Ode to Nancy

Ode to Nancy In the quiet space between night and day I lay amid the whir of the rushing wind aware of a body which contains my self wrapping it in the sinewy framework of firm muscle and bone... Shoulder and forearm holding it steadily aloft a body with bruises and scars adorned like badges won in the arena... A claw swipe here a spear wound there deeper memories of close encounters the roar of the crowd and of a place and years gone by... Real danger and deadly mistakes spew hot blood through sliced skin and heart and head pound as if to explode and clanging noises and groans are crisp and clear and immediate... A heart hardened in the intricate movements of battle, unencumbered by the baggage of emotion which could only blur the vision of trident and spear lunging menacingly close... Shedding such distraction tuning out sound slowing down motion following stroke and counter stroke with mighty mortal determination so as to defeat a worthy opponent and return once again... To day light and cheers of the crowd which drone in my ears bringing me trance-like to that state where mind is above action controlling the scene... A slow motion dance on the sharp edge between life and death with deadened emotion and hardened heart and countless attempts to hide tears lest the enemy detect weakness... Yet now the wars are over and the dangers less frightful and the armor shed as the sweet song of an angel sweeps through my mind bringing back the memory of a red rose plucked from the wall on the way to battle... I marvel at it's unique beauty and the redness of its petals and the hot blood which trickles down my sleeve as I feel it's sharp thorn pierce my flesh and breathe deeply its fragrance which rushes in and colors my world like dark red wine splashing into a deep crystal... A timeless spirit has once again assumed mortal form only to reach out and touch me with the lovely fragrance of her soft sweet scent reawakening my soul. Christopher Cole www.geocities.com/closerssong/homepage.html Written November 25th, 2001 © on Nov 25 2001 06:13 AM PST   0 • 8