Memorial Day, May 1954
http://www.maverickmagazine.com/articles/262/1/Memorial-Day-May-1954/Page1.html
Michael R. Collings
Michael R. Collings' poems have appeared in multiple print and online journals and anthologies, as well as in several collections: A Season of Calm Weather(1974); Naked to the Sun (1985); Dark Transformations (1990); and Matrix(1995). He teaches English at Pepperdine University, where he also serves as Director of Creative Writing and, for the past six years, as Poet-in-Residence. Most of his poetry deals with images from nature, reflecting both Collings' heritage and his enduring interests.By Michael R. Collings
Published on 07/10/2004
It's easy now to read about them-distanced
In time and place and mind through almost four
Long-dead centuries, when one brown, thin-
Wrapped bulb might buy a house, a ship, or more;
In time and place and mind through almost four
Long-dead centuries, when one brown, thin-
Wrapped bulb might buy a house, a ship, or more;
It's easy now to read about them-distanced
In time and place and mind through almost four
Long-dead centuries, when one brown, thin-
Wrapped bulb might buy a house, a ship, or more;
It's harder to remember a mere five
Decades back-swift breath to history-and
Wattled white cement twining along pine
Planks an equal breadth above moist brown sand;
And perfect tulips one by one, nodding
Staid humility to God-gaudy splashes,
Golden, purple, blood-streaked or pied, adding
Heat and flame to sunlight's vibrant slashes,
Waiting all, for lopping-proud errant knaves-
And final rest upon our fathers' graves.
Copyright © Michael R. Collings, 2004. All Rights Reserved.
In time and place and mind through almost four
Long-dead centuries, when one brown, thin-
Wrapped bulb might buy a house, a ship, or more;
It's harder to remember a mere five
Decades back-swift breath to history-and
Wattled white cement twining along pine
Planks an equal breadth above moist brown sand;
And perfect tulips one by one, nodding
Staid humility to God-gaudy splashes,
Golden, purple, blood-streaked or pied, adding
Heat and flame to sunlight's vibrant slashes,
Waiting all, for lopping-proud errant knaves-
And final rest upon our fathers' graves.
Copyright © Michael R. Collings, 2004. All Rights Reserved.