*

*
Poetry is just the evidence of life. If your life is burning well, poetry is just the ash. Leonard Cohen

Monday, August 8, 2011

August Is Not

 Summer Evening, Edward Hopper, 1947

August is not a month for the meek
The incessant song of the cicadas has been known
to drive the weak of will to drink
and the weak of mind to madness
The pavonine petals of the proud tulips
have already succumbed
as have the other giddy blooms of spring
Only the most hardy, least demanding remain
to suck on the dust
and pretend it's rain
August is not a month for equivocation
There is no time for ambiguity; patience
ebbs as days grow shorter,
hotter
and the nights press down, heavy
with meaning and sweat.

submitted for Magpie Tales 77

22 comments:

Brian Miller said...

the nights press with meaning and sweat...got that right...it is my birthday though...in 2 weeks so...there is redeeming value to august...lol

Erratic Thoughts said...

Anguish of August summer is so evident...
Liked the lines "pretend it's rain"

not displayed said...

This is lovely, I will just substitute February for August in my head

JustRex said...

I had to look up "pavonine". Very good. I like that. And August is indeed a @#&@**!!

Lolamouse said...

darev2005: I learned it from the Word A Day site recently and just had to use it! Petrichor (the smell just after a rain) was another good one!

Scarlet said...

Nice one specially these lines:

"Only the most hardy, least demanding remain
to suck on the dust
and pretend it's rain
August is not a month for equivocation"

barbara said...

No equivocation. Maybe that is why I don't like August.

Louise said...

A powerful poem - solid in its truth. One of those poems which reaches out and grabs you, saying I'm here, and this is what I have to say.

Maude Lynn said...

This is a breathtaking write. Brilliant job on the rhythm. It flows perfectly.

Everyday Goddess said...

Love this!

Lyn said...

A sultry rhapsody..."the pavonine petals of the proud tulip"..somehow I want to remember that line, and impress someone with it!!

Christine said...

You don't even have to look on a calender to know it's August, it just has a feeling to it. You described this perfectly.

Linda Bob Grifins Korbetis Hall said...

what a divine piece.

August is a time for confession and communications, sadness will be lightened by the full moon.

blessings, hope all is well.

Trellissimo said...

suck on the dust
and pretend it's rain

Oo! Nasty! Great picture you painted.

Brian Miller said...

your link at dverse is down...let me know which you want to link and i will fix...

Doctor FTSE said...

This is great. Little to add to the 2 comments immediately above.
Now . . . Google>"pavonine"

Helena said...

Well worded, Lola. I've never liked August. Too hot. And that's from a Scottish point of view....! I'd never survive overseas!

....think I'll have that drink now.....!

Helen said...

Wow! The perfect description of August! Loved it.

Pat Tillett said...

A fantastic poem. the last few lines are amazing...

Steve Isaak said...

Superb versifying, my friend. =)

J Cosmo Newbery said...

Oooo... "heavy with meaning and sweat"...

Medic! Cold shower to Mr Newbery's cubicle!

The Blog of Bee said...

I didn't realize that August is such a disliked month but then again I suppose it's because I live in a tropical climate where months are much of a muchness even in the rainy season! I like this very much especially the last two lines.