Solstice Poems—4: 'Melrose Bar'
Published by IGNU ©1995 in Solstice 4
I do love a poem that is connected to a physical place/space. The moment for this poem holds memories of those jovial times enjoying college friends and dabbling in our creative juices, while having a mid-day meal, a few pints, and a game of pool. This day, I recall deep discussions of The Beat Poets. How we all had aspirations of our little-town group being similarly known among our, and future, generations. A miniscule few of us went on to follow the literary road; none of our names have been added to a ‘best-seller’ list. Though, I am sure all have made ‘names’ in some form or fashion for themselves among their tribes.
In varying degrees we were sucked in and out of our own vortexes: life’s conventions, freedom of self, our individual spiritual paths, and the internal wars fought to be true to who we were—who we are still at our very core. There is a people-pleaser and a defiant rebel in all of us. The challenge of life is not defying gravity, but conquering equilibrium.
MELROSE BAR!
‘In varying degrees we were sucked in and out of our own vortexes: life’s conventions, freedom of self, our individual spiritual paths, and the internal wars fought to be true to who we were; who we are still at our very core. There is a people-pleaser and a defiant rebel in all of us. The challenge of life is not defying gravity, but conquering equilibrium.’ —Wendy Gray, 5/2024
AND…my mind is still moving…..
This Melrose Bar reflection has unearthed memories of those opposing forces. To the moment tied to this poem, the better side arose. I’ll save for another day the poems that erupted at the same place, but that space of time is linked to a series of events that literally took me to the battlefield of living and dying.
Don’t worry! I won’t forget to include them! I already have it on the calendar…..July 5th and 8th. Hang in there with me won’t cha!!!
Many Blessings and MUCH LOVE!
W-Gray
OMG! This is one of my favorites so far! Although most everything you write makes my heart sing! I feel as if I’m right there beside you. Who hasn’t had gravy fries/hash browns? (being from the south, we call ‘em “smothered”…sometimes smothered, covered and peppered😂) Nonetheless, it’s about the connection of food, friends, good times and times long past for me.