Apple

Poetics: The Smile in a Simile

“A light rain, as tranquil as an apple.” (Anne Sexton)

I rub my stomach, take a deep breath and begin to think

The thoughts drift by like clouds now, not fire

I am not sure that happiness is a destination – rather, a feeling

One that gathers momentum like tumbleweed floating down an empty road

Soft as pillows, exciting and wild –

Following a pattern of building – getting stronger and more certain

Like me, I think and allow myself to smile

I gather up ideas and problems but they remain both a flow and comfort –

Like living, it gives me a rush of presence and happiness

The soft brush of wheat jumps and dances – like a ballet dancer high on their toes

Gliding as easily as a candle gently glowing until it burns itself out

It is evening and the dark approaches

But, there is a light rain, as tranquil as an apple.