A Haunting

[Tinker]

A Haunting

Tonight a riveting movie 
had me stuck to the small screen
reading subtitles.
Now with the credits rolling
I sit at my computer
to separate myself
from its images
and write lighter words that "take a bite
out of life”,  
tasting each bitter letter as I type 
while an African rhythm
pulses from the TV, 
words in a language I don't understand,
in shadow I do.
The tone and timbre haunt,
the throb of the bass,
repetition of sounds, 
"He lele, He lele",
I respond.
It pulls me back 
to the horrific theme of genocide
in which I drowned for the last 2 hours.
Impossible to detach.
I close my eyes
and see kneeling men and women
one by one, shot in the back of the head.
Putrifying bodies left in the street,
the stink is in my nostrils
and permeates this page
                      ~~Judi Van Gorder

[tonyv]

Once you've seen it, you can't unsee it, Judi. I think that it "permeates this page" makes it real.

Tony

[dr_con]

So, my response has little to do with this well constructed poem, rather the 'Coincidence' it caused -- I was working on a piece about writing someone else, that old trope, and stopped to write a poem --- Uncompleted, whose title 'A Haunting' was reflected back at me at 3am when I couldn't sleep... Ahh yes the loops and loops we participate in;-) TY Tinker for making me take notice! Enjoyed the piece, exactly what I was going for, except more personal, more ex-wifey;-)

[Tinker]

Thank Tony, I know it was just a movie but it dramatized a real life horror that has played out in so many parts of the world. The power of art that heightens our awareness not just of the beauty that surrounds us but also injustice and evil.

~~Judi.

[Tinker]

Haha Juris, Yep haunting comes in all sizes, colors and circumstances. Thanks for noting the connection.  

~~Judi