Wishing Well

by Hannah Lizette   Jun 21, 2013


In the backwoods
lies a ghost of a river,
nothing but winding veins
and forlorn toads croaking
for droplets of rain.

Country pebbles miss
skinny dipping across
the open water,
balancing between
the fate of sink or swim.

--

He offered a penny for
her thoughts but she spent
it at the wishing well,

she baptized him with
her sorrow as he plucked
hymns on his guitar strings,

singing about their roots
and journey with an old
Kentucky prayer.

Britt's Dance Contest: Bonus; including Bolero, Viennese Waltz and Waltz.

Copyright 2013: Hannah K.

3


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Latest Comments

  • 10 years ago

    by Britt

    Judging comment:

    "The imagery here is what really gets me. Hannah Lizette seemingly took a view from her backyard and created a small masterpiece. I really feel like the last half of her poem (after the --'s) is what made this so strong for me. Very creative, very country, very emotional. I feel almost like I'm watching a country music video, thats how specific the images were for me, and it took me to a serene place where a woman in pain is missing something, longing for someone/thing and putting all her hopes into this wishing well. She's a dreamer, for sure. This is really an amazing piece of art!"

  • 10 years ago

    by Meme

    I am always a big fan of your poetry, especially to the ones that capture that amazing narrative style you have. You make it visible for the reader to see the settings of your poem, to hear the voices around, and to relate directly to the feelings that you put in each and every word you write.

    This is really a one of a kind poem :)

  • 10 years ago

    by Baby Rainbow

    Wow Hannah, you know I find your poems the hardest to comment on probably, from anyone on this site. I think because you blow me away with everything inside every one of your poems. You have the wording, the flow, the imagination and creativity, you have it all and write is so powerfully. I applaud you and think your talent is immense.

    Anyway- as for the poem, I love the setting of this, the ageing appears to be years back and yet the language is still present which I find interesting. It felt like I was reading a summary of a movie. Very nicely done.

  • 10 years ago

    by Autumn Leaves

    Hannah this poem is awesome, I will be back to make a better comment.

  • 10 years ago

    by Britt

    I did a little dance when I saw this poem come in, because I ABSOLUTELY LOVED IT. You took my breath away with a huge majority of your poems, and it made me wonder why I don't stalk your poetry already. Shame on me!

    "He offered a penny for
    her thoughts but she spent
    it at the wishing well, "

    I love this. You took a cliche and went somewhere with it.. instead of spending it on a dream (I've heard that a lot before), she took her thoughts and tossed them into wishes and hopes.. something we often do. Remain closed off. I really like how you worded this.

    Like MA said, this poem has such a country feel, which is probably why I felt so drawn to it. I love that instead of forest, you said backwoods. The words and scenery you use to describe things is such a genuine country feeling!

    "she baptized him with
    her sorrow as he plucked
    hymns on his guitar strings,"

    Can I just say, this is gorgeous? I love how you incorporated the instrument..interesting thought, too, baptizing someone with an emotion. I've never used that before and now I feel like I'm going to steal your brain. Yell at me if I do, this seems too original to take. lol

    "Country pebbles miss
    skinny dipping across
    the open water,"

    AHH.

    I really just love this entire poem. It is one of my top 3 from the contest from everyone. You really inspired me here.

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