The Matador's Wife

30th December 2012 - My latest work, something a bit different to what I usually do but nonetheless one of my favourites. Hope you enjoy.

 

Alert. Precise. The Matador's wife.

Fights battles of her own all day, through 'til night.

Walks home in the dark, sticking to streetlights.

 

Alone. Children. A labouring job.

Armed with a whisk and a blood-stained teacloth

She sits in the dark to quietly sob.

 

She cooks the dinner but will he return?
Lamenting the living, she has to learn.

'Be optimistic, or the heart will yearn.'

 

The children awake, calling the Matador

His wife approaches the bedroom door

Her tears dripping on the floor,

 

But she wipes them away, a pillar of hope.

She has become the familial rope

Bound tightly, together they cope.

 

A knock at the door on Sunday morn

The mother's spirit is reborn

As in the hall stands the Matador.

 

The brazen figure of a man

Dressed head to toe in desert tan

Returning from Afghanistan.

 

 

Reviews

[gabrielle]

The rhyming pattern and the style made it so easy to read. Above all, the message is so moving. The sacrifices of a mother are well-captured in this literary piece. This is not only a great tribute to the army wives but to all the mothers who are raising alone their children while their husbands are away for work.

[Clockwork]

I didn't see the final stanza coming! I figured this poem was an account of a Matador's wife in Spain. That was a great twist on your part. I really liked your rhymes. They fit the subject matter of the poem and none of them seemed forced. Also, I think the rhythm of the piece makes this poem like a song in a way. I quite enjoyed what you crafted here.

[sithlordjp]

Good, powerful writing. This piece feels timeless, relevant a thousand years ago, relevant today... Well done!

[Deron Alexis]

army wives do indeed have allot to face the comparison of a matador is really what got me here interesting metaphor this is really an example of how a cool title can get one to read enjoyed the flow this was epic well written

[john alan willox]

what a lovely metaphor - nice surprise - thanks.
john

[revalatia]

oh my gosh dude... I really felt this.. surprise ending for sure.. kind of made me clutch my heart.. :) rock on!

[rnuff]

Wow i truly enjoyed reading this, poetic and well written.