“The Footbridge”

On By Mike U.In Poetry

“The Footbridge”
(c) 2021 by Michael L. Utley

That derelict footbridge
Has finally failed
Stranding us on
Opposite shores
Of the abyss
Words
Like rotted planks
Litter the gorge
Below
Desires and dreams
Dashed
Upon indifferent rocks
Silence is all
I hear from you
Subdued echoes
Of regret
Perish
In opaque mists
Impenetrable
To starlight
And hope
The absence
Of closure
Rooting me
In place
Heart seized
By fear
And uncertainty
Did you turn
And walk away
Or did you
Plummet
Like our words
Into the
Sepulchral gulf
And must I
Remain here
Forever
Waiting for
The answer which will
Never come

9 thoughts on ““The Footbridge””

  3. Thanks, David. Strangely enough, I hadn’t planned on writing anything yesterday but I couldn’t get the image of that broken footbridge out of my head, and that “itch” wouldn’t leave me alone. Thanks as always for the kind words. Much appreciated. 🙂

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      1. Hey, David. Thanks so much for including me in your Poetry Partners project. I’ve read your poem and I love what you’ve done as a sort of “call and response.” Your hopeful inspiration provides the perfect contrast to my somber musings. I really appreciate being a part of this collaboration. Definitely honored and humbled, kind sir! Thanks again. 🙂

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  4. That derelict footbridge
    Has finally failed
    Stranding us on
    Opposite shores

    The cadence of these lines reminds me of Wiliam Carlos Williams. Extremely short lines make you see both the image and the tone quite differently.

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    1. I’ve always been drawn to this sort of staccato method, and perhaps part of it does indeed trace back to my very brief exposure to WCW’s work, primarily “The Red Wheelbarrow.” That piece embedded itself into my college freshman’s head so long ago and has never let go. I like the sound, look and feel of this style of economy. It reminds me of a boxer wearing down his opponent with a litany of jabs, or a sewing machine needle stitching intricate patterns onto fabric in tiny bursts. It just feels right for much of what I want to say when I write.

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