The beach - prose. (Edit 2)
#1
The beach. Edit 2.
Before a wave breaks upon the shore, she sags in her defeat. From above, high blue shines his benevolence down on her and behind her the cliff face offers a sanctuary of shade, whilst on either side, her sisters sing uplifting songs. Stark, scrawling etch marks snake across her body and she makes no move to cover these; they echo her feelings of self revile. Upon her breast, scars bare open witness to her regret. Oily ooze collects in the gutters made by those who have defiled her. A used rag, lifeless, she lies abandoned. In the gutters of her condition, a miniature representation of her existence is played out, as grains of sand float like the crusted tears of a turtle, they collect and bind together in a gritty conglomerate caught in the cross wind of a recession, swirling in eddies and whirlpools of seemingly random chance, before they make a bid for their final goal and strike out for the other shore. From the depths within, tears without number coalesce, welling up to form a spring. Pushing past a countless multitude of individual sand grains, and making tract of confessional disclosure. First a trickle, then a stream – a constant flow. Drawn by a force unseen. Running over her defilement, down her face and sides,… filling the scars left by others who have mined into her being with shovels, seeking her treasure and have then built castles - edifices of ownership for their own self grandeur, placing the mark of their boot upon her neck,… colouring her pale and drawn complexion - a dark blush, of a passionate outpouring that will not be denied. Running over, running down; cutting a swath across all that has eroded her beauty. Like a breach in a dam, it will not be contained and in gathering assertiveness, the tide of tears smoothes a path through the debris and leads her thoughts back to the desire of her heart.
In the last rays of the evening light, Spreading pools collect, shallow mirrors formed by her tears, which reflect a secret identity, that glimmers and shines. The dark reflection, when held to her face, contains a view of high blue and yet is still definably her. This beauty surpasses all that she currently could be and gives a hint of deeper reservoirs. A promise of hiddeness yet to be discovered. Her check is cooled and caressed by a soft word carried on the wind. She responds. Reminded of things past and yet to come. Of a need, of a longing; a part of her, yet a separate identity. Again she hears a soft urging upon the wind. A word of imminent change. The wind has changed direction and she is lifted. There… she sees him,… rising and swelling to meet her, advancing with a boldness that swallows the distance between them. Tenderly he lays claim to each newly gained position. His advances leave her craving his touch, but with each stroke he temporarily withdraws. Unable to contain her desire for him, grains of longing are cut loose from her being and move back and forth in the delicate dance of Mahanaim - two camps joined. The lover and the loved. Joined together, her feet forever covered by the hem of his garment. Unwilling and unable to let go. Near even when drawn apart. Caressing her forgotten outer limits, he gives each and every part of her equal attention and like a homecoming, in a rush, it all comes back to her. The allure of him, his touch, his fragrance, his embrace. Like a leaf bud breaking out of its casket of darkness, she relives her last awakening. The initial cold tingle of semi fear at the first exposure, then the mingling warmth of love’s first touch. The burning, urgency of growth. The full and replete repose at love’s high tide. Then the encroaching darkness, that empty feeling as his presence ebbs, from which her memory hides. She opens herself up to him, the hem of her skirt lifting and falling in rhythm to his advances. They sigh in unison as they draw together and bond like chemical elements, melting one into the other. Now gathering himself, he breaks upon her awareness and within the flood comes identity. Again and again he breaks and invades her barriers and strongholds. Each fresh wave bringing revelation, forgotten treasure and vitality. He covers her and they are hidden together. Her desolation and barrenness removed. Clearing away the debris and shame, she shines, radiance leaping from her like a freshly cut gem brought into the light. The shallow pools are now deep wells of water, full of life and health. The crumbling edges of her boundaries have been strengthened and the gaps in her understanding made new. Every part of her being is restored and filled with intimacy. Every stone gently lifted and turned, every scar caressed and smoothed. A sifting through every layer, until she is known. Holding each other, totally immersed and intermingled. There they stay, but for the constant pull of his heavenly heart beat, which is ever drawing the event horizon of time to the turning point. For one perfect moment they hold each other in complete union. Each fully sated and requited. For nothing was withheld and no part was despised. For but one heart beat in eternity they are one; then almost imperceptibly at first, then more wretchedly so, they are pulled apart. The governing laws of this world and the order of things not in accord with their desires, their joined hearts not part of the equation. She is to be accountable and held once more, by that from which she stole and was stolen. But to whom does she belong? With his passing she has an inner glow that remains. No longer gutted and empty, but full and resplendent. Yet she weeps. Every sifted layer mourns and yearns for his return. How long will he be? Deep within she holds an impartation, a portion of him which she deeply treasures. Stored, in anticipation of the dry times to come, guarded and safe. A silver chord around her heart, a promised ring of gold. The weeping continues, and the walls of her wells begin to crumble and weaken. Yet there is still comfort. The feel of him, his scent and flavour, his touch, are all there encompassed and embodied within the stream; which cuts a swath across that which she is not.
(Written on Lady bay beach – Guernsey – 98)



