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.