ALTERCATION

shame, blame, dark

A damp, dark night

even the moon conceals behind ominous clouds

stars fear thunder and lightning on the horizon

no enlightened celestial sphere

 

She leans against a sourwood tree

hair strewn across an obscure face

thoughts race about an altercation with her lover

in the shadows of a somber murk

he abandons her aimlessly leaping like a tiger

until his figure vanishes into the brush

her guilt and sorrow homogenize as one

she cannot recall how it ensued

though the flame rapidly turns into a ball of fire

 

She weeps with blame, torture

recalls scattered words spoken

perhaps he will return when he calms

she sees his face in her mind’s eye

which worsens her plight

her cries awaken the owl’s hoot

the cricket’s chatter

the katydid’s cackle

 

She whimpers herself to sleep in the distant thunder

sinister clouds diverge

the moon peeks through

at once, it shrouds her tiny bones

with warmth and empathy

 

 

 

 

 

Author's Note

Thank you for reading!

Reviews

[FlaLover]

beautiful...absolutely beautiful!
you are so talented!

[Betty Hermelee]

Thank you so much for your kind review!
Warmly, B🌷

[Pete]

outstanding. so well written. this has so much going for it - wording, imagery, storyline, emotion, nature. captivating from start to finish. bravo.

[Betty Hermelee]

Wow Pete…you out did yourself! I am honored thank you from the soul🌷
Warmly, B

[Coyote Poetry]

We do learn too late. Anger dear Betty, killed kindness.
"She weeps with blame, torture
recalls scattered words spoken
perhaps he will return when he calms"
The above lines. I do understand. In a long life. We need forgiveness and kindness. Thank you dear friend for sharing the amazing poetry.
Coyote

[Betty Hermelee]

Thank you dear John for a thoughtful review
Warmly
B

[Coyote Poetry]

You are welcome dear Betty.

[Sameeksha Vadisherla]

The poem beautifully progresses from a foreboding and a dark night to a moment of solace and empathy under the warm moon light, illustrating a journey from despair to hope. I admire her spirit for not letting herself down amidst of her emotional suffering. The altercation that between them, that led to his violent and sudden departure is poignantly depicted with gripping imagery. Typically, hope keeps us alive, but for her, it's opposite. Her hope of his return and the vivid memories of his face worsen her plight. I love your narration style, Betty. It was an Incredibly captivating read.

Have a beautiful day 😊

[Betty Hermelee]

Thank you, I appreciate your reviews, very detailed and thoughtful
Warmly
B

[Sameeksha Vadisherla]

You're most welcome dear friend 😊

[Thomas W Case]

Tremendous use of the senses. You take the reader into the scene.

[Betty Hermelee]

Thank you Thomas for your kind words
Warmly, B

[Ken Simm.]

Excellent use of words. It says a lot on many levels. Although I would like to see this from the male point of view as well.

[Betty Hermelee]

thank you Ken, appreciated
Warmly, B

[Julie McCarthy (juliesp..]

Oooh marvellous I love last verse the best
It was all fantastic took me to another realm
Well done

[Betty Hermelee]

Thank you Julie, much appreciated!
Warmly, B

[Dave Brown]

Oh oh, looks like I missed an episode which sounds as tho' things haven't gone well.
Another quality write in and of itself but the line that caught me was
.....her tiny bones!
It reminded me of my now, long gone, sweet old, small, but strong, well loved Mother.
I don't think I could ever have been described as a Momma's boy, but that brought a tear.
I was always surprised at what strength those tiny bones mustered!
Your lasso is bringing in an ever larger herd "and" no commercials!!!!

[Betty Hermelee]

No Dave, this is a completely different poem, you missed nothing in the series, the next few are coming up! Thank you for always being there!🌷🌷
Warmly, BESTB

[John the Baptist]

We are not given specifics, but the lady in question is distraught after a spat with her lover, which ended when he abruptly departed. Actually, though, it could have been worse. He could have hit her first, then run.

[Betty Hermelee]

I guess there could have been many scenarios…..thank you my friend for your kind review
Warmly, B

[Einstein Noodle]

i think this has very strong story telling, imaging and also very emotive .. we have no idea what the cause nor any details of the lovers characters; but it doesn't matter at all .. like her obscured face with wind swept, tear soaked hair .. we don't need to see nor know any of that .. perhaps a park bench, on a stoop .. transformed into the jungle of anger, words and a crashing of loves .. the tiger, his aimless leaping away into the night .. hurt and wounded and leaving her the same ... wonderful wonderful says i .. the tragedy ends with her in the calm of the moon .. belle luna has scene it all many times hasn't she?! and she understands ... really enjoyed your poem Ms.Betty H.
E.

[Betty Hermelee]

What a wonderful review E…..it means so much to me….thank you dear friend
Warmly
B.🌷