Monday, March 11, 2013

The Morning After


When Dawn Harmon, President of the Missouri State Poetry Society and leader of the Crawford County Bombadils, sent out the writing prompt asking for poems that convinced readers something superstitious was real, I did not think I could do it. But I have just enough blarney in me, I tried anyway. Happy St. Patrick's Day!


              The Morning After 
I was always told the Little People weren't real,
That they hammered little shoes only in fairy tales,
But this morning I know better.
In a wakeful night under a milky moon,
I listened to them tap, tap, tapping their tiny toes
Way late into the night while I couldn't sleep.
I heard them dance, sing, and dance some more.
My own toes twitched while calves trembled to the tempo
Of the tin whistles and harps I could hear.
This morning my legs were sore from keeping time;
My mouth felt parched, possibly a dry drought from poteen.
I listened carefully for tunes or wooden hammers hitting 
                                            leather,
But the sun had already climbed the horizon.
So the Little People were burrowed away, snuggled 
                                           underground.
My fingers rubbed sleepy eyes as I pondered the stillness.
Maybe tonight I will slumber…but then again, maybe not.
I pick up a strange gold buckle from the floor…and smile.

6 comments:

Linda O'Connell said...

Well, Claudia this is spectacular! How do you do this so easily?

Susan said...

So cute Claudia! Great job! I think those little guys are around here too!Susan

Lynn said...

Love this Claudia! Makes me want to do an Irish jig.

Susan said...

p.s. on Wednesday....Hi Bookie! Regarding the fruit salad on my post today, just wanted to tell you there is no special dressing. I try to mix most of the fruits the day before and add lots of coconut. The natural juices all meld together.

Then, right before I serve it, I add more perishable fruits like raspberries and blackberries. Mmm mmm mmm Susan

BECKY said...

Claudia, you are SO talented! Love it!

Grandma Swift said...

I LOVE this!! I believe!