I Hear Her Scream

Four red walls: January

Reeds grabble and grope on a distant shore; long since washed away. Smells, at once sweet and repulsive brush the air. Deep emerald vines weave tapestry and lace across the sand.

 

Playful footsteps, a child’s footsteps

dance over mud and mire.

What seems a horror to eyes of age,

brings joy to a child’s fire.

 

     She stares out to sea. The reeds seem to carry her across the marsh in an unhindered dance.

 

“If I could know now what I will,

or see now what I shall,

oh, what a wonderful vision of hope it would be.”

 

     Spinning and laughter fill her mind as she turns toward the blazing sun. Before her stand four stone walls:

 

Scarlet to think by;

crimson to grow;

cardinal to dream by;

ruby to know.

 

     On each wall, a crystal door. Through each door, a sacred path. In silence she grasps at the way.

     “What if I choose poorly?” (Scarlet.)

         “How can I know what will become?” (Crimson.)

   “Do I hold good or evil in my hand?” (Cardinal.)

        “Will I sing or weep?” (Ruby.)

     Her answer cries, “Piercing silence!”

 

This dream, a life;

this life, a dream.

Immersed in darkness,

I hear her scream.

Author's Note

Excerpts from the first chapter of An Owl on the Moon: A Journal From the Edge of Darkness… January.

Reviews

[Mrudula Rani]

The four stone walls hold four crystal doors, All the four doors are hiding wisdom essential for development of a soul to its full potential. One needs to open all the doors to know the purpose of life, but must not be obsessed only with one choice. Wonderful and wise knowledge filled in your writings.
Eu não tenho bastante português para explicar que eu sentou-se. Suas poesias são fora de série. Adorei muito. Uma grande abraço. Tudo de bom.

[An owl on the moon]

Muito obrigado! Yes... it is true... we are presented with so many choices... every day. Some are simple. And some transform our lives forever. Suas palavras de bondade sempre me enchem de alegria. Que esta semana lhe traga inspiração e paz em tudo que fizer. Um grande abraço.

[Mrudula Rani]

Obrigada, agradeço muito. Desejaria ti uma grande semana de muitas felicidades.

[An owl on the moon]

Que a alegria venha para nós dois esta semana, querido poeta!

[barleygirl]

I love the way you've created a brisk interplay between prose & poetry. I love your rhyming & your "shorthand" way of painting just a bit of imagery, here and there, along the journey your message takes. Most of all, I love that you use many splendored words for "red" -- something I'm often harping on in my reviews -- this shows a true love of vocabulary -- so many interesting ways to express each concept with fresh words! (((HUGS))) fondly, Margie

[An owl on the moon]

Dear Margie, thank you for your wondrous lifting words, always so encouraging to me. This came from some of the darkest places in me, so I'm glad there might still be glimmers of light here, even if only on the broken fragments of glass. May your weekend bring you such joy!

[Coyote Poetry]

Wonderful use of words and thoughts. Can I buy the book my friend? Your words making the reader feel and understand the thoughts and places in the words. I felt the struggle and the scream. Thank you for sharing the outstanding poetry.
Coyote

[An owl on the moon]

SO thankful to have you by again, my friend. You are always so encouraging and lifting to all of us here. And you can certainly get the book in print or digital on Amazon, thought there is a Goodreads giveaway right now. 20 copies! Here's the link. https://www.goodreads.com/giveaway/show/276659-an-owl-on-the-moon-a-journal-from-the-edge-of-darkness

[Coyote Poetry]

Okay I will check out and you are welcome my friend.

[lessa (kenzie)]

Wow, this is the best write I have read on here. I enjoyed this so much. Such a charming poetic piece. You tell an amazing story. I can see it all through your imagery, and feel a certain sadness and beauty within your words.

[An owl on the moon]

It is a joy to have your presence here, and to have your encouragement in my writing, dear poet.

[The Rock And Roll Cowbo..]

Oh yes their are many shades of red, finding the one that makes your blood flow can be a tough choice.

Brilliant writing sir.

[An owl on the moon]

My friend, so glad to have you by again. And so glad to know you are growing stronger. Blessings.

[Seriana]

Wow. Craig, you have shared a true gem here. I love when writing captures my hungry eyes and I cannot look away until the end. Your words are so sapient, so lush and full of life. I wonder what treasures live in your thoughts....

[An owl on the moon]

Oh, dear one! You always find light in my darkness. The stars of my night sky. Thank you so much. How grateful I am for your presence here, and grateful you have returned to let your voice be known again.