tara caribou
poetry & short story author – artist & nature lover
Euphoria in Black Harlequin
forever pulled under
the waves, tears as blankets
some say stifling
I find comforting almost
or perhaps only
familiar
a quick glance
and I
shudder, shudder
what could be
could have been
in reality
in hindsight
hind-thought
setting aside the emotion
was in the end
a pipe-dream
see the curling smoke
rising, twisting
(hair around a finger)
slowing becoming nothing
exhale
another wisp of a thing
ash floating
looking in deeper
glimpsing truths
before a small breeze
carries it all away
dream and drown
dream and drown
or breathe again
eyes closed, chin bobbing
resting finally on my chest
I see images and forms
dancing, twirling
laughter?
or was it a moan?
I’m sure I smelled the color orange
which wasn’t at all
what I expected it would be
something loud reports
a door? a foot on the step?
I wake with a start
a figure stands at the threshold
wary, unsure of entrance
I bid them enter
and together we alight
and begin again
tara caribou | ©2022
25 Comments on “Euphoria in Black Harlequin”
tara caribou 
Reblogged this on cabbagesandkings524 and commented:
Tara Caribou – Dreaming?
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could be lyrics to a nick cave-like melody – interestingly familiar, confronting with a dash of equal parts confusion and futility? to me anyway … had to read it a couple of times for it to sink in, which was good.
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I wondered how you’d interpret this one! Interestingly, I also, upon reading it, felt it could be a song.
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I like the somewhat surreal dreamlike quality of this, Tara. Makes one question the nature of reality, and, indeed, whether a dream state is preferable.
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Very true! And sometimes the dream seems more real at times.
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Also very true!
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Absolutely sublime
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Thank you DA!
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Circular motions in word.
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Indeed!
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It’s very delicate, the way you used words agiley. When I read it, I walked through those moments like a shadow to watch and observe.
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That’s great, thanks Cassa.
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I mean, first off: As a fan of titles, this one hits — I really like how evocative it is. I’ve read the poem, and in many ways, I feel like I have to read it again to gain more insight. However, at this moment, I’m getting heavy “succumbing” vibes, particularly at the end. I love the verse with the ash floating, found that particularly clever and intriguing. Gonna have to read through again though, I’m sure I missed something. 🙂
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I suppose it’s a bit of absurdity but you know upon reflection, I could read this and hear it in your voice and style quite easily.
Also, super stoked you like the title. I’m just horrible with titles. But I was in a bit of a mood when I wrote it. (I actually used two strains of cannabis to create it… seemed to fit in with the vibe I was building.)
And succumbing is, yes, you nailed it. Exactly what I was feeling when I wrote it.
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I wanted to say cannabis in my parent comment lol but I hesitated. Yo, I think you’d be a great smoke buddy. The theoretical deep dives alone would be 6D in nature lol
The reason I considered cannabis is because of the last verse. The rapid question remind me of the first time I ever indulged and was paranoid outta my mind lol!
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Hahaha! Living in Alaska, well, it’s everywhere. I do grow cannabis, though not those particular strains, because I make CBD oils, lotions, and tinctures, among other things. All organic, because that’s important to me. Needless to say, in certain times, my house smells marvelous.
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I see images of what I couldn’t say. It’s as if on reading you your words are playing your way in my mind… good to see you Tara, take care.
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Thanks Eric! This description made my evening. I couldn’t ask for more! 😌
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I agree – this reads like a favorite song – gorgeous!
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That is a great compliment! Thank you ☺️
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And the title? JUST superb.
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You know I’m terrible with titles, so that means a lot to me.
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Well I think some of your poems have great titles but this is definitely a winner
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How dare someone wakes you? A travesty!
“I find comforting almost
or perhaps only
familiar” I like these lines a lot.
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Thanks!
And a travesty indeed!
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