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the ocean always dreamed blue dreams

White Swan

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by
qimissung
, 12-31-2010 at 02:16 AM (1603 Views)
I just read the memoir, '"Just Kids" by Patti Smith. I wrote a book review of it in the book review section, if you care to look.


http://www.online-literature.com/for...ad.php?t=58470

It is a beautiful book. I wish I had a friendship like Patti Smith and Robert Mapplethorpe had, could share with someone such a deep committment to art. Anyway, from this, I was inspired to write.



white swan dying
do you seek the blue star
and a friend to see you
as you really are;

fierce white swan,
do those who point and stare
know you could rape and kill
with your feathers and your beak;
do you think they really care?

do they know you might prefer
the calm and peace
of your reflection,
of the icicles that pierce
your black heart,

your fierce black heart,
the storm in your heart
that is unceasing?

Qimissung
December 2010

Updated 12-31-2010 at 01:45 PM by qimissung

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Comments

  1. PrinceMyshkin's Avatar
    The wonder here is in how the "white swan" (dying) changes gradually, inevitably (?) before our very eyes into that vindictive creature at the end: "white swan / black heart"

    And the whole of this is accomplished with your characteristic understatement. And yes, I've requested that my library order and reserve that book for me. I saw Patti Smith interviewed on Public TV last night.
  2. TheFifthElement's Avatar
    Quote Originally Posted by qimissung
    your fierce black heart,
    the storm in your heart
    that is unceasing?
    I love this. I was a litle thrown by the rhyme in the first stanza which was not then repeated, but as always your endings are perfect.
  3. qimissung's Avatar
    Thank you Prince and Fifth. I changed it a little, Fifth, with your critique in mind. The rhyme was an accident. I wish I was better at it, but I keep in mind that English doesn't really lend itself to rhyme.