In dusk when rust of hills is crowned with gold
the veins of rivers fill with blood and rooks
have gathered waiting for the wind to rest.
That’s when you whisper that the world seems cold
and you fear we are close to burn our books,
that fear of shadows make our world depressed.
We’re silent for a while, and watch how rust
is silvered porcelain and as calmness settles
you take my hand, and through its warmth a trust
is building that behind the hills a daylight nestles.
Rust red hills by Georgia O’Keefe
Ten lines written for Kerry’s prompt at toads. I played around a bit with the meter and rhymescheme on this one. Using the poem Ibadan by John Pepper Clark as inspiration I expanded a thought that might be a metaphor of sorts. We need to look for the light also when it’s darkest. I will also link up to Poetry Pantry in the morning.
Björn Rudbergs writings 
I love how you wove in loose rhyming–the flow works so well. I drive by these kind of hills between Reno and Palm Desert. You’ve capture the feeling they evoke.
You’ve infused this piece with a mesmerizing cadence that practically demands to be read aloud – wonderfully crafted – closing with a contemplative echo … that lingers, wistfully. .
Impeccable construction & wonderful usage of words — and a bit of delectable darkness which is just a bit chilling.
Absolutely beautiful, in sentiment and expression! Bravo, Bjorn!
Nicely written, Bjorn. I like your rhyme also. I’m sure that I didn’t pick up on all of history’s sad moments hidden here, but I like what I’m finding. Scary. Favorite is the book burning.
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There’s so much I enjoy about this poem. It contains a certain kind of quiet, an old wisdom. Love the idea of one awaiting the wind to rest. Also people as porcelain.
a trust
is building that behind the hills a daylight nestles.
… that’s so beautiful. Nature can touch us so profoundly, it deepens our faith and hope.
Makes me think of the Outback Australia.
Dark can feel hyper alive – just as you describe…everything seems to pulse and turn to rust.. i am glad however there is a hand to hold
Nothing is so reassuring than to be be with someone when shadows fall. Your beautiful poems sayd that so well.
Beautifully written, Björn. Your verse undulates gently, like those hills. I just love that line: ‘the veins of rivers fill with blood and rooks’.
How spooky Bjorn, I was visiting the major O’keefe exhibition at Tate Modern in London only a couple of days ago, with a friend! Staring in awe at sublime pieces like this… And yes always have faith in and seek the light, especially amidst the darkness. Thanks for the lift this Sunday morning… With Best Wishes Scott
There is such a lot of depth and wisdom here 🙂 especially love the image of “trust is building that behind the hills a daylight nestles.” Beautifully rendered.
This gave me chills, Bjorn. The resonance of the words is beautiful and the thought expressed both poetic and human (if that does not sound too obvious when speaking of a poem). You selection of painting is perfect. Such an amazing piece.
The rhyme is lovely Bjorn, and a sweet mournful piece/peace. And great painting. Thanks. k.
This time of year when it starts to get darker … it’s comforting to reach out for a helpful hand … someone you can trust … the ending of your poem is hopeful.
Wonderful writing Bjorn, I enjoyed the rhyme scheme, because it gave me an illusion of an introspective merging of nature and men.
Just the way I feel. Never giving up the light.
you take my hand, and through its warmth a trust
is building that behind the hills a daylight nestles.
Such a reassuring closing Bjorn! One will always yearn for blessings of some kind to fulfill a hope!
Hank
I feel the darkness of the storm, but behind the clouds the light waits to filter through where it is needed.
You took me right into that moment, the colours, the fear, and then the glorious closing lines – “s trust is building that behind the hills, a daylight nestles.” Gorgeous.
I do feel this doom and then lifting with each cycle of each day. Love the “burn books” line.
There is so much packed into this poem, Bjorn. So many feelings and shades of meaning. And that final image of hope is wonderful.
The rhythm gives these piece such dramatic force, especially when I read it aloud. Fantastic imagery too.
Always the hope in the light, your end lines are my favourite lines
“you take my hand, and through its warmth a trust
is building that behind the hills a daylight nestles.”
Thanks for dropping by my Sunday Standard, today
much love…
This ended with such a peaceful feeling
Resonant and peaceful in tone. I especially like the imagery in your opening.
dazzled by the imagery and flow of words that congeal into these rust read hills – cannot resist:
the veins of rivers fill with blood and rooks
I’m so glad I stopped by today and had the chance to read this. It’s quietly, softly beautiful.
Love your image and your words!
This is beautifully rich and textured. Great work.
the rhyming flows match perfect with your poetic atmosphere and the way you capture the scenery in your mind. 🙂
Excellent poem my friend. 🙂
i love the rhymes, it makes this poem such a pleasure to read.
and such powerful closing lines…
The fear of shadows makes our world depressed… My favorite line. There is hope there in the building light, we must hold on to hope…bkm
Many of your poems speak of a being with a love .. it feels gentle safe and nurturing ~~ special indeed.
Dusk can be a mysterious time of day, and your poem conveys that mystery.
You did your “homework” … this is beautiful and yes – very metaphoric. The ending line especially is stunning.
I love that painting! She is a favorite of mine. Perfect companion to a mystical poem, that somehow ends up hopeful.
“waiting for the wind to rest” beautiful and the rhyme and flow of the poem is sublime
Beautiful work, Bjorn. I like the imagery and atmosphere you created here.