Response Poetry

With a response poem, one poet writes on a shared theme and sends the poem to another poet who then writes a reply. Often the chosen theme is on love.

Here's a really beautiful poem written by American poet Pris Campbell and my response below.

After the Rains

You spoke of her

many times in the days before

our first sudden embrace.

Her scarlet blouses...

the scent of jasmine perfume.

After our first night together

you spoke of her, never.

Did I replace her,

erase that space

that once filled your heart?

As anticipation fueled our days,

and lust kidnapped our nights,

with your many caresses marking

my body as yours,

misgivings faded.

Until last night. after the rains,

in that moment of mindless oblivion,

you called out her name.

Pris Campbell

(c) 9/16/2001

............................................................................

After the Rains

Forgive me,

as I lie quietly beside you

that unspoken veil drawn

between us,

you bruised and hurt

so very small and afraid...

after the rains.

I see the tears

glisten in the moonlight

and know your pain

this wounded heart of mine

is yet to heal, and feel,

and once again know love.

Forgive me,

that which has ended

and will never be again

still hangs heavy on my soul

but I know that time and you

can mark my heart as your own.

So let me know your tears

and I will share that scarred

and fragile lonely place

and you will teach me to love

anew...

after the rains.

© Mike Subritzky

2001

(For Pris, may you once again know Sunshine, Strength and Love)

Mike Subritzky 2001 - Judith Rose Collaboration