Hands gnarly
body of seasoned soft wood
greying. These many weathering
years have bleached me dry.

Dry enough for the bone fire 
And later, let the Dorset hill 
give rest. Ash with mould
in a hornbeam copse 
where old, old woodlanders
re-kindle their kin

Just 44 words for Lisa's Quadrille prompt: Season

38 thoughts on “Would it were so”

1. There is a peacefulness to this that I feel. a resfulness – somehow I picture this atop the hill?
   Lovely.

   1. I am glad you felt that – it is my final wishes

2. This makes me think of an old man up at his lonely cabin waiting for his kids to come with the grandkids…getting the fire ready, reviewing the lines of ghost stories in his head as he does so.

   1. it is always interesting to know how others read a poem – thank you for painting such a vivid picture

      1. Funny how different people see such different pictures!

3. The way you describe the woodland… those old trees being kindled…

   1. and the spirits of the woodlanders who have managed them through the generations of my kinfolk

4. Laura, I like the atmosphere here, where it feels like the completion of a fulfilled cycle and an acceptance to take on the gentle respite of another beginning. Reading your comment above, knowing your kinfolk have tended the woodlands has got to bring such peace in knowing you will continue to be cared for.

   1. am circling back with your prompt Lisa – thank you for appreciating the atmosphere inspired by your prompt!

      1. ❤

5. I love all the sounds here. So lovely to read aloud.

   1. thats especially good to know De – thank you

6. The image of weathering years contains so many layers. Felt, rather than seen. (K)

   1. am happy you can delve deeper into this

7. Beautifully written. There is calm, grace and simply joy in a life well lived through the weathering years. The ending is just perfect.

   1. many thanks Grace – reassuring that there’s not a morbid jot to be found in your feedback

8. I am being ash’d when I go. Then discretely sprinkled on my favorite mountain. Really liked your expression here Laura.

   1. *mountain lake

   2. thank you Rob – we’ll be gone with the wind!

9. Very interesting poem Laura. A subject that as we age, becomes more pertinent.

   1. too true Carol – and to be see full in the face

10. I feel a completion in this, like peacefulness. This line spoke to me, “These many weathering
    years have bleached me dry.”

    1. yes completion, an important message in the poem so many thanks Ali

11. That last line was perfect. A lovely poem ☺️

    1. glad that last line came to me at the end! thank you Christine

12. And return to the land that nurtured one whole.
    Made me think back to crinkly fall leaves falling to the ground at just the right moment in time. To warm the earth and give back to it for all it gave the leaf in the season of its life.
    There’s acceptance here. I love it. The beautiful cycle of life. Amen.

    1. many thanks for the depth of your feedback Selma and your evident understanding

       1. Succinct writing speaks to the soul. Yours did that to me. Thanks for letting me read it. Be well. xoxo

13. Beautiful! I especially loved the ending 🙂

    1. thank you – ending well is so important

       1. Indeed… 🙂

14. A final resting place of choice. I like “seasoned soft wood”…ageing gracefully.

    1. thank you – the softwood reference vital to the bone fire else it would seem like waste!

       1. You are welcome and I agree.

15. I love the emotions you have evoked with your words, such a sense of peacefulness and continuity.

    1. many thanks Linda – we all want to rest in peace 😉

       1. Yes, we do.

16. This made me feel peaceful. Love that first stanza.

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