Elan Mudrow
Smidgens
What Odysseus Hears
“I have heard this music before,
saith the body.” – Mary Oliver
What Odysseus Hears
This room—is alone—
Shattered occasionally
By voices, seemingly ethereal
Bessie, Nina, and Billie
Who settle the walls, solid
into a comfort, darkened beauty
Yet, a saddened quietude, I share
This room—is alive—
Shaken awake into vibration
A stir within the voices
Suchitra, Asha, and Umm
Bring the room into fervor, spirited
Walls become heated from
An inner atmospheric desire, I share
This room—is flying—
Bow and stern, rug and sofa, with sound
Through firmament, I’m riding—
The entire room orbits the planet
Melody consumes this sphere of noise
For the inner ache of the songstress
Lands upon my ears, a nether song
Which I am tied and bound to, as you
Also, recognize the shape of what, We share
This room—catches shapes—
I cup my hands together
Wanting to hold voices like water
Shirley and sister Dolly, Keyrouz
Hoping a bit of their chants splash
Upon my face, moisten my cheek
The plainsong allays my ears
The walls settle back, solid
Into the shape of a room,
Still on the sea, now a silence, We share
16 Comments on “What Odysseus Hears”
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Elan Mudrow 
‘For the inner ache of the songstress’, nice one, restless muse…
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Thanks
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Elan–I like this poem very much.
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Love the interior rhyme and delicate alliteration. Very well done.
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Perhaps that room is imagination and unfettered by gravity.
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Reblogged this on Niki.V.all.ways.My.way..
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Exquisite writing. And ephemeral. I love the depths of your language saying exactly what you mean (at least what I think you mean) without ever uttering a specific word. Your words create their own universe.
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Wow! Thanks so much!
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I know that feeling too. Thanks
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I love the changes of the mood through the journey. Very touching and beautiful!
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Reblogged this on iamericaicare and commented:
This poem left me speechless (a rarity) after reading. I’ve since printed it out. I’m fairly certain it’s officially becoming one of my favorite poems of all time, by any author. Ever. It’s breathtakingly imaginative, evocative and innovative. Read it. Now.
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I enjoyed this poem. I used to play an instrument and this poem reminded me of that feeling. The thrill of getting a piece right and hearing the different sounds smooth together. This poem took me back a little.
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I usually crank the music up in my living room. Get it? I gave up the car. Chat at cha later.
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Be careful about cranking the music when you are driving 🙂 No Handel’s Messiah for me or I go to another planet.
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That is so beautiful and touching. I especially liked: I cup my hands together Wanting to hold voices like water… I know that feeling. The sound of my kids’ laughter and even arguments fill up every corner of this house. I listen for them a lot when I’m lonely.
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Hurray for brilliant and resourceful Odysseus!
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