Friendly Fire

Posted on by Rita Sommers-Flanagan 
Each moment is a drink of water,
a green ball bouncing down
the gravel road, a quandary as simple

as kindness, the idea of more stars.
There’s nothing to fear 
but the snapping of branches in the wind.

To live as a split infinitive is a sign of courage, 
a matter of style. Nothing is absolute.
To live now, half-formed, 

circling like a sharp-eyed hawk
is to accept an unnamed infinity
and a sense of chronic dislocation.

We are pages in a book of promises,
lies that come true, wishes that don’t,
dawns that arrive, nights that fall.

Give me your time. I’ll give you mine. 
After the danger of frost has passed
we’ll plant tomatoes and roses and basil

and go through the motions of poetry.
As the meaning soaks in we will succumb
to the vast and friendly fires of the sun.

11 thoughts on “Friendly Fire”

  2. The flaming bush that is never consumed and sends us all back to where we came from with vocations of liberating each other!

    Thanks. Rita for sending out that evocative photo.

    I haven’t seen Your blog for quite a while now. I am glad I opened it up today.

    Elizabeth Sherk One thing at a time That done well A very good rule As many do tell.

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  5. Last weekend I read my poetry to my dear friend as she made watercolor art. The next night she read my poetry to me…a first…and such joy in companionship. I’d love to send you the poetry book, BEING SEEN. Maybe send it to the Happiness Project? or some other address? Your offering here is such a great reminder. Maybe you’ve heard the word zikr. It means Remember. Oh how easily we forget! Best, S

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    1. Wow, that sounds amazing! And thanks for the offer to send your book. I keep thinking I’m going to have time sometime to come to the bookstore carrying it, but it never works out. Where can I order it?? I love your steady support and contributions to the world.

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      1. Rita: the only book store carrying it is Chapter One in Hamilton. I’ll mail it to the Happiness Project and it’ll get to you sooner or later! Please, a gift to a persevering writer!

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