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