Discordance

Tension ignites the charged atmosphere

as sky oxidizes to gunmetal gray—

obscuring horizon where clouds meet the range...

a deep thrum advances, its levies unclear;

an ominous rumble, a rampant exchange.

Observed on the cloud-line a bright ricochet…

another, then strong scent of sulfur appears;

closer now, tremors are felt on the ground…

What is this insurgent and vapid display;

this building percussion, crescendo of  sound—

 conducted in part by some crazed cannoneer,

a maestro or madman—we’ve yet to decide.

The cymbals are crashing, the timpani rolls…

and yet the true threat hasn’t made itself clear—

just who will remain when campaign exacts tolls?

For now we stand strong while the forces collide.

Way off in the distance we watch the clouds swarm

the thunder approaches just over the rise…

with feet on the ground, trust our stance justified

soon we will know if the gods empathize.

One ear-piercing volley and we are forewarned;

            we rotate to face the oncoming storm.

© Ginny Brannan 2014

Thunderstorm stock by Apothicbeauty on deviantART
Original image by Apothicbeauty, overlaid with author's images from Gettysburg reenactments.

Sharing at dVerse Meeting the Bar—Following Through on Metaphor

Mariners

Photo taken by Charles Parant, AppetiteForPhotos.blogspot.com  Used with Permission

Sharing at dVerse Poet's Pub Open Link Night July 2014

The Grocer

Written for and shared at Magpie Tales #229. Image provided by Tess Kincaid, she provides the image, we the story! Stop by and see what others are sharing!

"...All that we see or seem

is but a dream within a dream”

Excerpt: A Dream Within a Dream” Edgar Allan Poe

He came with a dream

not just to make a living

but to make a life

© Ginny Karpinski Brannan 2014

Paternal grandfather & uncle, early 1940's

Thank you, Dziaziu,  for dreaming the dream…

Today the image took me to my paternal grandfather who immigrated from Poland in the early 1900's, and was owner & proprietor of a small grocery store in Vermont.

Spit and Polish

Polished wood and brass rail

stools lined up— just so—

labels from around the world

reflect in candle glow.

The leather booths are empty,

yet voices echo still—

the murmurs of camaraderie,

of laughter and goodwill.

Saddened that the hour is late

and all the world’s at rest;

when the pub is full again

is when it’s at its best.

So come ye poets… come ye bards….

to share your thoughts and lines,

your adjectives—your metaphors—

your dreams and your designs…

Come and  share the wonders

unleashed from deep within:

each note part of the symphony

let our song begin!

© Ginny Brannan 2014

Donovan's Irish Pub Springfield, MA (Our local pub!)

The 3rd Anniversary celebration at dVerse is winding down, but we aren't quite ready to call it over.  Stop by and see what others are sharing!

I'll Take This Dance...

under waning moon

we trip the light fantastic

tangoing with words

© Ginny Brannan 2014

www.expanish.com: A guide to Tango Festival

Heading over to The Poet's Ball at dVerse to celebrate their 3 year anniversary. Come join us!!

Salvation

Salvation whispers subtly…

an answer to the prayers denied,

lessening the pain inside.

Virtue through complacency…

a chance for you to start again;

twisting word to fit your truth,

impeaching others for their sin.

Once carefree but now obsessed;

narrow-minded on your quest.

©  Ginny Brannan 2014

Excerpt of Michelangelo's 'The Creation of Adam'

Is salvation found in perpetual repentance, or in forgiveness—

primarily forgiving one's self in the quest for inner-peace…

The Struggle between Sun and Storm

The sky scans clear and sun abounds—

we revel in each day, serene;

till storms roll in and thunder sounds.

Much like the howl of distant hounds

creeping closer, yet unseen...

the threat unmarked while sun abounds.

Your dark indifference confounds;

the words cut like a guillotine,

as storms roll in and thunder sounds.

I wonder, do you see their frowns?

The children flounder in-between,

while you pretend that sun abounds.

Such sheer impassiveness dumfounds...

emotions locked in quarantine—

as storms roll in and thunder sounds.

And in your wake, the children drown;

so comes the choice to intervene—

while sky is clear and sun abounds

before approaching storm resounds.

© Ginny Brannan 2014

Storm Image Gallery: John Lund/Riser/Getty Images

Aquamarine

Image by author, Long Island Sound, 2013