Poem for Patty Griffin

I wrote this poem for Patty Griffin. I was so inspired by her March concert in Chicago, that I was moved to create as well. Enjoy...





Song Bird

Song Bird please sing,
Sing what we need
Fluttered wings against canvas
Like the girl on trapeze
Those well wishers, pretty ladies
A first starlight kiss
Lights framed in blue velvet
And burgundy breeze

Song Bird, please sing,
Sing what we need
Of your sweet Mary, My Elizabeth
Tear-stained pine boxes
Strong souls beneath
While some search the bridges
For sunrise and love
Your words of release
Inspire the Sun

There are days filled with heaven
And days filled with pain
You wrap them in satin
Pink ribbons and lace
So, Song Bird please sing
Sing what we need
Help us stand tall
And believe in our dreams


Susan Ward Trestrail

Muse

Muse

Do not idolize
Idealize
Is a muse not meant for flesh
Bathe your feet in precious oils
And dry them with silk locks

I did not mean to save you
Did not believe I could
I buried deep
Your skin in sleek, rich velvet

Must you bring me to your world?
I cannot breathe there
I am hardly fragile
I am only woman

Allow this rock and mortar
To crumble pressed under
Strong hands and feet
Light passes through thin

Cracks in my stone façade
Your muse is pure flesh
Ideal
How else could you allow

Your being to invade her
But do not idealize
Save the image
Of virgin

She will rest at your feet
Press her face against
A force of will
Gentle woman

Flesh will become flesh
Love is entirely human
The woman icon
Will become your idol

Should you not embrace
Her
And allow this statue
Her life

Susan Ward Trestrail

Angel

On this earth there are many angels
There are those who clothe and feed the poor
There are those with golden hair, joyous blue eyes
There are those who roll stones to uphold
The arms of their heroes in righteous battle

And there are those, gentle ones
Who sing and strum as only angels can
Who fill the world with peace and harmonies
Who’s sturdy, brown eyes and full, long, locks
Left rivers of tear-stained children
Weeping and singing their stories

I know you have said we are not alone
But if feels so, it is a hollow, unending pain
Please Angel, you departed so swiftly
Our sadness has no reason
Our sorrow, no answer

So, we will cover you with a thin layer
Of rose petals, so as not to disturb our memories
And there are many, many memories
Of round cherub faces, laughter and music,
Music, so lovely, it made the angels sigh

Dear angel, when we think of you, help us smile
Our tears like tiny, crushed diamonds on our cheeks
Though there are many, the world has one more
One who will walk beside us, become our music
Help us love like we have never, before, loved

And somewhere in the distance, we will know
Of a purpose greater than our own
We will take our places on the banks of the river
Join hands with the ones we call brothers
And your Peace will wash over us

Until then, Angel, until then…

Susan Ward Trestrail

Brave Traveler

Brave Traveler



Keep sailing, moving through
The upheaval
The torrential rain, evil wind,
Though they seek to destroy

The powers
Who rule from mechanical moon
Artificial sun
Do not rule all
Do not submit

Keep sailing, until the end
Is met
And the ship collides
With the blue, painted canvas

Man made waters meet
White washed skies
Mind and spirit
Revolt

What lives within walls
Only dreams beyond
But somewhere, some thought
Exists, that it is all a lie

And Truth be found
Outside the painted clouds
Inside the heart
Of this brave traveler

--Susan Trestrail

Dearest

Dearest,
I have learned all I care to
I have drawn out
This Petition to the universe
Like suits shuffled
And dropped, one by one
Through an open window
Falling between white stripes

Dearest,
I have followed the Sufi poet
Wrapped myself in words
As wise and fruitful
Beloved and believed
Until my form
Dissipates in complete
And final Submission

Dearest,
I have questioned
Will I find my Sun
Will it warm the tiny
Place, a soul left lonely
Now full like streams
In rainy seasons
Pushing drops into the sky

And dearest,
I have known little
I have become more
Prayers received like postcards
Our heavens praise their return
While the circle closes
And all things end
As they have begun

Susan W. Trestrail

Cover Me

You can free yourself
Racing down a gravel, urban path
But is it enough to cover you?
I offered my hand, my thirst
To a man, homeless
Who told me
He was just five steps from Home

What of this thing that says worth?
Can it cover, replace, erase?
A thin banjo strum
Carries over a mountain,
Smoked and gray
Explains without words
The value, of a simple song

Like our brothers, transparent
And draped in white cotton
As they travel to the pool
Of recovering waters
I search for answers
Just tell me, please, Is it enough
To cover me?

Susan

The River

The River


If I never have another day
At least I had my day
By the river
Sun streams in, knocks lightly
On the blue horizon
Friends, fireworks and
First sounds of motors

Washing waves against
Moss covered cement
Further south, the river moves
A lucent moon scatters
Over broken waters
While moving pictures
Light limestone walls
And I had my day
By the river

The brick frame sun-kissed
Walls built from years
Of well worn memories
Bare foot fishermen
In the distance a white
Flowing gown and faux
Flower petals line the green
Carpet path, at least I had

This day, over my rainbow
A little faith blowing gentle
In the breeze and I know
If I never have another day
I have had this day
By my river

Susan Ward Trestrail