far past rice fields
where green meets blue
she waits for another
to see her riding
bare legs sticky
hot with salt
voice singing out
songs of hunger
until cranes turn
necks like periscopes
inhaling her root
swallowing her bones
twisting seeds time
slipping dust trails
waiting once again
for another ride
*77/100: For the next 100 days, I’ll be writing and posting a poem every day. All photos are mine.
The poem offers many riddles to the reader. The spare, almost weightless lines sit wonderfully against imagery that is intensely physical: sticky legs, salt, hunger, roots, bones and dust. The cranes turning their necks “like periscopes” is such an unexpected, vivid image. There is no mistaking the deep longing in those notes, but it is never overstated or sentimental. The final return to “another ride” leaves behind a lingering sense of loneliness, desire and time moving on.
Thank you, as always, for leaving me such kind comments. I used to ride horse in the rice fields as a teenager, my happy place, and I find myself returning to that memory when times get really tough. It’s my happy space, where I felt the most safe. Sometimes I’ll take a drive out into the country to find a heron or crane, just to see one.
I can appreciate the crane stanza, Bridgette. Nice one.
Thanks. I keep returning to that imagery, to that memory. I think its one of those spaces that has a hold on me. Next time you are out to visit, maybe we can drive those old roads and I can show you the cranes.
Airily delicious and grounded at the same time. Even a little spooky. Thank you, Bridgette.
Thanks, Robert. I’m actually leaning into spooky a lot lately, as I find it fits where I am right now in life. Leaning toward the fear, instead of away from it. I’m considering doing Inktober this year, but with photography. Maybe a little haiku with each. My 100 day poetry project ends October 8th, so it would be a little much that first week. But it appeals to me.
Leaning into fear sounds like a positive and liberating step, Bridgette. Looking forward to reading and seeing more 🧡
Thank you.
That image of the cranes turning their necks ‘like periscopes’ is so vividly striking, Bridgette! 🪶 Love how you balance that light, weightless feel with such grounded physical details. Wonderful addition to your 100-day series! ✨
Thank you so much! That was my favorite line too. It’s such a personal memory for me, but also feels like it’s alive and always changing.
That dynamic, living quality comes through so clearly in the poem! It’s amazing how a personal memory can keep evolving every time it’s captured in words. Wishing you a peaceful and inspiring rest of your week, Bridgette! ✨
Thank you! I hope you also have a lovely end to your week.
😊😊😊
to the nice comments above, let me add how I like the evocation of what seems to be a happy memory. (it felt like #77 ought to have a little fanfare for some reason…)
As a teenager I was always riding out in the rice fields, looking for cranes. It’s what I associate with freedom I think, and peace, although I cried so much during those rides. It was a time to think, to be fully myself. I don’t have a lot of that time these days, but I feel that’s coming and maybe it’s time to find some fields to walk in.
No response except, “yeah”
Beautiful ❤️
Thank you!
😊