It's just poetry, it won't bite

Three Triolets on the Course of Love


04.15.19 Posted in today's words by

M.B. Powell lives and writes in Union, Washington. “Three Triolets on the Course of Love” will appear in a book-length poetry collection later this year. 

Three Triolets on the Course of Love
By M.B. Powell

1
—after a line in Sara Teasdale’s “The Look” (1914)

Were I sure they weren’t reflections of my own,
I’d thank you for those kisses in your eyes.
But which came first? I wish it could be shown
those kisses weren’t reflections of my own,
that all your senses had been overthrown,
leaving you, like me, completely compromised.
Were I sure they weren’t reflections of my own,
I’d thank you for those kisses in your eyes.

2

I like the scent of many disparate things:
your hair, of course, but also chlorine bleach
and Fierce and No. 5 and Buffalo wings.
I like the scent of many disparate things:
your neck, oh yes, and every whisk(e)y drink,
the wormiest newfound dirt, the morning beach.
I like the scent of many disparate things—
your hair, of course, but also chlorine bleach.

3
—borrowing phrases from Shakespeare and Keats

 You’re always in the offing when I’m ashore,
an ever-fixèd mark when I’m at sea.
There’s comfort in this buoyant metaphor
of you afloat in the offing when I’m ashore.
And when I’m at sea, you’re my cynosure,
bright star, steady seabird, guiding me.
You’re always in the offing when I’m ashore,
an ever-fixèd mark when I’m at sea.



One Response to “Three Triolets on the Course of Love”

  1. H. Larew says:

    Ah, the power of leaps and twirls. Thanks for sharing this lovely.

    HGL

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