“Snap-beans in a Wooden Bowl” published at Masticadores Philippines

On By Mike U.In Poetry

I’m pleased to announce my poem “Snap-beans in a Wooden Bowl” has gone live at Masticadores Philippines. Many thanks to Michelle Ayon Navajas and Norj Joseph and their staff for this opportunity to share my poetry with their readers. I’m deeply honored and most truly grateful. Thanks so much, Michelle and Norj.

This poem was written for the #whattheydontsee project, an initiative for writers to share poetry and prose that delves into the pain we all hide, the sorrow, anger and fear we do our best to keep buried. I’m indebted to Michelle and Norj for allowing me to share this poem about my late mother.

“Snap-beans in a Wooden Bowl”
(c) 2024 by Michael L. Utley

“snap-beans
in a wooden bowl
and tears
on her cheeks
my mother’s sorrow
exorcised by
the rite of
working hands
the ritual of
silent contemplation
as evening sun
gilded her world
in holy ephemera
her safe place
ensconced
in her own
sacred light
her garden
her universe…”

You can read the rest of my poem by clicking this link. Also, please consider following and subscribing to Masticadores Philippines, where compelling and creative story-telling and poetry await.

54 thoughts on ““Snap-beans in a Wooden Bowl” published at Masticadores Philippines”

    1. Thanks, Friedrich. Your kind sentiments really hit home–my mom didn’t live long enough to see me finally get published, but she was always support of my creative endeavors. I hope she’d be proud of me. I appreciate you, good sir. Thanks as always for stopping by to say hello. 😊

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    2. I’m realizing this more and more as time goes by. My mom was the glue in our family; when she died, everything–and everyone–fell apart. I’ve avoided writing very much about her so far as it’s so painful, but I think it would do me good to explore my memories of her a little deeper. There are some beautiful memories among the sorrowful ones. 

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  6. This piece was so touching Mikey. I was discussing your poem with Vanessa, the artist whose piece started this entire project, and we both reflected on how many generations have just lived through the abuse and were expected to be normal, to be the perfect wife and mother. The pain we both felt for the women in our lives who have passed on, knowing that they suffered in silence…😢

    Thank you so much my bro for participating in this project. I truly appreciate you, Mikey.

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    1. Thanks, Nigel. I couldn’t help but to immediately think of my mom when I first heard of this project. Her pain was profound, and she endured it for 52 years of marriage to my dad (as well as in a previous marriage). She became a shell of her former self after a while, but she was still there, still pushing on until the end. She had a smile for everyone despite the pain she felt inside, but there were days when it all became too much to bear and I’d see her crying and I knew as a kid that I couldn’t do much to fix the situation, although I did my best. Abuse is absolutely tragic and horrifying for all, victims and witnesses and those who try to rescue the victims. She’s gone now, and she no longer has to worry about any of this, and this comforts me, but I miss her and I wish I could have done something to make it all stop when I was a little kid.

      Big thanks to you and Vanessa and Mich for taking this project to such profound heights. Props to all others who shared their pain, too. We’re all in this together, and hopefully we can make a difference so others won’t have to suffer. 

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      1. You’re welcome Mikey. This was a truly gracious act on your part. Healing needs to happen for so many of us. The matriarchs were super strong women. Whenever I saw my mother cry I was always taken aback. But I know she had her quiet moments where tears flowed for her sisters, herself, her children. Yet like most women.. dry those tears and press on. It’s nice we could give a voice even to the past in this project. Appreciate you my bro.

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    1. This is such a kind thing to say, and I really appreciate it. I’m so glad for your presence in this community and for your ongoing support. A sincere and heartfelt “thank you” to you, my wonderful friend. 😊🙏

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    1. Thanks a bunch, Cindy. I love your enthusiasm, positivity and constant support. Truly grateful for your kind words and your presence in this community. I appreciate you, my friend.  😊🙏

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  12. Heartbreaking and beautiful! Tears fell as I read it, you’ve shared her pain and your love for her in the imagery of your poetry. You held each other together. Wonderfully written and emotionally honest. Thank you for sharing your heart, as you usually do.

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    1. Thanks so much, Peggy. It was difficult to write this poem as I recalled so many bittersweet memories, but I hope I was able to honor my mom in some way. It’s a terribly sorrowful poem, but she loved her garden so much, and when I remember her in her garden on those long-ago summer eves, the memories are pretty good. She was in her element, right where she wished to be, and the garden was her sanctuary. 

      I appreciate you, my friend. Thank you for visiting and sharing your compassionate insights. 😊🙏

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  13. touched by these words today. Oh my! Thanks for sharing. Sending blessings and congratulations 🎉 for being published in this up and becoming online publication.
    all the best.
    nice to e-meet you. 🙇🏽‍♀️

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    1. Hi, Selma. Thanks so much for your kind words. I just tried leaving a comment for you at Masticdores Philippines but it looks like it didn’t post (I’ll try again). 

      Just wanted to thank you for such a wonderfully in-depth appraisal of this poem. I’m honored and grateful to know it connected with you.

      Also, please feel free to reblog this piece. I plan on posting it here on my blog in a couple of days, so you can reblog it from here or from Masticadores Phillippines. It’s such a kind gesture on your part, and I’m sincerely thankful.

      I’ll try posting a response again at MP. Thank you for reading and stopping by. I appreciate you, and I’m well aware of your beautifully sublime poetry, so your warm comments means a lot to me. 😊🙏

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  22. Pingback: Reblog: “Snap-beans in a Wooden Bowl”(c) 2024 by Michael L. Utley – Selma

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