Convalescing in the Clouds

I’m pleased to announce that my poem “More Than These,” was published today on Spillwords. It’s a timely pen that speaks to identity and an individual’s rights. A huge thank you to editor, Dagmara K. for publishing this poem to a larger audience. I would be honored if you visited the site to read (reread) it.

On my drive out of town today, I was inspired by the Blue Ridge Mountains and fluffy clouds and when I stopped for gas, I penned this poem. I hope you enjoy it.

Happy Saturday!

Convalescing in the Clouds

Convalescing in the clouds,
feet in stirrups, heat storm brow.
How long must I lie here
before they tell me 
if I’m going to die here?

Either way, 
I'm flat on my back, 
belly, a sun enlarged,
waiting for the inevitable discharge.

This thing growing inside me
has more rights than I do,
and if I don’t make it through,
a body bag of mountains will do
until the real thing comes along.

Cover Art: Carl Larsson “Convalescence” (1899)

Billie Eilish “What Was I Made For?”

28 responses to “Convalescing in the Clouds”

beth

Sad and beautiful

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1. K. F. Hartless
  
  Thank you, Beth. Yes, I have been feeling sad for these recent changes. I wish I could do more than write poetry about it.
  
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  1. beth
    
    I think there is great power in poetry
    
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Jeff Flesch

Wondeful. It’s always good to see you and to read you, K. I hope all is well and you are having a lovely summer. 💜

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1. K. F. Hartless
  
  Hi Jeff. So wonderful to hear from you. Summer has settled in and I’m trying to be present for every heat storm and family outing. I hope your summer is blossoming beautifully as well. 💜
  
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John

Congratulations, K, and safe travels!

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1. K. F. Hartless
  
  Thank you, John. I made it before heat storms. 💜
  
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  1. John
    
    That’s great. 😊
    
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Tom

So thrilled you had it published! Very powerful verses on reclaiming their own identity beyond others’ superficial expectations, mixed with some eerie descriptions such as ‘hummingbird hues of dawn / streak colors like lightning’. Beautifully penned. K! 🙂

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K. F. Hartless

Thank you, Tom, for taking the time to read it and leave me such candid feedback. I really liked this poem, so it was wonderful to see it reach a larger audience. 💜

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Michele Lee

Road Stop Poet. An inspired moment that brought together a poetic gem!

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1. K. F. Hartless
  
  A trait we share, dear friend. The traveling makes us do it, I suppose. Thank you.
  
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  1. Michele Lee
    
    🙏🏻🥰
    
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Nicole Smith

Women losing their rights. Fantastic poem.

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1. K. F. Hartless
  
  Thank you, Nicole. I want to be able to do more to stir change than write these poems.
  
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EclecticMusicLover

Congratulations on having another one of your poems published. And I’m quite impressed that you could write such a profound and timely poem while stopping for gas! I feel the same as you about this subject BTW. And I love Billie Eilish and her new song.

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1. K. F. Hartless
  
  Thank you on both counts. It’s good to know you’re not alone in your worries. The poem percolated as I crossed the the mountain ridge, so it was more of just a rush to get it on paper before I forgot it. I’m so glad you found it well-paired with B.E. as well.
  
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Colleen M. Chesebro

Excellent. Many congratulations! 🥳

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1. K. F. Hartless
  
  Thank you, Colleen.
  
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  1. Colleen M. Chesebro
    
    You’re welcome.
    
    LikeLiked by 1 person
  2. K. F. Hartless
    
    😊
    
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Carolyn Crossley VixenOfVerse

Congratulations on having this powerfully worded poem published. I love Billie Ellish’s breathy voice on this song too. Well done, K, and remember when we want to change the world, we have to start with ourselves first, or so Buddha tells us. ❌❤️👍❌

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1. K. F. Hartless
  
  What a beautiful message and wise words to remember. Thank you, dear friend. 💜
  
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  1. Carolyn Crossley VixenOfVerse
    
    You are so welcome, K
    
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johnlmalone

some amazing imagery here —

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1. K. F. Hartless
  
  Thank you so much, John.
  
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Cindy Georgakas

Congratulations K 👏👏👏I
Love your poem!

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Susi Bocks

Nicely done, K.! Congrats on Spillwords publication. 🙂

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