The kernel

The kernel

A Poem by sea lily

the kernel has cracked open. 
the hollow sea shell 
blown back into life.
the woman, resolute and wan
in a crying heap 
on the floor. 

layer upon layer of protection
finally unravelled. 
he says i'm not ruined
and i'm starting to believe him. 
because this heart does still feel. 
all the times 
i stopped it from singing.

and if you could hear it 
from where you are 
it would say:
i have wanted you 
since i learned what it was to know you. 
now, i tell you, 
i have been betrayed.

all those days
of restraint.
when you left
i kept you to myself 
hoarded you like a treasured jewel 
to bring out from my pocket
when nobody was looking
and admire in the darkness that surrounded me. 

we never said
(we didn't have to say)
and i am ruined, in a way
for other men
who could never compare
would give anything for you
to kiss my hair 
and rock me like a lost child.

but i will have to go on wanting.

© 2016 sea lily


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You! Of all people. Your work hasn't lost a step.

Posted 7 Years Ago


Pretty moving. It felt like something between the longing of something lost and the want of something that will never be had, or had again. There's tragedy there, and the sense of that came through, as well as the reluctance of having to move forward, even when you're basically forced to by circumstance and inevitability. I hope that you continue to write, because it's clear that you can convey.

Posted 7 Years Ago



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Added on April 4, 2016
Last Updated on April 4, 2016

Author

sea lily
sea lily

United Kingdom



About
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A Poem by sea lily