A bridge is a curious thing to cover.
mile after mile of naked road -
then a wooden box over stream or ravine.
Why not cover the road instead
leaving the bridge unclothed?
But where's the romance in that, you say?
Well, perhaps it was made for Currier and Ives
or to embellish the music
of iron shod hooves on oaken planks.
Or maybe it was built as a kiosk
for fading feed and carnival posters
and jackknife glyphs of amorous initials.
No, all our covered bridges, real or imagined,
guide our passage over deadly waters -
holding us fast on the road
and safe from drowning.
March, 2007
Robert, you 'embelish the music' quite well, yourself... a great line in a great poem! Brian
I enjoyed the styling of this one, a finely woven piece Love duncan X
You bring an interesting point, i found it not only to relate to bridges but people as well about how we protect ourselves so steadily from physical harm not realizing that just as much pain can come emotionally from things such as patriotism and a lovers devotion. The question i ask is simply, why do we protect things in such a 'half-ass' manner, why not do it correctly and protect everything in it's entirety.
As Francesca Johnson I'm quite fond of covered bridges. Especially in Madison County. Nice one, Robert. Fran xx
Superb style, lovely piece with a grand meaning in the end, well done!
'Holding us fast on the road And safe from drowning.' This is the part I love the most. What a final shot!
This poem has not been translated into any other language yet.
I would like to translate this poem
Covered Bridges have always seemed very romantic to me. But, of course, they also shine in use. Very appealing write, Robert. Warm regards, Sandra