Musings #62 - The Many Ways to Break
THE MANY WAYS TO BREAK
We are broken –
up like puzzles and lovers,
like countries after world war,
down like old jalopies, nerves.
We are broken –
in like a new pair of loafers
into like a burglary, out like skin
in pimple or rash, a prisoner’ escape.
Broken through –
like enemy lines, writers’ block,
stumbling block,
a wall, a dam, a brilliant new idea.
Broken off –
an engagement, negotiations,
branches laden with snow,
a doll’s arm floating downstream.
Broken bones –
a clean break, stable in a sling,
knitting as with yarn and needle,
marrowed.
Broken hearts –
without warning or explanation,
no gradual pull-away
or loosened grasp.