Special Double Feature: “Opening the Blinds” & “Domestic Ditty” by Sierra July, Poet of the Week

Opening the Blinds

Sierra July

Skin so cold, a warm touch burns

Eyes shaded, jaded, begging please open the blinds

Heart cowering like a bird in that small rib cage

But with kind words, love, trust builds

Eyes glow as light finds its way in; the heart flies free

A smile of thanks reflects the joy inside

And is mirrored on the parent's proud face

Poet's Notes:  Thinking of how there are many works about families but few of them about found families, I wrote this piece. For all of the children who went through hard times and reawakened because of the love of their adoptive home, and the adoptive parents that grew and changed just being in their strong child's presence, I thought this would be perfect at a time meant for giving thanks.

Editor’s Note:  It is amazing what Sierra packed into such a short poem!  The poetic conceit, enhanced by her thoughtful notes, is well executed.  The intra-line rhyme and assonance in line two are stunning.  Her play on hot and cold is again nicely done.  With its theme of being thankful for family, this one makes a perfect poem for the day after Thanksgiving.

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Domestic Ditty

Sierra July

 

Bed warmer, turned alarm, rumbling before stalking away

Twittering joining the morning chorus of brethren outside

Wagging tail, tapping a joyful beat on the cold kitchen tile

Huffs of pants and whimpers begging for breakfast scraps

Cooing from the trip-initiator curling around your legs

Chirping from the now resting winged serenader

Exiting the door, turn, smile, lock up and await work's end

When returning home will mean an evening reprise

Poet's Notes:  Since I was on the subject of family, this one is an ode to pets but specifically cats, dogs, and birds, since I've owned and loved all three. Rather than just writing about the obvious joys of these animals, I focused on something that some might not think of and may even take for granted, save the bird owners--the gift of a lively, melodious home.

Editor’s Note:  This one dovetails nicely with Sierra’s Thanksgiving Day poem and with "Opening the Blinds", making it perfect for a double feature and final farewell.  

I hope you enjoyed this final tribute by Songs of Eretz to Charter Frequent Contributor Sierra July.  It was so nice getting to know her over the past several years, and I for one will continue to follow her poetry career with great interest.