The transformation of is to was — like an overcast
morning, the inevitability of sunshine and the
possibility of rain are not equal, there are all kinds
of ways to foretell all kinds of things — yet, an
umbrella bears consideration. Some things just are.
Like seeing you now across the street and not
stopping, not slowing down, not wondering where
you’re going, not remembering an hour later, all
the times it rained and words got wet — some words
that were quiet, cold, running down heated skin,
some warm, dissolving in light tapered on window
sills — not thinking at night that some things should
not be together, like sunshine and morning rain:
rainbows too are surely errors of judgement.
“Some things just are.” I love that. The truth. I love that light tapered on windowsills, too. A gleam of hope. An invitation to homecoming.
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Thanks so much, Sherry. Between the rains and the virus… it’s all grey around here. We do need a break – that gleam of hope. Hope things are better in Tofino, at least!
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This poem has excellent movement, Rajani. From the descriptive intro to the human interaction which doesn’t happen, I felt it all.
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Thanks so much, Kerry. I have been struggling to get into the writing zone with the covid mess we seem to be in, so am glad this one worked.
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Ah, but some errors are beautiful whilst being made, even if they leave sad memories later.
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That made me smile… and yes, some are really beautiful, some leave beautiful memories too… it is the consequence that makes it difficult!
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It’s so true, Rajani, some things just are. I love the simile ‘The transformation of is to was — like an overcast morning’ , the acceptance of possibilities, and the lines:
‘the times it rained and words got wet — some words
that were quiet, cold, running down heated skin,
some warm, dissolving in light tapered on window
sills…’
I agree with Kerry about the movement.
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Thanks so much, Kim.
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So much captured in your meditative piece, Rajani. “Some things just are” is a powerful and liberating acceptance. Hope you’re keeping well on your side!
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Thank you, Khaya. We’re having this massive spike, so self-imposed isolation, though restrictions have been eased. Seems safer to hide. But it’s been 4 months and still no end in sight!
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This is incredibly powerful, Rajani! You describe perfectly the movement from “is to was,” and the image of “rainbows too are surely errors of judgement,” really gripped me. 💝
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Thank you, Sanaa.
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Sadly humans don’t just accept things as they are but must question everything. Rainbows I always thought were some compensation for getting wet!
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🙂 That is indeed the nature of the inquiring human mind!
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Oh that closing line! Fine work, perfectly concluded. Salute!
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Thanks so much, Ron!
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This is better even than it seems! How can we wear masks but not hide?
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Thank you!
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In this Time of Not Being Together, the seemingly out-of-place things matter more than ever—things like rain mixed with sunshine to produce those seeming errors of judgment: rainbows. I’ll keep looking for them, although it may be a fool’s errand.
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You’re so right on both counts- though neither the errors nor the seekers will stop 🙂 Thanks so much!
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“Are” and “was” can be rather severe in their lack of ambiguity. But that sharp line can be welcome if it helps cut away what no longer serves us.
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Yes, to apply the knife with precision is hard though and the boundaries tend to get blurred. But that should be the effort, indeed. Thanks so much, Rommy.
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From is to was in an instant. Rainbows are so fleeting and so much is read into them. I like the line “some things just are.”
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Thank you, Colleen.
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I really love this–there is a quiet sense of both reality and hope here for me–as always, your work is just outstanding!
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That’s very kind, thank you so much!
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some occurences and some objects are not meant to be together. your poem here is just wise. like the message too. great for pondering.
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Thanks so much!
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The last two lines made me grin aloud, while thinking, Glorious! I never knew poetic sarcasm could be this delicious.
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Thanks, Magaly! Don’t know if it is sarcasm or just new perspective… the pandemic makes you look very differently at everything!!!
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True.
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From sunshine and rain your subtle nuance of human connection (or lack thereof) are masterful. Great write.
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Thank you, Beverly!
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Looking at rainbows in a new light
Happy Sunday. Stay safe
Much💖love
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Thank you, Gillena.
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Yes, somethings should not be together like sunshine and morning rain. Beautiful!
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