*
Sisters
Dunking and splashing
In water ruby-stained with iron ore.
We were mermaids: at home with fish and turtle.
Flaxen streaks amidst brunette honed to honey-hues
Cascading on shoulders burnished brown
From the chrome-hot sun.
Running, running, laughing, laughing;
Our heels hitting hard on pebbles, red clay squishing.
Only sand burrs finding hidden tender skin between toes
Or the quick grab of briar on bare arms slow the fun of hide-n-seek.
Steep-sided gullies carved by ravaging tributaries, trees and
Tall native prairie grasses provide haven. Shh!
Listen for that final count of fifty and
The approach of seeker’s feet.
The caress of summer breezes
While being lulled to sleep on beaches
Of the southern rocks or northern pink sands
That form the complicated puzzle-piece border
Of the Red River dammed and brimming –
All under the careful watch of
The man in the moon.
As the perfume of the honeysuckle-laden air
And as gentle as the rich waters
In which we eagerly swam.
-debi
Inspired by my sis,
With whom I shared these moments and years.
Wonderfully done! You really captured summer, water sunshine and childhood, four of my all time favorite things. 🙂
your words run like water,
what a fun flow.
Thanks for sharing…
🙂
Lovely writing!
Oh, the beautiful images and graceful flow of this poem sure take me back to blissful childhood summers. A real treat — so glad you posted this!
Beautiful imagery and amazing style
o! how I miss bliss!!! 🙁
quite detailed, very well stated, enjoy the rally!
http://lynnaima.wordpress.com/2011/05/21/in-the-land-of-pretense/
What a lovely tribute to your sis and your childhood memories. The formatting of the verses are exquisite in themselves. I really enjoyed this!
I love how your words flow lucidly to create a beautiful ode to childhood and memories. Beautiful.
A lovely piece and tribute to sisters. It struck a particular chord as my rally piece this week also focuses on young sisters. Thanks for sharing!
I know lakes in NJ and CT where the water is like that.