Sunday, January 8, 2012

Quinta Essentia

The smell of oak moss and lichens
from the corner of your bungalow,
lingers on my skin like balsam and
sanctifies me in this winter light -
allowing me to respire ancient air
from a distant and temperate wood.

The universe holds nothing more that can heal me;
clary sage, lavender, cedar bark, resin of myrrh -
not even the holiest of chrisms could offer more.

8 comments:

Aniket Thakkar said...

I had to look up quinta essentia. I'm THAT lame.

But I did feel the gravity of emotions your lines carried with each word.

I'm so glad to see you back. And though, I've no idea why you deleted 'N.C.'s Art Studio', I'm just happy I caught it on my feed reader. :)

Very happy new year to you!

K.Lawson Gilbert said...

Hi, Aniket. Don't ever say you are lame. You are one of the most intelligent and aspiring young men I have ever had the pleasure of knowing. (As much as Blogger will allow us to know one another) I am really not "back" in the true sense of the word. I will be posting sporadically. I am reading blogs, but not really posting comments. Now, THAT is LAME...lol. (I love to be inspired by all of you beautiful writers and poets out there.) Unfortunately, that is how it is for now. I am always impressed by your writings. I needed to work on N.C.'s Art Studio. I'll re-post soon. (thanks!)
Happy New Year, dear friend.

Rick said...

You'll be writing more on healing, I think. Meantime, to see you include the word chrisms has brightened up my entire day. The best of the New Year to you K.

@okieprof said...

I just shake my head in wonder at the power of your imagery and poetry to provoke...thanks

K.Lawson Gilbert said...

Rick, Yes - Thank you! :) I knew you would be the sort of person who would like the word chrisms...we are so alike in many ways. Hey - you certainly have been very busy with all the books and blogs. Congratulations, sir! I admire your ambition! You truly inspire me. Happy New Year, Luv!

K.Lawson Gilbert said...

Hi, Terry. Many thanks to you for that great compliment. I shake my head and wonder at your many talents in writing and art. That painting you sold, recently, was one of your finest yet!! How I wish I could create visual art like that! You are amazing. I love the way you put yourself out there. I'm trying to do more of that! Happy New Year, my artist compadre!!

Karen said...

I've read and read this, and I couldn't get it out of my mind all day today. The imagery takes my breath.

K.Lawson Gilbert said...

Karen, I always appreciate your close studies of my work and value your comments. I have been over to your place and am in awe of your continued work. Your poetry fairly leaps off the monitor screen. Thanks again for your unwavering support of my writing. Happy 2012! hmmm...has it been over 40 years now??