The beach. Edit 1.
Before a wave breaks upon the shore, she sags, resigned in her defeat. From above, high blue shines his benevolence down upon her and behind her the cliff face offers a sanctuary of shade, whilst on either side, her sisters sing uplifting songs. Self revile is written in stark, scrawling etch marks across her flanks. Upon her breast, scars bare open witness to her regret. Oily ooze collects in the gutters made by those who have defiled her. Lifeless and listless she lies abandoned. In the gutters of her condition, a miniature representation of her existence is played out, as grains of sand float across the oily expanse, like the crusted tears of a turtle, they collect and bind together in a gritty conglomerate caught in the cross wind of a recession, swirling in eddies and whirlpools of random chance, before they make a bid for their final goal and strike out for the other shore. From the depths within, countless tears well up. Pushing past a countless multitude of individual sand grains, and making tract of confessional disclosure. First a trickle, then a stream – a constant flow. Drawn by a force unseen. Running over her defilement, down her face and sides, filling the scars left by sharp implements and boots, colouring her pale and drawn complexion - a dark blush, of a passionate outpouring that cannot not be held in. Running over, running down; cutting a swath across all that has eroded and covered her beauty. Like a breach in a dam, it will not be contained and in gathering assertiveness, the tide of tears smoothes a path through the debris and leads her thoughts back to the desire of her heart. In the last rays of the evening light, pools collect and reflect a secret identity, seen through the mirror which high blue holds to her face, her reflection glimmers and shines with a beauty that surpasses all that she currently could be. Deep reservoirs of a promise of hiddeness yet to be discovered. Her check is brushed and caressed by a soft word carried on the wind. She responds. Reminded of things past and yet to come. Of a need, of a longing; a part of her, yet a separate identity. (*) Again she hears a soft urging carried upon the wind. A word of imminent change. The wind has changed direction and she is lifted. There… she sees him,… rising and swelling to meet her, advancing with a boldness that swallows the distance between them. Tenderly her lays claim to each newly gained position. His advances leave her craving his touch, but with each stroke he temporarily withdraws. Unable to contain her desire for him, grains of longing are cut loose from her being and move back and forth in the delicate dance of Mahanaim - two camps joined. The lover and the loved. Joined together, her feet forever covered by the hem of his garment. Unwilling and unable to let go. Near even when drawn apart. Caressing her forgotten outer limits, he gives each and every part of her equal attention and like a homecoming, in a rush, it all comes back to her. The allure of him, his touch, his fragrance, his embrace. Like a leaf bud breaking out of its casket of darkness, she relives her last awakening. The initial cold tingle of semi fear at the first exposure, then the mingling warmth of loves first touch. The burning, urgent heat of growth. The full and replete repose at love’s high tide. Then the encroaching darkness, that empty feeling at his withdrawing, from which her memory hides. She opens herself up to him, the hem of her skirt lifting and falling in rhythm to his advances. They sigh in unison as they draw together and bond like chemical elements, melting one into the other. Now gathering himself, he breaks upon her awareness and within the flood comes identity. Again and again he breaks and invades her barriers and strongholds. Each fresh wave bringing revelation, forgotten treasure and vitality. He covers her and they are hidden together. Her desolation and barrenness removed. Clearing away the debris and shame, she glows and shines. The shallow pools are deep wells of water, full of life and health. The crumbling edges of her boundaries have been strengthened and the gaps in her understanding are made new. Every part of her being is restored and filled with intimacy. Every stone gently lifted and turned, every scar caressed and smoothed. A sifting through every layer, until she is known. Holding each other, totally immersed and intermingled. There they stay, but for the constant pull of his celestial heart beat, which is ever drawing the event horizon of time to the turning point. For one perfect moment they hold each other in complete union. Each fully sated and requited. For nothing was withheld and no part was despised. For but one heart beat in eternity they are one; then almost imperceptibly at first, then more wretchedly so, they are pulled apart. The governing laws of this world and the order of things not in accord with their desires, their joined hearts not part of the equation. She is to be accountable and held once more, by that from which she stole and was stolen. But to whom does she belong? With his passing she glows and shines. No longer gutted and empty, but full and resplendent. Yet she weeps. Every sifted layer mourns and yearns for his return. How long will he be? Deep within she hides a portion of him retained. Stored in anticipation of the dry times to come. A treasure within. The weeping continues, and the walls of her wells begin to crumble and weaken. Yet there is still comfort. The feel of him, his scent and flavour, his touch, are all there encompassed and embodied within the stream; which cuts a swath across that which she is not.
(Written on Lady bay beach – Guernsey – 98)


(* - Still might need to supply extra images here as suggested by Todd, but got stuck on this section so i've posted what i've got to date. - Found it harder to do the edit than i did the original write!).



The beach (original post)
Part 1.
Before a wave breaks upon the shore, she bares her scars and defilement upon her breast. Lifeless and listless she lies abandoned and from the depths, from the pain within wells up countless tears. First a trickle, then a stream – a constant flow. Drawn by a force unseen. Running over her defilement. Running over, running down; cutting a swath across that which she is not. In the last rays of the evening sun, a faint glimmer, a trace of a secret identity is reflected from the collective of her tears. Reservoirs, through which, she unconsciously shows her true colours and a promise of hiddeness yet to be discovered. The wind whispers to her and she responds. Reminded of things past and yet to come. Of a need, of a longing; a part of her, yet a separate identity. Again she hears a call. Speaking of change, an announcement of imminent arrival and she is lifted….there… she sees him, rising and swelling to meet her. The lover and the loved. Made for each other. Joined together, each a vital part of the other; so that, even when split asunder, each holds a portion of their lover. Unwilling and unable to let go. Near even when drawn apart. Tenderly he speaks to her, caressing her outer limits; and like a homecoming, in a rush, it all comes back to her. The allure of him; his touch, his fragrance, his embrace. They share a familiarity and so she opens herself up to him, the hem of her skirt lifting and falling in rhythm to his advances. Unable to resist each other, they sigh in unison. Now gathering himself, he breaks upon her awareness and within the flood comes identity. Again and again he breaks and invades her barriers and strongholds. Each fresh wave bringing revelation, forgotten treasure and vitality. He covers her and they are hidden together. Her desolation and barrenness removed. Every part of her being is restored and filled with intimacy. No stone left unturned, no scar left un-caressed; a sifting through every layer, until she is known, she is complete. There they stay, but for the gentle pull of passing time. Holding each other, total immersion and intermingling. Each fully sated and requited. For nothing was withheld and no part was despised. For but one heart beat in eternity they are one; then almost imperceptibly at first, then more wretchedly so, they are pulled apart. The governing laws of this world and the order of things not in accord with their desires, their joined hearts not part of the equation. She is to be returned from that which she stole and was stolen. But to whom does she belong? With his passing she glows and shines. No longer gutted and empty, but full and resplendent. Yet she weeps from deep within. Every sifted layer mourns and yearns for his return. How long will he be?....She knows not. Deep within her depths she hides a secret – a portion of him retained. Stored in anticipation of the dry times to come. Hoarded, guarded, protected and safe – a treasure within. The weeping continues, sapping her strength. Yet even within the pain and tears there is comfort. The feel of him, his scent and flavour, his touch, are all there encompassed and embodied within the stream; which cuts a swath across that which she is not.
(Written on Lady bay beach – Guernsey – 98)

This is an addition to my original post.
A couple of weeks ago we discussed poetry / prose and I mentioned that i use prose as a free flow thought process to get into poetry sometimes.
This is one of those pieces. The pantoum below is one of the first posts i made ( in the poetry practice pages).
As it is a series of pieces i wondered if anyone would be kind enough to give me some lead as to which form works best in their opinions. The prose of the poetry.

The beach.

Lifeless and listless she lies.
A swath seen - a trickle, a small stream.
In deep sorrow she cries.
Drawn by a force un-seen.

A swath. Seen, a trickle and small stream.
Cutting accross a barren place.
Drawn by a force un-seen.
The lover remembered in touch, smell and taste.

