Ignition

A clever little tale of revenge

Ignition

The glass that you shattered like it didn’t matter
Lies scattered about on the floor
The truth that you bury in your cemetery
Keeps mourners lined up at your door

All in distress you call your mistress
For keys and a lock to misuse
Your wife is alone as she waits in your home
To hear out your latest excuse

Languid and lean my well-planned machine
Strikes words that are common and coarse
I in my anger and blind to the danger
Choose action instead of remorse

A wisp of smoke rising it isn’t surprising
I stack up some lessons to learn
Then make my decisions and mark my incisions
And wait for the west wind to turn

I bless you with taper and curse you with paper
I toast you with diesel and sherry
I strike up a match and open the hatch
Tis better to burn than to marry

-Zoe Richardson (2023)

Author's Note

No actual spouses were harmed in the writing of this poem. Or aftewards.

Reviews

[John Alexander McFadyen]

Wow! This has a very 'clipped metre and tight rhyming scheme telling this tale of deceit and radical . response.

[Zoe Richardson]

Thank you, dear friend. I tend to think in meter and rhythm. It feels natural, as does committing arson. lol. Seriously, I appreciate your kind words and praise. I promise I am not a crazy ex!