14 Comments
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Kassi Wilson's avatar

“but the soul celebrates around every bright bend and in each dark chasm”

This is a great line, and brings out the contrast nicely between the mind and soul.

The soul doesn’t want to rush like the mind.

“Haze” nice word for: life’s unknowns

Brian Funke's avatar

Exactly! The soul is ok with some wandering. My mind…that’s a different story.

Of course I can’t necessarily find my mind or soul, but that’s for a different poem…

Nathan Slake's avatar

Yes, "rainbow of whites" and also "coins of water and a snaking river of fire".

Lovely imagery, Brian. I imagine flying through the sky and looking out the window of a plane and seeing all of this.

Brian Funke's avatar

Thank you Nathan! It’s amazing how few windows stay open on airplanes…

Pamela Leavey's avatar

Brian, I really enjoyed the ebb and flow of this poem.

Melanie Bettinelli's avatar

I love the chiming of the sounds: haze, horizon emblazoned chasm

Lines that sang:

"speed does not bring clarity,"

"piercing the haze in a rainbow of whites"

"steppingstones, emblazoned"

"a snaking river of fire"

Brian Funke's avatar

Melanie, thank you for the close read. Means a lot!

Ann Collins's avatar

. . .the soul celebrates around every bright bend

and in each dark chasm. . .

.

In the liminal space of a flight--a new way of seeing. So beautiful, Brian.

I lived in Nashville for 7 years--is this the Cumberland River?

Brian Funke's avatar

I don’t think so. This shot was getting closer to St. Louis. Thanks for being here!

Neil Barker's avatar

Really nice poem, Brian. I like the image and the line "coins of water and a snaking river of fire."

Brian Funke's avatar

Thank you Neil!

Sarah Wordsworth's avatar

“Rainbow of white” - love it