Unearthed remains of metaphors, a braille of past,
with care and glue, we stitched together shards of us;
repaired what’s broken with apologies; to maybe last
another day, or ‘till death us part, dismissing fuss.
Did we sweep the floors, or defuse explosives?
Did we listen for the blackbird or obey the crows?
Are we ready to be finished? Are we thus conclusive?
Meandering by Styx, we hesitate while Charon rows.
Cause every argument and every sin unpardoned brings
us closer to a parting, to the place where sirens sing(e).
Shards-ii, by Frank Stella
Today it’s Open link at dVerse and Gayle hosts. Bring and poem and join the fun at 9 PM CET.
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October 19, 2016
Björn Rudbergs writings 
Love the mix of modern and ancient metaphors.
Excellent.
The place where sirens sing…..indeed!
I love this mosaic imagery. Like taking care, over time, to pick up very special pieces of sea glass, and then using them to make something … a sculpture, putting them in a painting, making a lamp; the possibilities are endless. Like with marriage, sometimes an artist gets frustrated and has to walk away from the piece until he/she can come back to it calmly and continue working on it. But people with bad tempers may just smash the whole damn thing and ruin it. Just think of the masterpiece that might be destroyed with one swift arm-swing? No one should ever do that.
First two lines so powerful. Arguments, said out loud and held within — closer to the singe. Many many years ago I taught an interpersonal communication course and one class was devoted to the right way to argue 🙂 One thing, be sure and do argue. One other thing – no “kitchen-sinking” — as in, at one moment in time, ticked off by one thing, bringing in everything else that was “stuffed” up until that moment. Funny — haven’t thought about those teaching days in a long time. “Shards of Us” — disturbingly real title for too many couples.
That last line is an absolute sting in the tail. Or tale, as it might be.
I just love those opening lines, Björn, and I agree with Lillian about the title.
Every person as a mosaic of broken promises, broken hearts and broken laws. Powerful shards of the past.
A very poignant poem Björn and ‘Did we listen for the blackbird or obey the crows?’ created a melody that could carry the whole poem as a song.
This just commands my attention, Bjorn, as the October of my life nears November and that meandering along the Styx becomes clearer. So important to bring healing to relationships at this time of life. On a daily basis.
Really enjoyed this. the first two lines are incredible. Arguments sting and stain but with healing done every days wipes the stains away. Love the mixing of ancient and modern metaphors.
I like the perspective of shards of life representing a union. So many things make up our lives and to entwine them into a cohesive puzzle is no small trick. And how true, those unpardoned “sins” can part us. Love that last word…sing(e)…yes, we can be singed for sure!
That’s pretty great right there.
stitched together shards of us;
repaired what’s broken with apologies; to maybe last
another day, … love that…hope and reality..a tough realisation.
This poignant poem makes me think of my latest failed rekindle with my on-again off-again girlfriend of almost ten years. Just a sign of a good poem – very relate-able. I like the double-play of the last word!
A clever poem, matched so well with the art!
I like “Unearthed remains of metaphors, a braille of past,
with care and glue, we stitched together shards of us;
repaired what’s broken with apologies; to maybe last
another day, or ‘till death us part” Life is so challenging!
the beat, the rhyme the meaning! Geeeeeeeez!!! So beautiful!
A haunting write, Bjorn. It carries a certain blue weight, to express myself that way. I love the image of “braille of past”
Oh, the puzzling path of human love! We both wound and heal each other; yet I believe till death do us part is solid.
The imagery is very strong here, Bjorn. I especially like the questions and then the final couplet getting to the heart of the matter. Really lovely work.
I. Am. Awed! Such a superb blend of words and ideas her, Bjorn!
Well Bjorn…..if you argue like this….gluing back the shards…..you will glue the parts of marriage together firmly. Haven’t heard the names, Charon and Styx for quite a while. Good twinging of elements modern and ancient. Really enjoyed this poem of yours….deep and instructive.
Cause every argument and every sin unpardoned
brings us closer to a parting
Which many fail to realize. To be on a collision course is certainly risky!
Hank
Hard and biting, and maintains that edge to the last breath of the poem. In that, delightful, with scattered expressions that are unforgettable..the braille of past for example…brilliant..
Thank you, and such a pity I couldn’t leave a comment on your brilliant sarcasm… so many great rhymes in that great tradition of political wit
Yes, I was struck by the interweaving of past and present – culminating in the place where sirens sing(e). That is a powerful portent of impending ruination. Some fantastic writing in this, Björn.
I really like the last two lines! Nice closing.