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A Coda for the Living

Poem. Gratitude and inspiration. And joy.

By Paul StewartPublished 7 months ago 1 min read
A Coda for the Living
Photo by Sigmund on Unsplash

pulling back from the wreckage

the song isn't over

yet

this isn't my requiem

no solemn fixed faces

professional mourning

the single cymbal reverse

the fade-in, more than

a reprise, a coda

the toms and the bass

rhythmically reverberate

around my ear drums

as the snare crashes in

with rides and hi-hat

keeping the time

the guitar moans

across the plane

just off-key, perfectly so

the singers they sing

but the lyrics aren't clear

the song is a new one

a new melody

with a bittersweet intro

and positive slide towards the end

in timbre and octaval shifts

they make sense of sound

sound in action — action — action...

my feet they squeak across polished surfaces

as my hand reaches out

to gather my love

in closer

to dance to our song

all fresh and anew

as we kick off our shoes

and barefoot, we follow the rhythm

skipping time through the dew

*

Thanks for reading!

Author's Notes: Quick 15 minute poem, approximately, because I wanted to share something musical and positive. Here is an excuse, when not necessary to share one of my favourite songs of all time.

artBalladFamilyFree VerseFriendshipGratitudeinspirationallove poemsOdeperformance poetrysocial commentarysurreal poetryStream of Consciousness

About the Creator

Paul Stewart

Award-Winning Writer, Poet, Scottish-Italian, Subversive.

The Accidental Poet - Poetry Collection out now!

Streams and Scratches in My Mind coming soon!

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  1. Compelling and original writing

    Creative use of language & vocab

  2. Easy to read and follow

    Well-structured & engaging content

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    The story invoked strong personal emotions

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Comments (10)

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  • Mother Combs7 months ago

    Totally love this, Paul. Plus, I love Zeppelin

  • D.K. Shepard7 months ago

    Makes me want to turn on a tune and get dancing! Such a fun poem, Paul!

  • Caroline Craven7 months ago

    I love the image of them kicking off their shoes. Carefree and happy. Just lovely.

  • Accidents of joy & blessing.

  • ThatWriterWoman7 months ago

    There's something so intimate, playful, and gleeful about the characters removing the shoes in this - Gorgeous Paul!

  • Mark Graham7 months ago

    This is a poem that will have you looking for the music. Good job.

  • Lana V Lynx7 months ago

    Great inspirational poem, Paul. It spoke to me today.

  • D. J. Reddall7 months ago

    Clever and charming as ever, my liege!

  • Jess Boyes7 months ago

    This put a smile on my face. Loved it 😊

  • Heather Hubler7 months ago

    I just loved every bit of this. It was a delight for the senses :) Great 15 minute poem!!! findamn

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