The Seeds of a Poem
05/29/2004 08:19 p.m.
A poet friend on here wanted a longer poem from my "Evening Haiku." I think she was wondering about the story behind it or saw more potential or need for expansion. Indeed, the experience was breathtaking
and unexpected enough to warrant a longer piece but the principal form it had called out for to me was haiku. There are jewels of moments all around us, everyday, to cherish. But I am interested in a longer poem too, and this first draft is a result of that friend's request, or winked suggestion - she knows who she is. It's exciting and encouraging when we help inspire one another to carry on developing our poems' potentials.

Before the Shadow on the Wall


it’s seven in the evening
here in the small café
in Ottawa's centretown
I sit alone amid the empty tables
and wait, as the first arrival
for the Chilean reading


Dean, host, owner
afficionado of the arts
and baking enthusiast
puts the finishing touches
to the cheesecake he’s creating
as he calls out his familiar hello to me
assuring he’s not ignoring
my presence
but is caught up in his masterpiece
Leanne, the server, will be along
in a few minutes

the stage with mic stand silent
around me the walls display
paintings by local artists


outside a hum of cars and buses
and the sidewalks moist
from an earlier rain
air tingling fresh

and as I stare at the stage area
I discover, on the wall ahead of me
a silhouette of roses and baby’s breath

the dark grey form
a scene of its own
sprigs and curls in design
lace pattern at a standstill
separate and alive
detached from its source

a visual echo of the
vase of pink roses
and white blooms
a spin-off cast
from a proud centering
on a table

I have the time
not another soul
arrived yet

I find my pen, then
search for the words
the arrangement of lines
for my own bouquet

as if both the silhouette and I
know that
I will need to try to make
a capture before the light will change

the effect become a memory

so I work toward my dream of a
masterpiece
as the cafe owner works on his

until the crowd begins
to arrive, small groups
or couples
greeting with hugs, holàs
and handshakes
and stepping in between
my subject and myself
as the moment ends