Destressing

[Delta40]

I was a stranger to everyone
whose task was to decorate
a single tree of life.
We decked it with carnations,
roses, lillies and daisies
Coloured bands
pipe cleaners
wove the blooms
round the trunk;
their flowery scent
mingled into musk
as we draped our unique
child-like paintings from the boughs.

I held my tummy with both hands,
sucked in the giving life of air.
Expanded my diaphragm.
I smiled, giggled, chuckled,
then laughed as hard I could;
without making a sound.

Under the tree I curled
into foetal position
and listened to rhythmic rain
pouring in my imagined world.
Sleeping homeless in a cardboard box
was all I could show for a lifetime
of sacrifice.

My mood altered neath coloured lights.
I hid behind papier-mache masks
so no one would notice me
while I beat drums to my own
rhythm till all of us
were in harmony with each other.
My hands throbbed as I found my place
and the mask came off.

Later, the texture of freshly cut avocado
tomato, breads and cheese
soothed my aching palms.
Water flushed through me
to reveal a simple soul
which I could sketch and paint
as a memory of who I wish to be

[dafydd manton]

How did this get by unnoticed by anyone? The imagery is fabulous, takes us all sorts of places, although I'd be the first to admit that some of it is lost on me, but that's my fault. I think this is a gorgeous poem, and well worth a re-vist.

[Jerrybaldy]

have read and re -read several times and I cannot grasp it, Delta. Enjoyed your words all the same, but go on..... give us a clue .. I will make you a vegemite sandwhich :)

[Delta40]

thanks for your comments

[Jerrybaldy]

harrumph.

[Delta40]

now now, don't sound like a rhinoceros with hayfever