Winning with poetryireland.ie and the Poetry Project

Congratulations to: Therese L. Broderick

With: ‘Due Pedali’
Written in response to: In a hushed requite by Liam O’Callaghan

Due Pedali

i.

Without her, the kitchen
is an orchid

losing petals.

ii.

A tile shrinks.        A wall slackens.

iii.

From the sink where he stands
echoes  –
chords
her hands held

–  vanish.

iv.

Window and portal will fade,

v.

old islands outside
yielding pods
fruits
will go mute

if he idles too long
at the faucet.

vi.

i due pedali

vii.

This silver basin.

One teaspoon, resting.

Author’s note: To achieve a ghostly, shimmering sound effect, a pianist presses two pedals – due pedali – at the same time.