My skin crunches* to the touch
like withered petals
pressed in a book
aged and well loved.
Its bronze has lost its luster.
Its softness wears the patina
bequeathed by time.
But knowledge flows in my veins
wisdom powers my bones
and I am.
~~~~~~~
For DVERSE’s Quadrille prompt – Crunch, courtesy of Whimzygizmo.
* Having discussed this term extensively with a native speaker, I am a little wary about whether I used the word properly or not. When I wrote the piece, I was imagining the sound evoked by the word. My consultant says ‘crunch’ is beyond a mere rustling sound that I may have associated the term with. I’d appreciate feedback. Thanks. 🙂
MY WALL 
Beautiful!
Love this
This is gorgeous.
Thanks. 🙂
Yes, where there is life there is hope!
Dwight
I like this line: “wisdom powers my bones”
I’m not native either, and are unsure like you… but my sense that crunch is a “harder” sound than that of skin… more like bones maybe. But I do love the wisdom that grows when other things falter.
I love the mental image of those petals pressed to page. Wonderful.
But knowledge flows in my veins
wisdom powers my bones
and I am.
Yes, and the confidence generated carries the day!
Hank
Amazing!
Thanks.
Beautiful write, Imelda. The “I am” speaks volumes here — be it the transcendental Great “I am” (if the “book” here refers to the Word) or the Descartesian proposition of self and knowledge. Wondering if you’re intending one or the other … or both.
Thanks for a thoughtful comment.
I used “I am” in the latter sense. In that statement, I wanted to convey the fullness of life the speaker has (and on a more mundane level – I was looking for the two words that would complete the 44 for the quadrille – and those two were the only ones that made sense. 🙂
This one is a true gem. I cannot help you with the ‘crunches’ question, but for me it makes sense.
I love this, Imelda. It conveys so much and makes sense to me! 🙂
I like the tone of this image and the meaning it contains which you have expressed through your beautiful poem.