Cutting accross a barren place
There he is! She hears him call.
The lover remembered, touch, smell and taste.
Rising and swelling, upon her awarness he falls.

There he is, she hears him call.
Barriers broken. Her skirts moved by his motivation.
Rising and swelling - upon her awarness he falls.
With each new wave; restoration and fresh revelation.

Barriers broken, her skirts moved. By his motivation
her defilment is soothed. No stone unturned, no scar un-caressed.
With each new wave, restoration and fresh revelation.
Intimately known. Immersed and intermingled. Fully possessed.

Her defilement is soothed, no stone unturned, no scar uncaressed.
In him there is life, upon this she is dependant.
Intimateley known, immersed and intermingled, fully possessed.
She glows and shines. Full and resplendant.

In him there is life and upon this she is dependant.
Wretchedly. Imperceptably, they are pulled apart.
She glows and shines, full and resplendant.
From deep within she starts to weep. Her lover stole her heart.

Wretchedly, imperceptably, they are pulled apart.
Lifeless and listless she lies.
From deep within she starts to weep - her lover stole her heart.
In deep sorrow she cries.
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#2
(02-01-2013, 04:46 PM)cidermaid Wrote:  The beach
Part 1.
Before a wave breaks upon the shore, she bares her scars and defilement upon her breast. <<< I love the music of this. introducing pain but swingingly, if i make sense.>>>
Lifeless and listless she lies abandoned and from the depths, from the pain within wells up countless tears. <<< the -less reptition : jazzy. dig it. and bluesy. You got me. ,-) >>> First a trickle, then a stream – a constant flow.ok. Drawn by a force unseen.this reader would have wished for a force seen. Running over her defilement. Running over, running down; cutting a swath across that which she is not. <<< slightly cryptic: is that a fear?
In the last rays of the evening sun, a faint glimmer<<< faint glimmer is a bit tautological or - which would be worse cliché ,-). why not sth rebellious here like: a yelling glimmer? sth like that , a trace of a secret identity is reflected from the collective of her tears. Reservoirs, through which, she unconsciously shows her true colours and a promise of hiddeness yet to be discovered. <<< here I would omit: her true colors. Because: first it is cliché and secondly it is unnecessary.The wind whispers to her and she responds. Reminded of things past and yet to come. Of a need, of a longing; a part of her, yet a separate identity. Again she hears a call. Speaking of change, an announcement of imminent arrival <<< announcement sounds a bit pompous: scream won't do? and she is lifted….there… she sees him, rising and swelling to meet her. The lover and the loved. Made for each other. Joined together, each a vital part of the other; so that, even when split asunder, each holds a portion of their lover. Unwilling and unable to let go. Near even when drawn apart. Tenderly he speaks to her, caressing her outer limits;<<< love: carressing her outer limits! and like a homecoming, in a rush, it all comes back to her. <<< that too.The allure of him; his touch, his fragrance, his embrace. They share a familiarity and so she opens herself up to him, the hem of her skirt lifting and falling in rhythm to his advances. Unable to resist each other, they sigh in unison. Now gathering himself, he breaks upon her awareness and within the flood comes identity. Again and again he breaks and invades her barriers and strongholds. Each fresh wave bringing revelation, forgotten treasure and vitality. He covers her and they are hidden together. Her desolation and barrenness removed. Every part of her being is restored and filled with intimacy. No stone left unturned, no scar left un-caressed; a sifting through every layer, until she is known, she is complete. There they stay, but for the gentle pull of passing time. Holding each other, total immersion and intermingling. Each fully sated and requited. For nothing was withheld and no part was despised. For but one heart beat in eternity they are one; then almost imperceptibly at first, then more wretchedly so, they are pulled apart. The governing laws of this world and the order of things not in accord with their desires, their joined hearts not part of the equation. She is to be returned from that which she stole and was stolen. But to whom does she belong? With his passing she glows and shines. No longer gutted and empty, but full and resplendent. Yet she weeps from deep within. Every sifted layer mourns and yearns for his return. How long will he be?....She knows not. Deep within her depths she hides a secret – a portion of him retained. Stored in anticipation of the dry times to come. Hoarded, guarded, protected and safe – a treasure within. The weeping continues, sapping her strength. Yet even within the pain and tears there is comfort. The feel of him, his scent and flavour, his touch, are all there encompassed and embodied within the stream; which cuts a swath across that which she is not.
(Written on Lady bay beach – Guernsey – 98)

I decided to stop commenting where I stopped. I loved reading this.
I also envy you for having been to Guernsey.
This is a first feedback only. I'd love to go on but only if you want it. ,-)
cheers
serge
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#3
(02-01-2013, 06:10 PM)serge gurkski Wrote:  I decided to stop commenting where I stopped. I loved reading this.
I also envy you for having been to Guernsey.
This is a first feedback only. I'd love to go on but only if you want it. ,-)
cheers
serge

Would love some further comments these are very helpful. Thank you. (I hope this doesn't spoil it..but will just mention when written was intended as a two way allegory).

we lived on Guernsey for 18mths. sort of love hate thing for me. Loved the beach life - being able to walk the beach all seasons was amazing. Hate the sense of claustrophobia the high population on the island gave me. (Went from 27mile to a supermarket in Devon to the whole island is only 3 x 7 miles...did my head in).
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#4
(02-01-2013, 07:53 PM)cidermaid Wrote:  
(02-01-2013, 06:10 PM)serge gurkski Wrote:  I decided to stop commenting where I stopped. I loved reading this.
I also envy you for having been to Guernsey.
This is a first feedback only. I'd love to go on but only if you want it. ,-)
cheers
serge

Would love some further comments these are very helpful. Thank you. (I hope this doesn't spoil it..but will just mention when written was intended as a two way allegory).

we lived on Guernsey for 18mths. sort of love hate thing for me. Loved the beach life - being able to walk the beach all seasons was amazing. Hate the sense of claustrophobia the high population on the island gave me. (Went from 27mile to a supermarket in Devon to the whole island is only 3 x 7 miles...did my head in).

