The Women Who Wait
If I need you,
will you come,
with love-put light
to drive away the smell
of man-sweat and boy-blood?
Here, the storms whip
and the shadows moan
black beneath the blue,
but I ask for—not so much—
roses under a peach sun,
the lifeline of sea, its sparkle, and
the whisper of wind in my hair,
telling me you are coming home.
My poem from the Oracle. I thought at first she wanted me to write about Penelope, but she wanted the message to include women everywhere throughout time.
Yesterday and today: Merril's historical musings 
This is poignant Merril. Once again, mine is tangential to yours–“the lifeline of sea, its sparkle”–that describes my message perfectly. (K)
Thank you very much.
Yes, you’re right. They do connect.
Loving this imagery that encapsulates time and evokes strong feeling!
Thank you very much! 😊
I love how you are so open to listening to what the “oracle” (I would say poem) wants!
I don’t think I know another way, Luanne! 😂 I just start writing, and the poem tells me where it wants to go. Trickier, of course, if it’s a form. But they never seem to work if I force them to be something they don’t want to be!
I think the Oracle was right to guide you this way. Beautiful and poignant, Merril.
Thank you so much, Dale.
I thought she was guiding me the first way, but it turned out she wanted more. She always knows! 😊
She always knows but you are smart to go along…
💙
This reminds me of my time as a Navy wife. Med cruises were seven months at a time.
That must have been difficult.
I didn’t remember you were a navy wife, but yes, I can imagine it would remind you.
Yes, it was. I boomeranged back to my parents during the first one.
I can understand that. 💙
It turned out to be a good thing because my brother was bedridden in a bodycast for six months after back surgery. My baby daughter and I could keep him company.
Oh wow! Your poor brother. Yes, I guess it was nice that you could help and keep him company.
Ah, Merril, your poem reminds me of when Greg was in Ecuador as a Peace Corps Volunteer. We had only been dating a few months when he left. I dwell on these words: “but I ask for—not so much—.” Those few words somehow capture my feelings during that time. Such a lovely, lovely poem.
Thank you, Marie.
It’s so cool the way so many people feel this poem. Now I remember that you told me about that time.
Thank you for your kind words. 💙
Beautiful, I’ve watched my mother waiting for Dad when he used to go on archaelogical tours for months, I could just picture her as I read your words.
That’s cool that you felt a personal connection. Thank you!
Is your father an archeologist? There seems to be so much happening in archeology right now.
He was a Civil Engineer in the Archaeology Survey of India for a long time but now he works under a private firm.
His work was to keep the historic monuments preserved so he’s not much of a history buff but yea, he knows much much more than me about archeology!
Oh, that’s so interesting!
My dad (with my mom) had a large antique business, before he sold it and went back to get degrees in art history, then history. So, in a way he preserved old artifacts, too.
Wow! What a sweet coincidence hehe!
😊
Stunning. Reminding me of the widows of wars who wait for eternity
Thank you so much, Derrick. 💙
Yes, exactly that–throughout time.
I don’t know how I missed this! Distracted probably. Yes, the first thought is for Penelope, but the story is the same for millions of women who could only wait and hope. Those last lines are beautiful.
Thank you for going back and finding this one!
The Oracle knew what she wanted–even if she did give me the S word. 😏
Reblogged this on Graffiti Lux Art & More and commented:
Merril’s poems from the Oracle are special. We are treated to one every Saturday. This one seems particularly relevant today, as it was in yesterdays.
Thank you so much for your very kind words, and for the reblog, Resa! ❤️
My pleasure! ❤️
❤️
Merril, sometime, most times, when I read your poetry I’m overwhelmed at such beauty. This is breathtakingly beautiful. You are truly gifted my friend.
Oh my, Rene! I’m overwhelmed by your beautiful, generous comment. Thank you so much! 🥰
All true Merril🥰
❤️
Stunning, Merril. Your poetry is tender and epic at the same time.
Thank you so much for your kind words, D.! 💙
Hi Merril, this is a very powerful and poignant poem.
Thank you so much for reading and commenting, Robbie! 😊