“Could this Moment Filled with Peace be Remembered…”

Participants at the Shirlington Poetry Workshop frequently bring in works-in-progress, for feedback and critique.

This poem was revised after a workshop session:

Remember Today, by Carmen Marcus

Lying on the short, sparse grass
eye level with the ground
with the pollen castigating the mucus membranes
the brilliant, luminous sun excusing it all.
Watching the insects questioning human presence
amidst the minute white- purple wild flowers
they would look perfect in a tiny vase, ideal for a doll house,
now they just adorn this patch where the birds land.
Could this moment filled with peace be remembered,
be an antidote to poisonous rage invading the soul?
Today feeling close to the earth and God
But tonight or tomorrow
persecuted by sadness
feeling old and tired,
filled with worries, meaningless chores, broken dreams
a prisoner of the tower, dying slowly
looking out to life going by.
Could the gladness of today be summoned?
sun bathed with joyous irresponsibility
disregard the unresolved despair of life?
remember today?
When the sensual sun goes away and dark begins,
disillusioned from life’s neglect
the love that is not always there,
children who seem more distant
passions that don’t endure.
Will the pacific warmth of this moment be remembered?
Today, poems in a napkin on the grass
For many, it can’t get better than that!
Ignoring loud sounds in the street
allowing the insects to move between the words
everything is in order under the sun
barks of dogs in their very own park
the warm breeze and the golden light!
And being able to feel, think and write!
When the hopeless storm starts again,
Please God let me remember this day!