Playing Bongos in Topanga Canyon

02 Oct 2012 17 Comments

by Sharp Little Pencil in POETRY Tags: Bongs, Guitars, LA, Marijuana, Musicians, Poets United, Sunday Whirl, The 70s, Topanga Canyon

Playing Bongos in Topanga Canyon

Several members of our tribe are
breathing slowly, exhaling with tenderness
the holy incense of the day

Shakha opens tent flaps and
scurries to exchange the
stinky bong water for fresh

Empties grimy slog into
Topanga Canyon’s stream
without fear of discovery

We are in the back of
the deep woods now
Our prayers answered

Don strums his twelve-string
as singers attempt the dazed
yet sweet harmonies of ambivalence

For The Sunday Whirl, click to see Wordle and other folks’ posts. Thanks, Brenda, for some words that almost gave me a contact high… but that was the 70s for ya. The memories do linger after all these years. Some flashbacks are quite sweet, and so are the people.

Also at my poetic all-time clear-headed high, Poets United!

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17 Comments (+add yours?)

Carol Steel
Oct 03, 2012 @ 03:35:25

“Dazed yet sweet harmonies of ambivalence” is a wonderful phrase. I like the easy feeling images in this. Well done.

Reply
- Sharp Little Pencil
  Oct 06, 2012 @ 21:51:52
  
  Carol, that phrase came from a phonic memory of a particular day in a particular spot… bet I couldn’t find it now! A
  
  Reply
Roger Green
Oct 03, 2012 @ 04:45:29

bop
ROG, ABC WEDNESDAY

Reply
- Sharp Little Pencil
  Oct 06, 2012 @ 21:54:12
  
  …and never stop.
  
  Reply
Lindy Lee
Oct 03, 2012 @ 06:58:34

Unable to post; let me know if this works???

Reply
- Sharp Little Pencil
  Oct 06, 2012 @ 22:00:09
  
  Yup!
  
  Reply
  - Lindy Lee
    Oct 07, 2012 @ 16:02:02
    
    Thanks, Sharp. Looks like Kisimet fixed me up. I’m back in the comment business on WordPress…
gautami tripathy
Oct 03, 2012 @ 07:15:18

Loved the images it conjured…

ambivalence

Reply
- Sharp Little Pencil
  Oct 06, 2012 @ 22:00:48
  
  Thanks, Gautami, and now I’m coming to see you. THANK YOU for the URL. A
  
  Reply
Tumblewords
Oct 03, 2012 @ 12:20:41

Terrific imagery – it IS a place in time.

Reply
brian miller
Oct 03, 2012 @ 12:49:38

nice…great to find that kind of seclusion you know….peaceful…and with community…a little easier to get closer to the great spirit then as well…

Reply
Sherry Blue Sky
Oct 04, 2012 @ 10:06:30

I adore the title and love the scene you’ve set here…….you aced it.

Reply
oldegg
Oct 04, 2012 @ 18:54:16

I wasn’t there but I have dreams of other times too.

Reply
- Sharp Little Pencil
  Oct 06, 2012 @ 22:15:05
  
  I know what you mean, Robin. It’s nice to look back… in languor.
  
  Reply
Walt Wojtanik
Oct 05, 2012 @ 07:27:37

A vicarious contact high across the lake. Very nice. It is amazing how those memories and people linger. Sorta why I keep coming back. Thanks for your kindness over at “Poet’s Heart”. Much appreciated.

Reply
Sarav
Oct 05, 2012 @ 15:48:23

I can see it! Canyon light, music–wonderful

Reply
Renee Espriu
Oct 05, 2012 @ 23:26:09

I feel a California memory here, Amy. Love what you have done and takes me to memories of my own. Thank You!

Reply

I love comments but don't often reply - instead, I hop over to YOUR blog, so leave a URL of a recent post. See you on the flip side! Cancel reply

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