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OCDC
The bar of soap
sits precisely in the shower
with the dove resting upright,
lest she feels the need to fly.
The canned veggies all face forward
waiting to shout their names
when I open the cupboard door -
"No Salt Added Sweet Peas!"
The socks all have loyal mates:
crew, no-show (shy-babies),
ankle, dress-
all sorted together by color and size.
The car is parked
twelve inches on either side.
The bookmark peeks up
ever-so-slightly
from the closed pages,
the mail is opened,
shredded or recycled,
and the pillows are fluffed regularly -
but. not. too. hard.
What boggles my brain
and sends this compulsive
heart into fury and sweat
is the "coming to terms"
with the tilted axis of the earth
and the desire to wrap my arms
around all of us, give a firm crick,
and center this unbalanced world
to keep the poor living souls
at the North Pole from someday
tumbling off into a black mass of
chaotic oblivion.
***
Style / type:
Free verse
Review Request (Intensity):
I want the raw truth, feel free to knock me on my back
Editing stage:
Content level:
Not Explicit Content
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Author information
Region & Country
United States
Favorite Poets
I tend to read Ted Kooser, Jim Harrison, Paul Simon, Robert Frost. I like minimalist poetry, and poems reflecting on nature and Mother Earth.
Comments
Lavender
Sun, 2020-12-27 10:00
Hello, Mark
This was a bit fun to write. "Trippy" is a great description! :)
Thank you for reading! Take care!
L
author commentLavender
Sun, 2020-12-27 10:01
Hello, Teddy!
I am so glad you enjoyed this!
Thank you! xxx
L
author commentObadiah Grey
Sun, 2020-12-27 08:21
this made me smile!
this made me smile!
thanks.
obi.
Lavender
Sun, 2020-12-27 10:03
Hi, Obi
Thank you for reading and your wonderful comment!
L
author commentchima ononogbu
Sun, 2020-12-27 10:03
Nice
So nicely put together to strike up a conversation relating to life, as well as give the mind something to pleasure in. Thanks for sharing.
Bathe yourself with poetry and let the world go to pieces.
Lavender
Sun, 2020-12-27 10:07
Hello, Chimaono
Thank you for reading! I appreciate your comments!
L
author commentGeezer
Mon, 2020-12-28 14:53
I have known...
some people that have OCDC. I think that it is tuly amazing that some of the hardest hit ones get through the day. They HAVE to go back and check a dozen times to makes sure that stove is off, a certain light is left on, the door is locked and they have everything they need while they are out. I realize that there are certain levels that let one behave in the manner you speak of, but for others, it is a daily trial, minute by minute and hour by hour. I like the way you have portrayed the one you speak of, they have a such a regard for the rest of the world that, they can perceive it as being what is messed up and not themselves. Good write! ~ Geez.
.
It seems that the days and hours that people
are available for chatroom are staggered and
not a good match for most everyone. How about
if everyone just shows up at the door, whenever
they have a few free minutes?
Lavender
Mon, 2020-12-28 18:55
Hi, Geezer
I feel for those with a more serious condition, too. A challenge for certain. After posting this, I realized I accidentally gave the fourth stanza 5 lines instead of, as in the original poem, 4, as with all the other stanzas. I tell myself "leave it be!" :)
Thank you, Geezer!
L
author commentGeezer
Tue, 2020-12-29 08:31
I was...
so engrossed with your tale, that I did not even notice that you had inserted that 5th line! I guess that says something about how good it is! Congratulations on a fine piece of work. ~ Geez.
.
It seems that the days and hours that people
are available for chatroom are staggered and
not a good match for most everyone. How about
if everyone just shows up at the door, whenever
they have a few free minutes?
Lavender
Tue, 2020-12-29 10:41
Thank you, Geezer!
Always, always appreciate your help and comments!
L
author commentAsche Keegan
Mon, 2020-12-28 17:27
Dear Lavender,
THIS IS PERFECT!!!
THIS IS SO PERFECT!!
THe descriptions, the imagery, the last few stanzas...the entire thing is remarkable, and I love every bit of it! Great job!
..................................................
https://meanderingbackward.blogspot.com
"The true alchemists do not turn lead into gold; they turn the world into words." -William H. Gass
Lavender
Mon, 2020-12-28 18:57
Hello, Asche
Aw...you are very kind. Thank you so much!
L
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