Guernsey klaustrophobia. Now, now that would be sth. ,-)
No, seriously: i did read a bit further down (and liked) but not sure if to spill it out here. I will, I guess. When I critique I am often insecure if i may not hurt bc that is never my intention. I know it is an allegory (I write,too. ,-) ). Not the point.
what I like esp. is that you introducd prose. ;-)
cheers

serge

and like a homecoming, in a rush, it all comes back to her. <<< that too.The allure of him; his touch, his fragrance, his embrace. They share a familiarity <<< I like this. and so she opens herself up to him, the hem of her skirt lifting and falling in rhythm to his advances. << Unable to resist each other, they sigh in unison. <<< would skip : unable to resist each other. Now gathering himself, he breaks upon her awareness and within the flood comes identity.<<< a bit too sophisticated. Forgive me. ,-) Again and again he breaks and invades her barriers and strongholds<<< my rewrite: again and again he breaks her barriers.. Each fresh wave bringing revelation, forgotten treasure and vitality. <<< I like “forgotten treasure but would skip this sentence. He covers her and they are hidden together. <<< like this. Her desolation and barrenness removed. <<< her bareness removed. Every part of her being is restored and filled with intimacy. No stone left unturned, <<< I would skip this and go on with:no scar left un-caressed, but maybe rather: all of her scars caressed.; a sifting through every layer, until she is known, she is complete.<<< would skip: she is complete. I find; until she is known very strong. Kudos. There they stay, but for the gentle pull of passing time. Holding each other, total immersion and intermingling.<<< would reduce this to: total immersion. Each fully sated and requited.<<< would throw this out: redundant. For nothing was withheld and no part was despised. <<
---

The next part is crucial so i take my time commenting.
cheers
serge

"No part was despised. <<< this makes me thinking. No suspicion. Just thinking.
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#5
I'd like to read this when I get some food in me. There's something about not eating for a few days that makes a man a bit self-centred.

I have to read prose differently than I do verse. Sometimes even if it's a prose poem.

Later tonight or this weekend.
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#6
Like with everything, this reminds me of a personal anecdote. And I'm doing my best to cut myself out of it, so I can just comment on the poem.

I said I needed to eat. But the problem with that is: whenever I have enough money to eat, I get drunk too. Then I make a fool out of myself.

"For but one heart beat in eternity they are one; then almost imperceptibly at first, then more wretchedly so..." That is the inexcusable story of my life, part 2.

I'll get back to this. The last time I was on the beach, it was in New Jersey, and I got kicked off. I'm going to go listen to my Neil Young album: On the Beach; then I'm going to come back and read this for the fifth time.

Well I can say I like it because it reminds me of so many things.

"They share a familiarity and so she opens herself up to him, the hem of her skirt lifting and falling in rhythm to his advances."

Who cares about all the dames wearing bikinis?
There's nothing like a skirt lifting and falling.
I wear a suit everywhere I go. I don't know what girls think about that.

I'll get back. It's freezing cold over here, and the beach is reminding me of some things you might not want to hear.
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#7
"Drawn by a force unseen. Running over her defilement."

Lines like that it the prose seem too stiff. It doesn't run smoothly when it comes to those sort of lines. Do you get that feeling? If you do, do you feel it about any of the other lines in it? It has enough good content to make a smooth prose poem.
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#8
Please know that my comments are only one reader's take on your text. I maybe completely wrong and want you to just take what makes sense to you.
I liked reading your text.

I did not get tour pantoumes. I would need more time for it. Maybe next weekend.

(the rest of my critiqueSmile

and like a homecoming, in a rush, it all comes back to her. <<< that too. The allure of him; his touch, his fragrance, his embrace. They share a familiarity <<< I like this. and so she opens herself up to him, the hem of her skirt lifting and falling in rhythm to his advances. <<Unable to resist each other, they sigh in unison. <<< would skip : unable to resist each other. Now gathering himself, he breaks upon her awareness and within the flood comes identity.<<< a bit too sophisticated, though I get it. Hm? Again and again he breaks and invades her barriers and strongholds<<< my rewrite: again and again he breaks her barriers.. Each fresh wave bringing revelation, forgotten treasure and vitality. <<< I like “forgotten treasure but would skip this sentence. A bit too wordy perhaps? He covers her and they are hidden together. <<< like this. This is really good. Her desolation and barrenness removed. <<< her bareness removed. Every part of her being is restored and filled with intimacy. No stone left unturned, <<< I would skip this and go on with: no scar left un-caressed .<<< but maybe rather: all of her scars caressed.; a sifting through every layer, until she is known, she is complete. <<< I would omit this sentence. There they stay, but for the gentle pull of passing time. <<< like a lot: gentle pull of passing time. Holding each other, total immersion and intermingling. Each fully sated and requited. <<< I would kill these sentences. For nothing was withheld and no part was despised. <<< Just: Nothing was withheld, no part despised.

Now comes the crucial part:


For but one heart beat in eternity they are one <<< you do not need “but” here. ; then almost imperceptibly at first, then more wretchedly so, they are pulled apart. <<< I would prefer something like: Imperceptible at first they are pulled apart )or: torn. The governing laws of this world and the order of things not in accord with their desires,<<< the order of things ( relates back to Michel Foucault (Les mots et les choses- a pivotal text of post-modernism and fits here. See my link below. their joined hearts not part of the equation. <<< their joined (hm?) , maybe: communing hearts (sth like that) are not part of the equation,

She is to be returned from that which she stole and was stolen. But to whom does she belong? With his passing she glows and shines. No longer gutted and empty, but full and resplendent.
<<< I tend to wrap this whole paragraph. E.g. like that: She wants to be returned to what she stole.
Yet she weeps from deep within. <<< Yet is not necessary, I think. Every sifted layer mourns and yearns for his return. How long will he be? <<< I would add : here.....She knows not. <<< you do not need this. Deep within her depths she hides a secret – a portion of him retained. <<< Stored in anticipation of the dry times to come.<<< stored for dry times. Hoarded, guarded, protected and safe – a treasure within.
The weeping continues, sapping her strength. <<< fine! Yet even within the pain and tears there is comfort. <<< there is comfort in her tears .

The feel of him, his scent and flavour, his touch, are all there encompassed and embodied within the stream; which cuts a swath across that which she is not.
<<< The feel of him, his scent, his touch, his flavor cuts right through her, not herself.
(Written on Lady bay beach – Guernsey – 98)

-----------
Michel Foucault: The Order of Things
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Order_of_Things
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#9
Hi Serge,
Thanks for all the time and work you have put into reading and offering feedback on this one. really appreciate your effort.
I will spend some time chewing over the suggestions and ideas you have offered. (I'm a bit of a slow editor so...might be gone some time!)
Thanks AJ.
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#10
you are very welcome.
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#11
Hi Cidermaid
I would say firstly I thought both pieces where outstanding the voice is soft and gently and you use aliteration to make it sing, this is a great effect, Serge has done a fantastic job with the feedback, so I will offer my opinion to the question posed over poem or prose.
I have to say I enjoyed the pantoum slightly more, as I felt the repetition stamped down the recalled lovers theme thus adding clarity to the weaving of beach and lovers longing. To produce both pieces to such a standard is a real achievement thank you.
Keith

If your undies fer you've been smoking through em, don't peg em out
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#12
Hi AJ,

I'm struggling with how I want to approach these comments. I've seen good allegories done poetically and in prose. If you were to go poetically, I think sticking with something without a refrain that followed a simple rhyme scheme abab might be the way to go. The refrain may get in the way of telling an allegorical story. It could be that I find the pantoum too restrictive. If you had a single repeating refrain like the kyrielle perhaps you could simulate the separation like waves lapping against the shore and build the distance stanza over stanza. I would consider sticking with the prose for know nailing down all the ideas and transitions and then experiment at converting it over to a poem.

