Poem of the Month – June 2025 – phil saunders
The Poem of the Month for June 2025, selected by 2025 Anthology editors Val Braendler and Ben Adams, is Enter Rapture by phil saunders. The commended poems are i only dream when i’m asleep by Geoff Aitkin, Patterns of Being by Margaret Fensom and The Homeless Man’s Dog by Maria Koukouvas.
Enter Rapture
phil saunders
enter rapids steamboat stability
romance blossoms in face of competition
flowers chocolate wine sideways glances
coffee
sweet kisses deny pretence
softly softly into the night
lovers’ steps shimmer united
lovers’ steps sparkle in step
eyes
lovers’ steps gleam
early hours
disorientation of place
sunlight through window an omen
darkness descends
spot rain fog diminishes viewpoints
trucks sound moody horns
fires and slippers inside
mood overtakes into tears
seek comfort does the bell toll for thee
doors open to opportunity
walk the lane should you dare
walk the cobbles slide over the smooth
walk the cobbles should you care
future steps fix the date
rain drops intermittent will not disturb
tears unbidden rest below for their time
walk the cobbles when you dare
walk the cobbles when you care
the finish is your rapture if you care to dare
the finish is your rapture if you dare to care
open the curtain
your love talks through the panes
language I know not for Cupid’s barbs to accompany
sailing boats and steamships wait
tug boats guide delivery
wild seas will not hinder finding motion across the calm
carousel roundabouts Cupid rides the circus
elephants and clowns as his handmaidens for the task
no need for ringmasters
audiences will applaud Cupid’s finesse
in awe of his capture of language
strong slow the wind
variations dip weave curve the air
drive tears to the surface
join wind’s raindrops
carve a path into heart’s homeland
dispel shadows for all who inhabit
make steps without fear
make short long journey home
strong slow the wind for another lifetime
Enter Rapture prepared with notes taken during a performance of the Australian String Quartet: Beethoven String Quartet No.11 in F Minor, Op.95, Serioso; Perica String Quartet No.1, No Feeling is Final; Janacek String Quartet No.2, Intimate Letters; Golijov Tenebrae for string quartet.… Click for more
