Signs

this dull ache bears a misplaced name

scratched out in midnight moon-paint

upon a wall I used to brush with lover’s eyes

as you breathed unholy hymns upon my neck

soft as the whispers of winter’s wilting leaves

regret melting gradually from black-ink branches

 

like a child, I cannot force the letters to commit

they will not become something they never were

no matter how many ways I rearrange them

 

they are the pale bones of an obsolete history

decomposing slowly in the backwoods of my mind

where stacks of caution signs rust red

beneath thorny vines dusted with virgin snow

Reviews

[Horizon K.]

I feel you are striking into new territory... A new panel of metaphors and design... A change of seasons in this onset of winter and his aftermath...

Anyway, I felt frigid, standing in the skeletal remains of a forest built from sad memories that can't be changed, even in dreams... he, is gone... and what remains of she, is broken, yet embryonic... My visions from this portrait of loss that you have so vividly drawn...

[jacob erin-cilberto]

thank you for your words, Horizon.

jacob

[Pete Langley]

This has your usual fine imagery enhancing a poem full of angst, seemingly born of always knowing your mutual passion was flawed by doubt. Paradoxically, the poem is a great success, Sarah. P.

[Girl Friday (Sarah W.)]

Thank you so much, Pete.

[Clara]

I have missed your writing, Sarah.

How beautifully you describe your heart, even though it is hurting from remembering.
Much love to you.

[Girl Friday (Sarah W.)]

I've missed your kind reviews! Thank you!

[Patricia Wedel]

dear Sarah ... You have a beautiful
touch of melancholy.
Your words linger as sweet perfume of
memories that linger on the cusp
of romantic moments forever
tattooed on your mind. truly... Pat

[Girl Friday (Sarah W.)]

Thank you so much, Patricia!

[MsJewel]

You write with such depth and emotion...
the entire poem is brilliant, but the last stanza seriously gave me goosebumps

they are the pale bones of an obsolete history
decomposing slowly in the backwoods of my mind
where stacks of caution signs rust red
beneath thorny vines dusted with virgin snow
Amazing writing~
:) Julie

[Girl Friday (Sarah W.)]

You are very kind, Julie!

[Trace]

Wonderful images in your words, excellent poetry here. greatly enjoyed this piece. Trace

[Ees]

Lovely poem. I am very fond of the use of nature in this. Strange how we try to make things the way we thought they were and maybe were, but should have known all along.

[Girl Friday (Sarah W.)]

Thank you, my friend.

[Ezekiel Silver]

A thrilling piece with peculiar and vivid imagery.

[Tom]

One must be 100 and one % sure before the promise of commitment can be made !

The signs are there..So Beware ! Soulfully enlightening, tinged with a hint of metaphorical irony !

[Trevor Jay Bloodworth]

VERY interesting metaphors. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this.

[John Destalo]

Awesome work, really love it. It crosses many themes I love to explore such as trees, change, words, brains. The line about forcing letters to commit is perfect.

[Girl Friday (Sarah W.)]

Thank you, my friend.