To the prose: Before I give you line comments below, let me go over some more general comments. I think allegories work best with simple language and painting a scene for the hearers. My general thought is to simplify this somewhat and set the scene a little more firmly from the beginning. Since this is part of a larger piece I may make suggestions that are not helpful or that are so outside your style that they are inappropriate, so weigh all this accordingly.

Here goes:

(02-01-2013, 04:46 PM)cidermaid Wrote:  The beachSo, we open with a title that fixes a location in our minds. While this could mean that we don't need as much in the way of setting, I still feel I want a little more of that.
Part 1.
Before a wave breaks upon the shore,--Nice opening phrase, it builds a slight tension and it serves to say this is the baseline before change happens. You could chose to add a few more lines to help the reader picture the beach (the sounds, the smells, a view from on high, etc) she bares her scars and defilement upon her breast.--again this feels a little quick. This is also a little telling even in an allegory I would prefer to see her doing something or have more evocative language expressing scars and defilement (something in her expression, posture, or manner of dress perhaps). Lifeless and listless she lies abandoned--like the alliterative elements. This could be another opportunity to introduce the grit of the sand on her body, the slight abrasion of how it feels and from the depths, from the pain--the act of crying is fine I would cut from the pain as its too leading. The tears will show that something like this is going on within wells up countless tears. First a trickle, then a stream – a constant flow.--I like this phrasing Drawn by a force unseen. Running over her defilement.--What does this defilement look like? Is there an image she could be running over? Is the sand the color of bone perhaps? Is it something you could imply? Also, Something more direct She runs as if drawn by an unseen force. Runs across sand colored like the bones of her past...not saying that's great just trying to be clear Running over, running down; cutting a swath across that which she is not.--I like cutting a swath. I'm not a fan of that which she is not. It seems cryptic. I'd like something more direct here as well. In the last rays of the evening sun, a faint glimmer, a trace of a secret identity is reflected from the collective of her tears.--Is there a way you could condense this. It seems that your trying to say that in the blur of tears and in what might be a trick of the fading light that she is different than she appears. That's all good. I like some of the phrasing it just seems to need paring down at the end. Allegories tend to work best when they present a clean picture and the reader says aha If Aslan is Christ than the Stone Table must be the Law and its stone to remind me of the tablets of Moses. This needs to be a bit tighter in my opinion to have that sort of moment with the reader Reservoirs, through which, she unconsciously shows her true colours--the cliche draws attention to itself and a promise of hiddeness yet to be discovered.--This feels one layer away from being as direct as it needs to be. The wind whispers to her and she responds.--This sentence is much closer to the immediacy I think I would like to see here. Reminded of things past and yet to come. Of a need, of a longing; a part of her, yet a separate identity. --This may not work for you but I'd like more specific examples or mini scenes here to draw me in Again she hears a call. Speaking of change, an announcement of imminent arrival and she is lifted….there…--I don't know if I'm explaining this right AJ but this has the "I'm going to ask you a question" and here's the question feel to it. It feels like it lacks immediacy she sees him, rising and swelling to meet her.--I like the use of swelling here you may want to tie in more of the waves themselves into the language and the image The lover and the loved.--Nice tight phrasing Made for each other.--a bit cliche Joined together, --consider condensing "Joined together so that each a vital part of the other; so that, even when split asunder, each holds a portion of their lover. Unwilling and unable to let go. Near even when drawn apart.--These last two lines have good tight phrasing to them. Tenderly he speaks to her,--You could cut to her caressing her outer limits--Outer limits is a little vague; and like a homecoming, in a rush, it all comes back to her.--I like all this The allure of him; his touch, his fragrance, his embrace.--I'd like this to lock onto some more specific detail. Maybe a memory replayed that she should have remembered but inexplicably forgot They share a familiarity and--I think you could cut this opening phrase and just get to the result of her opening to him so she opens herself up to him, the hem of her skirt lifting and falling in rhythm to his advances.--that is a nice image with good phrasing Unable to resist each other--something that shows this rather than tells it, they sigh in unison.--nice Now gathering himself, he breaks upon her awareness and within the flood comes identity.--I don't mind this. I know I've gotten critical on some of the phrasing, but this does work Again and again he breaks and invades her barriers and strongholds. Each fresh wave bringing revelation, forgotten treasure and vitality.--nice inclusion of image with statement He covers her and they are hidden together.--That's nice Her desolation and barrenness removed.--I'd like to see this with some visual imagery rather than be told. It's like when they say clothed in rags and then later in stunning white garments. I'd like more visual here Every part of her being is restored and filled with intimacy.--Not trying to harp on this, but more visual please No stone left unturned--If you are going to use the cliche than tweak it a little. I like it with the no scar line but I don't think you want the cliche just said as it is, no scar left un-caressed--should this be hypenated?; a sifting through every layer, until she is known, she is complete.--You may not need the she is complete. Ending on known gives a sexual allusion (i.e., adam knew his wife) Complete could be implied in this context. There they stay, but for the gentle pull of passing time.--Maybe play with the imagery here a little you already imply it a bit ...but for the gentle pull of time's passing tide...maybe Holding each other, total immersion and intermingling. Each fully sated and requited.--this could also probably be added to the previous phrasing as part of a series For nothing was withheld and no part was despised. For but one heart beat in eternity they are one--this is nice though you might be able to tighten it slightly; then almost imperceptibly at first, then more wretchedly so, they are pulled apart. The governing laws of this world and the order of things not in accord with their desires, their joined hearts not part of the equation.--I like this progression She is to be returned from that which she stole and was stolen.--interesting thought though there might be more evocative word choices than returned. But to whom does she belong? With his passing she glows and shines.--like the image of Moses behind the veil wearing at first to shield the glory from the people and later because the glory had faded No longer gutted and empty, but full and resplendent. Yet she weeps from deep within--Probably stronger ending the thought on weeps. Every sifted layer mourns and yearns for his return. How long will he be?....She knows not.--I'd consider cutting She knows not. It feels like awkward syntax and pulls me a little out of the moment Deep within her depths--you don't need her depths she hides a--Maybe this instead of a secret – a portion of him retained--nice. Stored in anticipation of the dry times to come--nice allusion to a famine to being alone. Hoarded, guarded, protected and safe – a treasure within.--I don't know if you actually need all this. I think you've already said this simply with the dry times ahead part The weeping continues, sapping her strength.--something more visual than the cliche of sapping strength. Some image to show us this weakening Yet even within the pain and tears there is comfort.--Maybe more simply: Yet still there is comfort The feel of him, his scent and flavour, his touch, are all there encompassed and embodied within the stream; which cuts a swath across that which she is not.
(Written on Lady bay beach – Guernsey – 98)
I feel like the first thing to address is making the story more visual which is the stock and trade of allegories. After that, you look toward the symbols and the meanings. I think you've got something interesting that can be developed. Hopefully the comments above will be helpful.

