She runs away
from hibiscus-scented summer,
the hammering of exotic drums,
at a butterfly's flight from the sea.
It's where her dark-haired boy
drowned
and with the soft veils
of contained suffering
she dried her tears too soon.
In an acceleration,
bright souvenirs faded
and broken summer seashells
were stuffed in a bag,
deep in the well
of her tampered memory.
The past traveled fast in her synapses,
as the cold shot they gave her
made its way through her veins.
Of course, she knows
memory is a deadly weapon
that although re-ordered,
stored, and covered,
lies only dormant for a while.
She is always on the move
with light luggage,
no real commitment,
just work, lame excuses and façade.
One day - fatally -
the cold, bitter cutting edge
of a single word,
uttered nonchalantly,
will bring her to her knees,
igniting
the rocket of hidden memory,
ready to burst.
Until then,
to avoid the explosion -
followed by the steep path of mourning -
covered in sweat,
she runs.
Word combinations and imagery throughout this poem are so startling and unique, they must be read twice for meaning to sink in, but when it does, you almost want to close your eyes against the painful scene displayed. Vivid and real, like all of your poems--Charlie
This composition shows a picture of a Poet that has the company of Erato, Apollo and Minerva; that pays the poetic dues, and enjoys the aroma of creativity.
Outstanding! My favorite part is where you say, "with the soft veils of contained suffering." There very engaging tension in this line with the words soft & suffering. I could picture the boy drowning as I continued to read over this line. Interesting enough I came to the conclusion that waves of water washing over a drowing person are the soft veils or the closing curtain on the final act. I feel blessed to have read such a masterpiece and keep the flow going sista!
the pain you so eloquently describe is one that, like a shadow, is ever present. sometimes obvious. at other times, just a whisper in the corner cast from some far off light. and just when we think we've gotten used to it, know it like the back of our hand, it appears in such a way that it startles us back to the nightmares of our childhood when shadows were the demons of the dark.
Loss is an ever reflecting image that tends to sit within the depths of memory and one seeks its escape, though we all have that recurring within us, the inevitable thought and or word bringing it forth...life and reality go hand in hand with memories...
Expertly penned my friend. One can never hide from memory or reality. A showdown is inevitable. Running only prolongs the agony. Peace comes from within and without it acceptance is impossible. Blessings Always, Paul.
This composition shows a picture of a Poet that has the company of Erato, Apollo and Minerva; that pays the poetic dues, and enjoys the aroma of creativity.
In admiration,
Andre Emmanuel Bendavi ben-YEHU
nice work...
Art Sun...
Expertly penned my friend. One can never hide from memory or reality. A showdown is inevitable. Running only prolongs the agony. Peace comes from within and without it acceptance is impossible. Blessings Always, Paul.
Edwin