Elan Mudrow
Smidgens
That’s Not The Intent
We walked the old trail
Full of abandoned orchards
Until we reached the dock.
Smooth and new, sticking out
Into the river
Under an unfriendly sun.
Others, on the dock …fishing with
Umbrellas blocking the seeping heat,
Their poles lying at their feet.
Nothing is caught
That’s not the intent.
I, who have never fished…..are
Frightened by the sound
Of soft-skinned fruit….
Overripe, hitting the ground…..
Hard…..From sundried branches….
As if they are wild…creatures hiding
Among the blackberry thorns.
You, having fished, used to
Drag carp and mudsuckers
Home, abandoning them
With line and hook
Still lodged in their gaping mouth
We kiss together
Under a tree that sheds leaves
Before it should.
You think of autumn….and
When will the fall swoop in
And chill the ground?
I think of the red aphids
Crawling among the dried leaves
Scared one will get caught
Upon the blanket
I’ve brought for us to lay upon
You dip a chip in hummus
And sip the golden wine
Noticing a small dry spot
On the knuckle of your thumb.
I am worried about
The naturalness of my body
Bumps and lumps.
I pick up some the fruit,
That frightened me,
And take it home
You dab your tongue upon your dry skin
In a soothing gesture
22 Comments on “That’s Not The Intent”
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Elan Mudrow 
Perspectives…neither wrong 🙂
Nice work.
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Yes, there’s something else within it. Thank you!
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There’s something about this poem, something hauntingly beautiful in it’s simplicity…
Meno
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Beautiful.
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Hmmm. That could be me and my wife. I would revel in being in the wilderness but my wife will be looking out for bears.
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Thanks so much!
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I love this! I am so blessed I found your page, you are inspiring and wonderful
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Exquisite poem. I love the yin and yang of it. Your picture of the leaf is a wonder.
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A very lovely piece. Thanks for sharing.
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A good piece
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I love the poem. Side note: Hummus and Wine…someone has good taste! ^_^
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so enjoyed really this, so beautifully captured X
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Oh ….and if the ‘conflicts’ lie outside the relationship …if the love of the couple is strong enough they can ride it …it might make them stronger and those causing the ‘conflict’ will eventually accept it:)
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Not necassarily ‘conflicts’ ….differences and maybe the odd disagreement yes ….but how boring it would be if not …as long as the 2 lovers accept and love each other’s differences …maybe some compromises along the way but moving in the same direction and not pulling apart it could be colourful and beautiful …the angst and subsequent ‘beige’ existence banished for good …and thus a happy ending:)
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I’ll see what I can do about that. But, I think even in successful relationships, such as the one painted here, there are conflicts.
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Sometimes two very different people can be perfect for each other. 🙂 The scary sound of overripe fruit falling to the ground reminded me of a pear tree we had when I was growing up. Your photo was lovely as well, capturing the beauty of nature both close-up and far away. Well done, Elan.
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Hmmmm …..the way I see it is …the blanket will warm the chill of the Autumn ground ….and the red aphid intruding? ….well …it would either get squashed or …if not wanting to hurt it …the 2 lovers could gently blow it away …let it carry on its little aphid journey in peace …or am I getting completely carried away with this poem?:D:D:D
I LOVE your poems but sometimes they are SO riddled with ‘Lovers angst’ I just want them to chill out and have a happy ending:D:D:D
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perfect!!! I loved it 🙂
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Such a fine balance of exquisiteness and wonderness.
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Thanks. This is two different perspectives of a late summer love. If you know what I mean.
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Thank you for sharing…ahhh summer
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This is so beautifully written, it immediately inspires images to form in the reader’s mind. The power of well-chosen words is truly incredible!
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