Old coat

sorenbarrett

Orphan wool made a slave, my armor against enemy cold

Mother eaten, bones in a grave, torn from her side into bondage sold

Riding my back in the night, protector from wailing shells of rain

Rough teeth of fiber gives skin a bite, ripped rag a sailing stain

In each pocket two holes, framed in frayed spider webs now empty

As lining unrolls of ancient scrolls hanging thread fingers tempt me

Crusted dirt as coat's shirt, in storm homeless, a hearth and fire

Thorn's hurt thick wool does avert, staying warm in rain or mire

Wild wings flap at zipper's gap where age broken teeth don't meet

Wrapped in a woolen scrap I hug the heat of a friend obsolete

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Comments +

Comments7

  • orchidee

    Yes, I bought KP a 'new' coat just like that one! lol.

    • sorenbarrett

      Thanks Orchi was it last week when the Goodwill store had a sale? Appreciate the read.

    • David Wakeling

      I see a much loved jumper here keeping warm even if it isa little tattered.I liked the rhyme Excellent

      • sorenbarrett

        Thanks David for the review and kind words they are as always appreciated

      • Poetic Licence

        I don't know if the younger generation do this anymore but my generation kept their clothing until the bitter end, and the favourite item of clothing was nearly always the tattiest, enjoyed the read

        • sorenbarrett

          Thank you Tobani for thee read and comment. Yes I too value the broken in so to speak. There is more comfort in familiarity than in new.

          • Poetic Licence

            You are very welcome

          • arqios

            What a saga! And the imagery of the "wild wings flap at zipper's gap" particularly evocative. It's as if the coat has a life of its own, fluttering like wings despite its age.🙏🏻🕊

            • sorenbarrett

              Thank you Cryptic for the read and kind words of encouragement they are always appreciated and valued

              • arqios

                Most welcome Soren 🙏🏻🕊

              • Friendship

                A heartfelt Painting, sorenbarrett, Yourpoem masterfully weaves themes of loss, protection, and the passage of time, utilizing the imagery of a worn wool coat as a powerful metaphor for memory, comfort, and resilience in the face of hardship and abandonment. You beautifully reflect on the connection to their past, their mother, and the warmth that remains despite the coldness of their environment. You skillfully evoke empathy for those who have experienced loss and highlight the importance of memories and objects that provide comfort in difficult times. It serves as a poignant reminder of the unwavering resilience of the human spirit in the face of adversity.

                • sorenbarrett

                  Thank you so much for your review and deeper than surface understanding of this piece. It is most appreciated and valued.

                • Tristan Robert Lange

                  Excellent poem, my friend! The metaphor works so well and yet can also be read literally. Speaking of literally, when I was a kid we would literally wear our clothes out. Like it was cool for holes to appear in them and wear them that way until you couldn't anymore. Now, we simply design clothes to have holes in them and charge extra for it! 🤷‍♂️ That's neither here nor there regarding the poem, but it made me think of that, so I share! 🤣 Well done, Soren! 🌹👏 A fave for sure!

                  • sorenbarrett

                    Thank you very much Tristan for your read and comment that is valued as always.

                    • Tristan Robert Lange

                      You are most welcome, my friend. By the way, I like your new monogram/image a lot!

                    • Goldfinch60

                      Those old friends can be so memorable soren.

                      Andy

                      • sorenbarrett

                        Thank you so much Andy for the read and understanding comment it is always appreciated



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