2024 NaPM 08 April

[RiverNotch]

Rules: Write a poem for national poetry month on the topic or form described. Each poem should appear as a separate reply to this thread. The goal is to, at the end of the month have written 30 poems for National Poetry Month.

Write about returning from exile.

FORM: Yesterday's "later" is actually today: the form you used for yesterday's prompt is the form you have to use now. Hope you didn't pick something too tough xD

[Mark A Becker]

No Place Like Home

all those miles she walked
made a ruin of her feet -
caught, and then flown back

but she's got nobody here
last year they were disappeared

men come for her now
all she can do is give in -
her cries unnoticed

her bloodied ears hear laughter
her last sight a barrel blast


(tanka into renga)

[TranquillityBase]

then came
Whitman's rescue
his fierce tongue drilling down
til our voices flowed, springs of bright song
reborn

[dukealien]

Repin


See, they did not expect Papa’s return
in felt boots, three toes lopped by blizzard-burn,
black rags and wretched beard.  They only learn
now of the end of exile’s long sojourn.

Their housekeeper is shocked but recognized
the master; wolfish children realized
they’re puppies once again.  Wife, not apprized,
stands fearful of the love she sorely prized.

See link in title, if you're not familiar with the painting

[RiverNotch]

Repin


See, they did not expect Papa’s return
in felt boots, three toes lopped by blizzard-burn,
black rags and wretched beard.  They only learn
now of the end of exile’s long sojourn.

Their housekeeper is shocked but recognized
the master; wolfish children realized
they’re puppies once again.  Wife, not apprized,
stands fearful of the love she sorely prized.

See link in title, if you're not familiar with the painting

Between this and "skull-hills", I'm starting to think you got the same book of Russian art I've had for years xD
(just in case, Vereshchagin: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Apotheosis_of_War)

[dukealien]

Repin


See, they did not expect Papa’s return
in felt boots, three toes lopped by blizzard-burn,
black rags and wretched beard.  They only learn
now of the end of exile’s long sojourn.

Their housekeeper is shocked but recognized
the master; wolfish children realized
they’re puppies once again.  Wife, not apprized,
stands fearful of the love she sorely prized.

See link in title, if you're not familiar with the painting

Between this and "skull-hills", I'm starting to think you got the same book of Russian art I've had for years xD
(just in case, Vereshchagin: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Apotheosis_of_War)

I was first exposed to Repin's work (via "They Did Not Expect Him") rather late, in Paul Johnson's "A History of Art."  Seemed like a natural for this prompt.

Skull pyramids, though, seem to be universal with conquerors.  The painting is a good example; the Aztecs seem to have uniquely (?) forced a rectilinear organization upon the practice with their tzompantli.

[RiverNotch]

Not every one who returns from exile
returns home. Some return to old habits
without the accustomed accoutrements,
the moringa tree on the corner or
the adoring mongrel ridden with mange,
while others forget themselves in the face
of an unchanging world, the spinster still
leaving leftovers for the street's stray cats---

[Wjames]

first bird
I saw this spring
was red and black in blue,
the warmth of blood and heat of night
return