Best,

Todd
The secret of poetry is cruelty.--Jon Anderson
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#13
I find the idea of writing pantoums (sp?) quite interesting. Must confess though, that I will need more background knowledge to feel (somewhat) qualified to try comment in a meaningful way.
Reply
#14
Thanks for the contiuing support Serge

Todd - wow! Thank you for all of your input. Ok, between your notes and Serge's thoughts, it looks like I need to do a major re-write.
I spotted your reply late last night and have got up an hour earlier to make a start on this. (Back to my old habits instead of trying to write at the weekends - thanks for this as well, I needed to get out of the rut I’ve been in for some time).
Couple of questions: You do not think that straying too far away from the physical aspects, this early in the dialog will be confusing? (A bit like the individual characters of the children are initially set in normal settings before they go through the wardrobe). I had set this out as a sort of intro to draw people into a picture (with a few hits on the hearts strings I hoped) and just a small amount of personification of the beach. It was my intent to then launch into the Narnia type experience from the initial first view from the description of a physical beach. You obviously think I should go for it from the outset and depart from this concept. (I'm going to be getting on with this immediately and not wait on an answer as such - I'm just post explaining the text above a bit more before I change it for comparison purposes on the edit). As it stands at the moment each of the parts of this series introduces another character in / area of her life and her persona and life story is slowly disclosed throughout. Also this was only meant to be a short story style piece. I'm concerned that if I expand too many details in my intro it will end up as a book. (The other sections get progressively longer already). I'm not saying a longer version is the wrong idea...just putting it out there as a point.

(I am highly excited that you would use CS Lewis Narnia series as a reference point to discuss this in context with. If I had to choose someone I would most like to be compared to or capable of emulating...I know you did no such thing but even a mention on the same page is enough for now).

Thank you so much to both Serge and Todd for all the notes you have given me. Off to work work now...just wanted to show my gratitude on the thread before i go AJ

Ok here is a start to an edit. (If anyone is watching yes i've changed the post from what I put up earlier...I'm really struggling with this edit...hated the first effort).
I wanted to post what i've done before I do any further work, to get some feed back on the changes made / tone taken. I'm not sure I haven't lost something in how I've handled this.
Be intersted to hear some quick thoughts. I've introduced a couple of the other characters into the text and tried to fill out with some images.
Thanks for the help AJ.

The Beach.
Before a wave breaks upon the shore, she sags, resigned in her defeat. From above, high blue shines his benevolence down upon her and behind her the cliff face offers her a shady sanctuary, whilst her sisters sing uplifting songs on either side of her. Self revile is written in stark, scrawling etch marks across her flanks, upon her breast, scars bare an open witness to her regret. Oily ooze collects in the gutters made by those who have defiled her. Lifeless and listless she lies abandoned. Chafing against the boundaries she is forced to exist within and her own limitations. In the gutters of her condition, a miniature representation of her existence is played out, as grains of sand float across the oily expanse, like the crusted tears of a turtle, they collect and bind together in a gritty conglomerate caught in the cross wind of a recession, swirling in eddies and whirlpools of random chance, before they make a bid for their final goal and strike out for the other shore. From the depths within, countless tears well up. Pushing past a countless multitude individual sand grains, and making tract of confessional disclosure to her condition. First a trickle, then a stream – a constant flow. Drawn by a force unseen. Running over her defilement, down her face and sides, filling the scars left by sharp implements and boots, colouring her pale and drawn complexion - a dark blush, of a passionate outpouring that cannot not be held in. Running over, running down; cutting a swath across all that has eaten and covered her beauty. Like a breach in a dam it will not be contained and in gathering assertiveness, the tide of tears smoothes a path through the debris and leads her thoughts back to the desire of her heart. In the last rays of the evening light, pools collect and reflect a secret identity, seen through the mirror which high blue holds to her face, her reflection glimmers and shines with a beauty that surpasses all that she currently could be. Deep reservoirs of a promise of hiddeness yet to be discovered. Her check is brushed and caressed by a soft word carried on the wind. She responds.
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#15
Posted an edit up at top of thread.

Not convinced I have done such a great job. I feel like I have lost a lot of swing and tune out of the flow, but will wait for any comments to come in before I take to the gin.

Thanks for your time and help AJ
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#16
no time right now but will come back, I have not yet read Todd's indepth critique.

Well, ok: perused your edit a bit. It looks promising.
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#17
Hey AJ,

Yeah edits are usually tougher than the original write. Some comments on this for you:

