Still, the City Sways with the Wind.

 

The cool wind waves,

They sneak between the terrifyingly tall skyscrapers

A tree could only dream,

of being that tall.

The stars are terrified; 

humans! by the border.

The sun can’t see the sea 

The skyscrapers stand terrifyingly tall between them

Meanwhile,

The cool wind waves,

They sneak in and out,

The air in my lungs,

The sparkling blue sea

The dreaming trees’ leaves, 

All of us, moved by air

Thus, the body is whole

None escape the flow,

The wind weaving the thread.

We are brought to life, although 

Still, the city sways with the wind.

Note: A while ago I studied a poem in poetry class about the 2004 Tsunami. Unfortunately, I cannot remember the poem title, nor can I remember the poet's name. But I remember my teacher pointing out that the lines are written in a way that mimic Tsunami waves. I think "Life" is these small things that humans do, that only other humans can stumble upon. I don't know how to describe the feeling in my chest regarding this. However, this idea of the lines and the overall shape of a poem contributing to its meaning came up to me all of sudden while I read through my poem above. Which I was inspired to write while reading "Fire in the Sea" (1996), a poetry anthology edited by Sue Cowing.

I was moved by the poems it contained, the way you could hear waves between the line. And feel salt air surrounding you, that stickiness of a beach walk! You may have noticed (if you are an extremely bright poetry student!) that the two lines containing "skyscrapers" are "taller" than the rest. I think this is because I always struggle to describe things I don't like, so it comes clanky and long. But they fit well here. Thus reminding me of the Tsunami poem and its waves. I'm utterly grateful if you read this far into this very long footnote. I'm also utterly grateful for the magic poetry has brought to my life.