Orange Garden

by David Blake

Sunday 3rd March 2013 7:39 pm (first posted Friday 25th January 2013 12:58 am)

Walk towards the white gates

A purity unseen, but now inside

The garden, and the grass so bright

Drifting translucent in the sunlight

A stranger comes slowly towards you

A blackened form, twisted in distortion

Takes fruit from the tree above, oranges

An offer, standing on the springy turf

An outstretched hand, take the fruit

Lift it up to the sky, replica of the sun

A new purity full of the garden

They will not take it back

But only see the orange flower

Blossoms spring up and adorn the skin

A fireball in your hand, surreal

Cleans the flesh and heals the pain

Comments

Ann Foxglove

Tue 29th Jan 2013 12:26

I really enjoyed this poem David. It really formed itself into a very visual image in my mind.

David Blake

Fri 25th Jan 2013 17:24

Cynthia - thanks for the feedback, and the kind words. Yes, I hadn't thought about the poetry-photography link but I do agree with you now I consider it. This poem was the closing poem of an informal 'compilation' I worked on which had as its emphasis themes such as light, shade and all ideas that stem from them such as life, death, elation, depression, etc.

I just wanted these simple emotions to be expressed in poem-form, and these are similar to those I often feel when examining powerful photographs which draw attention to light, darkness or both in contrast. So yes, you've made a very good point there.

And yes, I am very new. Only just joined a couple of days ago!

David Blake

Fri 25th Jan 2013 17:18

Nick - thanks for the feedback. 'Heals the pain' was left intentionally open to interpretation, but in my mind this 'garden' is a kind of heaven-like place where one can rest from the stresses of life and rehabilitate from the wear and tear of life's journey.

This is something I came up with in 2010, a time around where I still hadn't written much poetry for a while, so the words and meter were a little loose and improvised. Since then I've written quite a lot which is more restrained and ordered. And that I shall post up soon. Thanks again!

Cynthia Buell Thomas

Fri 25th Jan 2013 15:50

There are some lovely metaphors in this, and some intriguing ideas like 'a new purity full of the garden'. The poem requires more than one quick look. I would think that the art of photography clearly complements the gift of poetic skill ... sensitive observation and all that.

Are you new? Or have I been off-line too long?

<Deleted User> (10123)

Fri 25th Jan 2013 10:54

Heals the pain of what? Have you ever considered laying up your thoughts in foraml context, inside the box of rhyme, meter etc.? That would not make it any stronger but could possibly show off your control of skill! Just a thought, ta muchly, nick.

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Orange Garden

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