(02-01-2013, 04:46 PM)cidermaid Wrote:  The beach. Edit 1.
Before a wave breaks upon the shore, she sags, resigned--I wonder if resigned is necessary. Would she sags in her defeat get you there too. Just a thought in her defeat. From above, high blue shines his benevolence down upon her--upon her may be unnecessary and behind her the cliff face offers a sanctuary of shade, whilst on either side, her sisters sing uplifting songs.--no real issues with the rest of this opening. It reads smoothly. Self revile is written in stark, scrawling etch marks across her flanks.--A couple quick things while I realize that it is technically correct to use flanks for a person. I tend to associate the word more often with an animal. I'd consider, though this is probably pure preference on my part, a substitution. Also, self revile is written feels like awkward phrasing. I get the sense that she has cut herself repeatedly. Revile usually implies words being used against someone. I don't get the sense she's carving words upon herself just marks. Marked with the scars of her own self-hatred maybe or something to that effect. Upon her breast, scars bare open witness to her regret.--this part here might be adequate. Oily ooze collects in the gutters--gutters might be right but feels a little off for a beach. I think of home gutters. What I should probably think of are those half buried pipes that carry away waste (not sure what they're called, but I've seen them on beaches enough. Here's where you tell me those are gutters Todd Smile made by those who have defiled her. Lifeless and listless--I would just use one descriptor. I think listless gets you there she lies abandoned. In the gutters of her condition, a miniature representation of her existence is played out, as grains of sand float across the oily expanse,--Oily has already been mentioned. I don't think you need the repetition. like the crusted tears of a turtle,--I like this image they collect and bind together in a gritty conglomerate caught in the cross wind of a recession, swirling in eddies and whirlpools of random chance--Maybe, in seeming random chance, before they make a bid for their final goal and strike out for the other shore. From the depths within, countless tears well up. Pushing past a countless multitude of individual sand grains, and making tract of confessional disclosure.--You could possibly cut from the depths within. You could also do away with the second instance of countless since multitude alone gets you there First a trickle, then a stream – a constant flow. Drawn by a force unseen. Running over her defilement, down her face and sides, filling the scars left by sharp implements--More specific, something common knife/razor and something uncommon paper clip whatever and boots, colouring her pale and drawn complexion--again if you can try to settle on one modifier - a dark blush, of a passionate outpouring that cannot not be held in.--The double negative causes us to pause in the reading. Maybe more simple a dark blush that cannot be hidden Running over, running down; cutting a swath across all that has eroded and covered her beauty.--Maybe simplify after all...her eroded beauty Like a breach in a dam, it will not be contained and in gathering assertiveness, the tide of tears smoothes a path through the debris and leads her thoughts back to the desire of her heart. In the last rays of the evening light, pools--Maybe more specifically tide pools collect and reflect a secret identity, seen through the mirror which high blue holds to her face, her reflection --I like this but it feels like it would be more effective pared down a little after identity maybe a glimmer that shines (and continue from there) glimmers and shines with a beauty that surpasses all that she currently could be. Deep reservoirs of a promise of hiddeness yet to be discovered.--I think "of promise" cut of hiddeness Her check is brushed and caressed--caressed should be enough by a soft word carried on the wind. She responds. Reminded of things past and yet to come. Of a need, of a longing; a part of her, yet a separate identity. (*) Again she hears a soft urging carried--don't think you need carried here upon the wind. A word of imminent change. The wind has changed direction and she is lifted. There… she sees him,… rising and swelling to meet her, advancing with a boldness that swallows the distance between them. Tenderly her--typo lays claim to each newly gained position. His advances leave her craving his touch, but with each stroke he temporarily withdraws. Unable to contain her desire for him, grains of longing are cut loose from her being and move back and forth in the delicate dance of Mahanaim - two camps joined. The lover and the loved. Joined together, her feet forever covered by the hem of his garment.--Nice touch. Nice allusion to the woman with the issue of blood Unwilling and unable to let go. Near even when drawn apart. Caressing her forgotten outer limits, he gives each and every part of her equal attention and like a homecoming, in a rush, it all comes back to her. The allure of him, his touch, his fragrance, his embrace. Like a leaf bud breaking out of its casket of darkness, she relives her last awakening. The initial cold tingle of semi fear at the first exposure, then the mingling warmth of loves--love's first touch. The burning, urgent heat--you don't need burning if you have heat of growth. The full and replete repose at love’s high tide. Then the encroaching darkness, that empty feeling at his withdrawing--maybe keep with the imagery as his presence ebbs, from which her memory hides. She opens herself up to him, the hem of her skirt lifting and falling in rhythm to his advances. They sigh in unison as they draw together and bond like chemical elements, melting one into the other. Now gathering himself, he breaks upon her awareness and within the flood comes identity. Again and again he breaks and invades her barriers and strongholds. Each fresh wave bringing revelation, forgotten treasure and vitality. He covers her and they are hidden together. Her desolation and barrenness removed. Clearing away the debris and shame, she glows and shines.--I know I'm a broken record glows and shines doesn't add enough difference to justify both being there The shallow pools are --now deep wells of water, full of life and health. The crumbling edges of her boundaries have been strengthened and the gaps in her understanding are--can probably cut are made new. Every part of her being is restored and filled with intimacy. Every stone gently lifted and turned, every scar caressed and smoothed. A sifting through every layer, until she is known. Holding each other, totally immersed and intermingled. There they stay, but for the constant pull of his celestial heart beat--in this case probably one word heartbeat, which is ever drawing the event horizon of time to the turning point. For one perfect moment they hold each other in complete union. Each fully sated and requited. For nothing was withheld and no part was despised. For but one heart beat in eternity they are one; then almost imperceptibly at first, then more wretchedly so, they are pulled apart. The governing laws of this world and the order of things not in accord with their desires, their joined hearts not part of the equation. She is to be accountable and held once more, by that from which she stole and was stolen. But to whom does she belong? With his passing she glows and shines.--Not liking the exact repetition here No longer gutted and empty, but full and resplendent. Yet she weeps. Every sifted layer mourns and yearns for his return.--again a lot of ____ and _____ construction. I'm not saying it can't work but in each case can one word do the work of both? How long will he be? Deep within she hides a portion of him retained--don't think you need retained. Stored in anticipation of the dry times to come. A treasure within. The weeping continues, and the walls of her wells begin to crumble and weaken. Yet there is still comfort. The feel of him, his scent and flavour, his touch, are all there encompassed and embodied within the stream; which cuts a swath across that which she is not.
(Written on Lady bay beach – Guernsey – 98)


(* - Still might need to supply extra images here as suggested by Todd, but got stuck on this section so i've posted what i've got to date. - Found it harder to do the edit than i did the original write!).
I think its a definite step forward. I liked the flow better. I hope these last set of comments will be helpful.

Best,

Todd
The secret of poetry is cruelty.--Jon Anderson
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#18
Hi AJ,
have you ever considered to recite your text? (adds an additional layer containing lots of information and even and most importantly information for the writer too). Just a thought..

