Poem Of The Week

[jazzy_dave]

Here is a poem that i read after studying a module on poetry with the O.U. many years ago, and it is by Leeds based poet Tony Harrison and is called Long Distance II.


Long Distance II
Tony Harrison

Though my mother was already two years dead
Dad kept her slippers warming by the gas,
put hot water bottles her side of the bed
and still went to renew her transport pass.

You couldn't just drop in. You had to phone.
He'd put you off an hour to give him time
to clear away her things and look alone
as though his still raw love were such a crime.

He couldn't risk my blight of disbelief
though sure that very soon he'd hear her key
scrape in the rusted lock and end his grief.
He knew she'd just popped out to get the tea.

I believe life ends with death, and that is all.
You haven't both gone shopping; just the same,
in my new black leather phone book there's your name
and the disconnected number I still call.


I am currently reading this book found in a charity shop in Deal for 50 pence.

Comments

[deborahw37.livejournal.com]

One of my favourite poems is by Tony Harrison

It starts

Gold survives the fire that's hot enough
to make you ashes in a standard urn
An envelope of coarse official buff
Contains your wedding ring , which wouldn't burn

[riverwynne.livejournal.com]

I really enjoy when you post poetry.

[veronica-milvus.livejournal.com]

Lovely poem from Harrison.

[a-phoenixdragon.livejournal.com]

Whoa...

[thespian15.livejournal.com]

That is a beautiful poem.

and the disconnected number I still call.
That line makes me think about the people that keep answering machine messages of loved ones to hear their loved one's voices. It makes me wish I had a recording of my mom. :(
Hugs, Jon

[quirkytizzy.livejournal.com]

How beautifully sad! The detail in the first verse is so....sharp. The things a man will do to keep the memory alive.

[tavella.livejournal.com]

I love that poem!