Today's prompt. While we are at it, I've been writing reviews of current music over at Medium, my most current one on Tierra Whack's World Wide Whack, is available here.
There were big plans for you,
a couch meant to last an era, a seat
invincible.
Only, an errant fork in the cushions,
tongs buried deep
by a canine friend turned temporary foe;
Only, the feline's favorite scratching point.
Only, some upholster's nightmare taking
Place behind the penultimate cushion.
Slowly, we watched as your cushions
sink deeper into defeat; we adjusted our
aging frames as you found our familiar points
and said "no more, please." A demand more
than a cry for help.
You, swallower of remotes, lost phones,
the toys of children, the concerns of adults;
perch for our canine and feline antagonists,
them of the mind that you will forgive their
past transgressions.
You, loyal servant to our communal comfort,
wrapping us in your aged fabric, your fraying lines,
your creaking and dubious form. You, loyal and true.
The model for all living room furniture, big and small.
You have given all you had and we have still asked for more
and still you are willing to accept our demands.
We do not deserve you.
Your poem reminded me of our big couch, Leonard, which is the domain of my husband, and has a huge dip where the cats like to curl up. I love the phrase ‘a seat invincible’ and the ‘errant fork in the cushions’ – I only ever find peanuts between the cushions of ours! Funnily enough, our cats only scratch my armchair. An inspired poem!
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