I am beginning to like the Pantoum version more. (the reason is: conciseness bc you must make your words fit into the form.)
Reply
#19
@ Todd, I've posted another edit up the top.
I have to confess this has been causing me some trouble. The comments and notes you have given have been very helpful, but I suppose the difficulty is arising because of which way round I work on a piece like this. (I prefer to work on the intended images in the allegory first and then slot in the fillers of text and work on the quality of the write after I have set the key text into concrete. Working this way round I keep finding that I'm loosing sight of my core story and pictures in my attempts to improve the flow and I'm concerned that I might not be able to unearth them again..if that makes sense).
This was birthed out of a very tight dream / vision I had whist walking on the beach. It is important that in this first chapter the beach remains a recognisable picture of a beach and does not become an individual person.
Without wishing to give away too much, part of the vision was that there is only one beach. She has her feet buried under his garment (like Ruth under the cloak of Boaz - her kinsman redeemer....and all that good stuff!). Yet under his cloak her feet become mingled with the same from all her sisters. they all have an individual and unique relationship in which the lover visit them all - equally. But there is only one beach. Black sand, yellow sand, mud, pebbles, rocks - they are all still one and part of the same that reaches under his garment. The image of a physical beach in part one is key to being able to maintain this in the later parts. I need it cemented in!

Thanks for all of your help it is much appreciated. AJ.
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#20
AJ, Allegories are complicated things. I will provide some more critique, but yes if you're interlinking the parts of this together through the symbols and phrasing you've added to your level of complexity--so be careful on the edits.

(02-01-2013, 04:46 PM)cidermaid Wrote:  The beach. Edit 2.
Before a wave breaks upon the shore, she sags in her defeat. From above, high blue shines his benevolence down on her and behind her the cliff face offers a sanctuary of shade, whilst on either side, her sisters sing uplifting songs. Stark, scrawling etch marks snake across her body and she makes no move to cover these; they echo her feelings of self revile. Upon her breast, scars bare open witness to her regret. Oily ooze collects in the gutters made by those who have defiled her. A used rag, lifeless, she lies abandoned. In the gutters of her condition, a miniature representation of her existence is played out, as grains of sand float like the crusted tears of a turtle, they collect and bind together in a gritty conglomerate caught in the cross wind of a recession, swirling in eddies and whirlpools of seemingly random chance, before they make a bid for their final goal and strike out for the other shore. From the depths within, tears without number coalesce, welling up to form a spring. Pushing past a countless multitude of individual sand grains, and making tract of confessional disclosure. First a trickle, then a stream – a constant flow. Drawn by a force unseen. Running over her defilement, down her face and sides,… filling the scars left by others who have mined into her being with shovels, seeking her treasure and have then built castles - edifices of ownership for their own self grandeur, placing the mark of their boot upon her neck,… colouring her pale and drawn complexion - a dark blush, of a passionate outpouring that will not be denied. Running over, running down; cutting a swath across all that has eroded her beauty. Like a breach in a dam, it will not be contained and in gathering assertiveness, the tide of tears smoothes a path through the debris and leads her thoughts back to the desire of her heart.
In the last rays of the evening light, Spreading pools collect, shallow mirrors formed by her tears, which reflect a secret identity, that glimmers and shines. The dark reflection, when held to her face, contains a view of high blue and yet is still definably her. This beauty surpasses all that she currently could be and gives a hint of deeper reservoirs. A promise of hiddeness yet to be discovered. Her check is cooled and caressed by a soft word carried on the wind. She responds. Reminded of things past and yet to come. Of a need, of a longing; a part of her, yet a separate identity. Again she hears a soft urging upon the wind. A word of imminent change--do you want these two instances of change/changed so close together? It feels deliberate but I thought I'd ask. The wind has changed direction and she is lifted. There… she sees him,… rising and swelling to meet her, advancing with a boldness that swallows the distance between them. Tenderly he lays claim to each newly gained position. His advances leave her craving his touch, but with each stroke he temporarily withdraws. Unable to contain her desire for him, grains of longing are cut loose from her being and move back and forth in the delicate dance of Mahanaim - two camps joined. The lover and the loved. Joined together, her feet forever covered by the hem of his garment. Unwilling and unable to let go. Near even when drawn apart. Caressing her forgotten outer limits, he gives each and every part of her equal attention and like a homecoming, in a rush, it all comes back to her. The allure of him, his touch, his fragrance, his embrace. Like a leaf bud breaking out of its casket of darkness--That's a really nice image, she relives her last awakening. The initial cold tingle of semi fear at the first exposure, then the mingling warmth of love’s first touch. The burning, urgency of growth. The full and replete repose at love’s high tide. Then the encroaching darkness, that empty feeling as his presence ebbs, from which her memory hides. She opens herself up to him, the hem of her skirt lifting and falling in rhythm to his advances. They sigh in unison as they draw together and bond like chemical elements, melting one into the other. Now gathering himself, he breaks upon her awareness and within the flood comes identity. Again and again he breaks and invades her barriers and strongholds. Each fresh wave bringing revelation, forgotten treasure and vitality. He covers her and they are hidden together. Her desolation and barrenness removed. Clearing away the debris and shame, she shines, radiance leaping from her like a freshly cut gem brought into the light.--again the imagery adds something here The shallow pools are now deep wells of water, full of life and health. The crumbling edges of her boundaries have been strengthened and the gaps in her understanding made new. Every part of her being is restored and filled with intimacy. Every stone gently lifted and turned, every scar caressed and smoothed. A sifting through every layer, until she is known. Holding each other, totally immersed and intermingled. There they stay, but for the constant pull of his heavenly heart beat, which is ever drawing the event horizon of time to the turning point. For one perfect moment they hold each other in complete union. Each fully sated and requited. For nothing was withheld and no part was despised. For but one heart beat in eternity they are one; then almost imperceptibly at first, then more wretchedly so, they are pulled apart. The governing laws of this world and the order of things not in accord with their desires, their joined hearts not part of the equation. She is to be accountable and held once more, by that from which she stole and was stolen. But to whom does she belong? With his passing she has an inner glow that remains. No longer gutted and empty, but full and resplendent. Yet she weeps. Every sifted layer mourns and yearns for his return. How long will he be? Deep within she holds an impartation, a portion of him which she deeply treasures. Stored, in anticipation of the dry times to come, guarded and safe. A silver chord around her heart, a promised ring of gold. The weeping continues, and the walls of her wells begin to crumble and weaken. Yet there is still comfort. The feel of him, his scent and flavour, his touch, are all there encompassed and embodied within the stream; which cuts a swath across that which she is not.
(Written on Lady bay beach – Guernsey – 98)
Much, much smoother. I really didn't have any bumps at all in my reading. The themes of repentance, regeneration, promised union come through. The kinsman redeemer aspect of Boaz you mentioned in your comments was something I thought of while I was reading this before (but mostly as I would view a type). I don't have much to add yet on the symbols as that's sort of the work of all the pieces together as a whole. Though, I don't feel lost or distracted in any way. Nicely done.

Best,

Todd
The secret of poetry is cruelty.--Jon Anderson
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