(no subject)
This is a poem I wrote about a year ago, a sort of response to "A Supermarket in California" by Allen Ginsberg. I don't normally write poetry, as you'll probably be able to guess, so suggestions as to rhythm / wordplay / imagery / dissonance and all those other poeticy things from more seasoned poets would be LOVELY, since if I use any of them, it will likely be accidental.
To Allen Ginsberg
It wasn't yet 1997 when
we passed each other in the supermarket
and my shoulder brushed your hip.
I looked up and saw the neon light
filtering through your beard.
For a syllable of a song we touched
before my mother tugged me shuffling;
I looked back over my shoulder
and you were watching me hobble away.
I could have met you were I older
I thought as my mother
tight-lipped, conservative,
turned on you and covered my ears.
I could have heard you, known you
were I older. Wishing for even five more years.
Now I read your poems as though
they were your letters, your personal letters
and penning this, I am relieved
that at least I know you this well.
PS- I am adding this disclaimer because of comments I've recieved elsewhere. This poem is not literal. I've never met Allen Ginsberg. If there is a better way to portray this, pleeease let me know! Haha
To Allen Ginsberg
It wasn't yet 1997 when
we passed each other in the supermarket
and my shoulder brushed your hip.
I looked up and saw the neon light
filtering through your beard.
For a syllable of a song we touched
before my mother tugged me shuffling;
I looked back over my shoulder
and you were watching me hobble away.
I could have met you were I older
I thought as my mother
tight-lipped, conservative,
turned on you and covered my ears.
I could have heard you, known you
were I older. Wishing for even five more years.
Now I read your poems as though
they were your letters, your personal letters
and penning this, I am relieved
that at least I know you this well.
PS- I am adding this disclaimer because of comments I've recieved elsewhere. This poem is not literal. I've never met Allen Ginsberg. If there is a better way to portray this, pleeease let me know! Haha