In the still
a single breath
echoed
a tremor of life itself.
A bulbous raindrop
fresh from it’s cumulus womb
erupted – a tsunami
over a discarded carcass of woman.
Ribs picked and pickled,
a gilded gift of Adam repentant of all sins,
devoured in a field of buttercups
nodding their heads in agreement of ceasefire.
In the still-
where the honeysuckle doused its dew
on silken skin,
and snakes slithered in the long grass where woman lay,
her heart beat,
boomed thunder through mottled bones
to detritus beneath,
accepting an apology
which remained
Unspoken.
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Beauty …
There are lovely images in here, but I remain confused about the images of a dead woman, presumably murdered, and forgiveness. As a stupid reader, I may have missed something 😉
powerful images, Shan…beautiful work. ~jackie~
nice work on the metaphor here shan… the rib and sin and guilt and a clearing rain…?
Mother Earth is how I read this poem – perhaps the ceasefire and detritus all seemed to signify the things we do to destroy our world.
I love this Shan, with ancient religious metaphor and wording and imagery as current as today. So many different ways this could be read, or meanings that could be read into it. Superb!
Thanks Ginny, poetry is great for being subtle or unsubtle and I love the way people are reading all kinds into this poem!
Oh my word, Shan. I read this out loud and got goosebumps. The contrast of the body with buttercups, the unspoken apology. Wonderful.
It’s been a while Beth! Thank you for your kind words
Oh gosh, just love your close on this.
Thanks 🙂
The imagery in your poem is strong and very thought provoking…I am particularly drawn the religious symbolism…and the unspoken apology is a perfect ending.
Goodness, I really enjoyed this read. It is so many layered, deep and delicate. Why have I not read your poetry before?!
A superb from me too – have read the beauty of your words several times. My interpretation of its meaning is still unfound, nevertheless its beauty is.
Anna :o]
This is so many layers in this.. beauty and horror.. and the enigma .. what is she… love it.
Exquisitly layered. Truly, beautiful. Glad to have stumbled upon your site through d’verse.
A challenging poem with both begins and end so delicately – very skilfully done and a joy to read… Thank you – With Best Wishes Scott
Thanks Scott x
Such a great read, like others here I loved the layers.
Great poem, I love the layers. Cheers!
Shan, OMG so great to be reading you again! What a powerful piece. I loved every word, every image filled with wonder and expectancy. This was surprising as it unfolded, unique, personal and complete.
devoured in a field of buttercups
nodding their heads in agreement of ceasefire.
A very very strong poem, Salute.
Powerful poem. Will read again. I’m smelling the honeysuckle and feeling the still.
accepting an apology
which remained
Unspoken….powerful.
Wow. Beautiful and horrible at the same time. You are a force. Thank you.
Nice.