14 Comments
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Nathan Slake's avatar

"I reach for the handle,

And turn three ribs" 👏👏

Along with

"and my shamed ego is proud"

Those are my favourites, the first anatomically lovely, the second profound.

Lovely poem, Brian. Rich and lovely.

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Brian Funke's avatar

Thank you Nathan. These “garden walk” poems seem to flow. It’s been a few months since I’ve replicated this practice. Time to begin again!

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Ollie Burgess's avatar

Love all of these! 5 is my favorite.

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Brian Funke's avatar

Thanks Ollie! That portion was the final to go through editing. It initially was too on the nose…it sort of still is but leaves (I hope) a welcoming gesture as well!

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Leon Brown, Jr.'s avatar

👍👌!

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Brian Funke's avatar

😊💫

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Neil Barker's avatar

These are great, Brian. I like the 3rd poem and the final lines of not everything being as it seems.

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Brian Funke's avatar

Thanks, I like that section too…feels like the start of a turn in the piece…

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Regina McIntosh's avatar

Love this! Great poem

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Brian Funke's avatar

Thanks for reading!

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Ann Collins's avatar

Brian, I love the way you connect the physical body with the metaphor of freedom and peace found in nature. This verse stopped me and I savored the images they evoke:

.

I reach for the handle

and turn three ribs

till they crack,

pull gently and open

so my heart may cross

the threshold

to the wild outside.

.

The contrast between breaking and gentle release--wow. Beautiful.

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Brian Funke's avatar

Thanks Ann!

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Rich Moore's avatar

Wow, that's a hell of an early morning read. It's beautiful Brian.

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Brian Funke's avatar

Thanks Rich!

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