The Calf Song — a free verse poem
when mixed metaphor works to create dissonance
From the backside of a smile I rise, discontented.
Inside my eyelids a dream sleeps between measures keeping the beat, each a credulous mark upon my heart song.
The calf lies waiting, wobbly legs unable to bear its load upon hoof and foot.
It stands, behind my eyes rising in ignorant content.
It cannot sing my song or read my notes or match my steps through crescendo, staccato, and pause.
The calf accepts warm milk waiting, without thought of the rain.
This poem, with dueling and discordant metaphors of music and the calf (this can be whatever mammal you imagine but it was written with a baby cow in mind), addresses the inner turmoil of growth that comes when you aren’t necessarily prepared or willing. We all have these moments in our life when change comes unexpectedly and stretches our limits. I hope you have enjoyed this deeply metaphorical poem and I invite you to explore some of my other work. Thank you for reading.
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