Wednesday 19 May 2010

Where the Frangipani Blows, Only the Cobweb Knows

Feels like rain
hot and cool
swathes of muslin breeze
pour silently
into me

Until thunder comes
and my heart breaks open
great cascades tumble

Out,
where the blue skies
reign
and I am no longer
a prisoner of pain.




19th of May. Ten days since I last wrote. My subscribers and followers are dropping like flies! Should I apologise? I am including a watercolour by my father and an oil on canvas by my mother to make amends. I have been back into hospital for the second round of monoclonals, this time without the supplementary treatment of immunoglobulins. And my body is not happy. I feel frail and fragile and temporary. I am a piece of cheese being grated by a very thorough hand. I am grains of gritty sand.


I am also the sister of a brother about to be wedded. Did I tell you? The wedding that was supposed to happen last year was derailed by my hospital adventures. And now, here it is, almost upon us. Ten days before I leave for a hot hot country. Ten days before I leave these cobwebs behind and find a frangipani me.

18 comments:

mermaid gallery said...

Your poetry is always so atmospheric...the subtle winds and rays...I hope travelling won't be too difficult....It is always stressful...but a wedding is such a time of joy..... the frangipani will greet you fragrantly....

Lorenzo — Alchemist's Pillow said...

Your poetry is indeed like a muslin breeze. The contrast with the grinding injury caused by the thorough hand grating yous is painful to read. Love the art work by your parents and hope you enjoy the wedding.

Sam Liu said...

Beautiful post, as always. The poem is very moving, I love its lyricism and delicacy. And those paintings - my, your parents are immensely talented, those art works are just spectacular.

I hope you feel better and stronger soon, enjoy your brother's wedding, I'm sure you'll have a marvellous time.

Green Monkey said...

I just found you on someone else's blogroll (not sure who) I was attracted to your title. My daughter was diagnosed with RA/lupus/sjogrins syndrome at 19. (3 doctors, 3 different diagnoses)

I am a novice to poetry but I found your piece easy and sweet...

enjoy the wedding. Best, Shannon aka Green Monkey

Green Monkey said...

oh, I just figured it out ...it was Sam Liu! :)

lupie said...

I hope your treatment will make you feel better....

Sending some prayers and positive vibes over to you....

Jo said...

The art work by your parents, and your poetry are all wonderful. My goodness, what a talented family you have.

I remember when your brother's wedding was postponed.

And should you apologise? No...! I hope the hot, hot country will warm your body and make you feel better.

Dan Gurney said...

Shaista, please don't worry about numbers and subscribers! Jeez. One or two readers are enough. After that, who cares?

No apologies. Take care of yourself first, then blog.

I hope your brother's wedding is just wonderful.

Jeannette StG said...

Sorry Shaista,
haven't been at your blog for some time, so I didn't know you were in the hospital:(
How are you now? Am going to look now at your mother's art...take care!!

Jeannette StG said...

Both of your parents are very artistic! The portraits your mother paints are excellent -please tell her that!

Relyn Lawson said...

No, you shouldn't apologize. Your blog is for you first. Anyway, I had to tell you that your poem and images are the most perfect match. Lovely and evocative.

Jeanne-ming Brantingham said...

I have learned a thing or too about pain, in recent weeks at my mother's dying bedside. It has been a draining experience and for the one who looks on, devastating to witness suffering. I am beginning to understand your parents and you. I am glad you will defy all sound advice and head to a wedding and be joyouse and feel love and your body will no doubt be strengthened by it all.

Marion said...

Lovely paintings. I hope your trip is a happy one.

Maggie May said...

i hope the hot is good for you, your blood, bones, tendons, immune. you are beautiful

Unknown said...

Enjoy your brother's wedding. Thanks for the lovely letter you wrote. Your sis-in- law is really pretty. All the very best to the couple.

Maxine said...

I've been away too long Shaista! Am about to start checking your achives to see what's been going on while I've been away. Just gotta get myself a cup of coffee first x

Lisa said...

I hope the very hot weather will not be too much for you. Congratulations, you are a proud sister and soon to be a sister-in-law :) How do feel? Do you fear you might lose a brother?

Your poem does not end, for your every word is poetic.

Kitty Moore said...

What a talented creative family you are!

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