm EST

10 FREE Thanksgiving comments cause Atticus is anticipating :)

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Shy Ann Dec 1, 2008, 7:04pm EST

Funny........ I remember those same pencil marks on the threshold.
Maybe everyone has them.
I only grew to under five foot.
I'm still growing inside my head though.

This is a really good, short and sweet poem.

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Atticus *. Dec 2, 2008, 1:23pm EST

Thank you so much Shy Ann. I Appreciate you dropping by

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Barbary Chaapel Dec 6, 2008, 3:52pm EST

Atticus,

Your kind of writing is so dependably readable. It is a pleasure, always.

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Atticus *. Dec 8, 2008, 10:00pm EST

Thank you for your kind words Barbary.

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Ann M. (Site Scryer) Dec 8, 2008, 10:24pm EST

You share my poet/friend John K.'s ability to jump with astonishing ease from the universal to the personal and back again.

Since you've said that you know-- how far is it to you niece's heaven?

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Atticus *. Dec 9, 2008, 6:28am EST

One line... ;-)

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Atticus *. Dec 9, 2008, 6:48am EST

Seriously though- Thanks for your very kind words Ann. I will try to find John K's work. Is it on Gather? I would like to read some. I try to see the Universal in the personal. However, I do not claim to be a skilled poet. I merely try to carve out what I consider to be little jewels. I sometimes never know if people only see the surface of one of my poems or if they will stick around to roll it around in their hand and see a different facet or two - or sometimes I wonder if it is really interesting to anyone but me. - So I appreciate the extremely thoughtful comment.

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