Saturday 25 August 2012

Elephant Highway


Unbalanced carts spilled sun ripe fruit
on the dust strewn road
splitting colours, splashing seed
to meet the market dawn.

Spindly children tried to run
alongside heavy traps
some were strong and long of limb
and barely caught their breath.

Bicycles too, took their own road
and weaved their wheels about
the death they cheated,
although in jest, made
villagers shout out loud.

The noise grew low
for something strong
had taken up this path
a silver grey bull elephant
was on this very route!

Without a sound
the track was cleared
of children, wheels and fruit
whilst 'mister majestic' walked
~ in no par-tic-u-lar hurry ~

Without a backward glance.

Copyright Suzy R 2012

This poem was inspired by the artwork of Borg de Nobel, browse her wonderous artwork here: http://borgeous.wordpress.com courtesy of the ever innovative dVerse Poets crew: http://dversepoets.com/

12 comments:

  1. Stunning ending to this poem. So much happens 'without a backward glance.'

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    1. there is a certain arrogance as well as beauty in majesty isn't there?!

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  2. Oh, yeah, nothing like a bull elephant bearing down on you to clear the road...I know the painting you chose for your inspiration. Very good...

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    1. thank you my sweet, I'm glad you could identify the painting from my words..

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  3. What a twist in the ending...I have seen crowded streets like these, full of people and sounds assaulting your ears ~ Enjoyed the share ~

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    1. Heaven, I'm pleased this rang true, I haven't been far afield but hope to in the future..:)

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  4. wow really nice imagery...and what an intriguing scene as well...so easy to see....and ha, wondering a bit about mr majestic

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  5. nice! i like the whole feel of this...what an event when there suddenly is an elephant on the street...ha...'mister majestic' - no wonder that he walked ~ in no par-tic-u-lar hurry ~ he was king of the highway for sure...

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    1. Hi Claudia, yes, this king really does 'rule the road'

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  6. Bicylces too, took their own road
    and weaved their wheels about
    the death they cheated,
    AND
    Without a backward glance.

    Great story set in a dusty scenario

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  7. Somehow you convey timelessness in one moment. The setting could be anytime, anywhere in the world. Upon first reading I thought "Oh what cheery lackadaisical imagery and ambiance." On the second read-through I can imagine a darker more turmoil-y story. I want to know more about this town and these people, this day.

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