Contributor Series 4: Aspects of the Elephant, My Companion Piece
Contributor Series 4: Aspects of the Elephant
My Companion Piece
By Bryan Borland
At the funeral they called him my companion,
which made him sound less
like my husband than my pet,
my friend with the furry belly
I instinctively rub. These two weeks
he's been the guide dog
to my blindness. I'd have run
off bridges too
if not for his steady hands
as buffers, his muscular arms
when I wake up too early,
and we cry,
but together.
Bryan Borland's poetry (Jersey Boys, Grapes of Comfort, Weeds, Birdsong) has appeared at vox poetica in 2009.
My Companion Piece
By Bryan Borland
At the funeral they called him my companion,
which made him sound less
like my husband than my pet,
my friend with the furry belly
I instinctively rub. These two weeks
he's been the guide dog
to my blindness. I'd have run
off bridges too
if not for his steady hands
as buffers, his muscular arms
when I wake up too early,
and we cry,
but together.
Bryan Borland's poetry (Jersey Boys, Grapes of Comfort, Weeds, Birdsong) has appeared at vox poetica in 2009.
Posted by Annmarie at 2/16/2010 12:27 AM 
Categories: today's words, Contributor Series 4
Tags: love Bryan Borland husband companion
Categories: today's words, Contributor Series 4
Tags: love Bryan Borland husband companion
Excellent.
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Very touching.
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Such a wonderful poem, Bryan!!! The extra imagery of the animal, the dog, the blindness just such a complete poem. Bravo, my man!
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Thanks all. This was a raw, emotional poem that never moved beyond the first draft, because the first draft was *the moment*. Sometimes I don't believe in revision, and this was one of those times. I appreciate the support. And, of course, gratitude to Annmarie!
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A brilliant, moving poem!
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Beautiful and moving. I love the way you end the poem, "...and we cry, but together."
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Bryan,
You've heard me say this before, but this line makes me grin and undoes me at the very same time....no matter how many times I read it.
"my friend with the furry belly
I instinctively rub"
So much intimacy in that visual.
Love this piece.
:0)
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