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Novacula

Missing image
Salvation,
I forgot her name...

confusion shaped like a woman

I remember who she was
                    before it all happened
aimless leaves blowing
now all that's left of me 

 people
 passing on the sidewalk 
never see

hazy and frayed 
like the hem on my jeans

torn
       reckless
skewed

many say unbalanced
say the truth

Death scarred her

repetition of 
      monsters ate
the good in her soul.

Author notes

novacula ~ latin for sharp edged instrument

Silver allpoetry.com/contest/1996906
Catressa - Written May 9th, 2006

It was a change because my senses became sharper, after a personal experience. My writing grew more honest? Some might say darker, but I would say it delved more into loss, and pain. I changed, so my writing did.

In a list

What did you think

    : , Your review:

    Comment Suggestion: What is your your first impression? • Line numbers
    : no Cost: 0 free left 0 points, You have (?) (Line numbers)

Comments

1 - 36 of 36

  • faderman1959 silver member
    May 11

    Edit | Reply
    Pain is a sharp edged instrument my friend! You show this through so much heart and soul! I can relate in many ways.


  • ukelova
    March 17

    Edit | Reply

    Night Hope

    Hello there. I was pointed in your direction by NH's list of good poets. I can see why you made it onto her list.

    There is a great deal of emotion in this poem, but thankfully it has been put under the chosen words and arranged into images. That is where they have the most impact. They have the chance of moving your readers deeply when they are crafted in that way.

    I hope you have slowly recovered from the dark experience of death you have addressed in this poem.

    Have a creative day,
    BJ.


    • Catressa gold member
      May 13
      Edit | Reply
      I have recovered.. but not forgotten

      Thank you for your comment, and send my thanks to Wanda (Night Hope) for recommending the read.


  • macandrew
    December 11, 2007
    Edit | Reply
    Beautifully written. I got the image of leaves blowing underfoot.

    More mature perhaps?
    John

  • Dienush Greeters member
    August 28, 2007

    Edit | Reply
    I like this. It's pretty neat that it actually speaks of a change in life too. I like the line "confusion shaped like a woman" very much. It's an original, suggestive image. This is somewhat dark, but not in the sense that everybody else writes. There seems to still be an underlying, lighter tone to this, which is why I do see this as a change in style.
    "I remember who she was
    before it all happened"
    suggests that you are not another person yet, but changing into one. The last three lines have a very final, powerful touch. Thanks for entering this.

    ~Diana


  • Cvillelisa
    August 22, 2006
    Edit | Reply



    oh. Confusion shaped like a woman is good. Sad. Very. That last line.

    Did you paint the picture?

  • Desire gold member
    June 13, 2006
    Edit | Reply
    Absolutely brilliant Catressa~~
    I don't come online as much as I would like but I do try~
    So many poetic masterpieces I have missed reading but I plan to slowly get back into the swing of things~~
    YOU did a magnificent job on this one and each line...
    spoke........penetrating to the core

    Thank you for sharing this one sweetness!!
    Look forward to reading more!
    Many blessings to YOU always!!
    and much love~ Desire~*~

  • Night Hope gold member
    June 13, 2006
    Edit | Reply
    Cat, you may not see yourself as a writer...but all of us sure do, my Friend...Congratulations on a well~earned trophy, Lady... Wanda

  • Catressa gold member
    June 13, 2006
    Edit | Reply
    I know you write well Widow.. I gave you a trophy
    Thank you for the beautiful comment.. I am always kinda floored when someone says, something like that.

    I truly don't see me as a writer.. But that is just me, my own flaw..

    Take Care Lovely

  • Blkwidow77 silver member
    June 13, 2006
    Edit | Reply
    Ah, but to say so much in so little... You really did well. I really took to this, and the picture was quite the perfect compliment to it. I like that this almost appears to be a surface piece, but has a careful set of layer to it, if one looks at it, and choses to step inside.

    I would have to admit though, it was really the last six lines that made this piece. They were striking and are what I truly enjoyed in this. Congratulations on your silver. It was earned.

  • Nicolette gold member
    June 4, 2006
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    Confusion, disillusion, hurt...all come in many shapes and sizes, but here you've given her the shape of a woman, of a real human being (someone that was so close to you). This is an amazing poem, Cat...weaved with strings pulled from deep within the soul. Hauntingly beautiful...

    ~ Nicolette

  • Catressa gold member
    June 2, 2006
    Edit | Reply
    Just trying to fill a void in my heart Renee.. sooth my soul.. I know you know that feeling sweet one Thank You though for the beautiful compliment

  • poetryality silver member
    June 1, 2006
    Edit | Reply
    Catressa,

    I often wonder how it is that you don't see yourself as the brilliant poet you are. You belong with this group. YOU are a definite match for their muses.

    This work is phenomenal. It strikes the heart to the point of aching. It leaves the reader stumbling about for words that are adequate enough to use as compliments. There is such a heart-wrenching to these words. I am very near tears even while I am trying to be a big girl. I am sure for years to come you will have words to share of this misfortune. This is absolutely from your soul. I can feel that.

    I love the title, the poem is exquisite, the background fits perfectly, and the picture finally brought the flood from my heart. In my finite opinion, this is THE WINNER! It is raw, real, naked, and exposed.

    I wish you the best in this challenge.

  • Rowan gold member
    June 1, 2006
    Edit | Reply
    What a beautifully heartbreaking piece, there's nothing, not to like about it. It's a very deeply worded write, that weaves itself
    into the heart, and soul, of anyone who reads it.

  • Catressa gold member
    May 23, 2006
    Edit | Reply
    Thank you Sweet Wanda for your comment..;f

  • Annalise
    May 12, 2006
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    "confusion shaped like a woman"

    Ah. Now this is talent. I've read this a couple of times now, and it doesn't lose it's 'spark'. This is poetry, pure and simple.

    I'm envious!

  • Night Hope gold member
    May 11, 2006
    Edit | Reply
    "Salvation,
    I forgot her name...

    confusion shaped like a woman

    I remember who she was
    before it all happened
    aimless leaves blowing
    now all that's left

    of me"

    Sighhh...Hauntingly beautiful piece, Cat...& I wish you'd never had cause to write it, Lady...I know these naked, sharp edges far too well, my Friend...May Love soothe your tattered wings until you can fly again... Wanda

  • Unjustly Banned Gio
    May 10, 2006
    Edit | Reply

    Breathtaking

    That last stanza really hit me. Those monsters seem always to reappear, and eat ruthlessly at our souls. But, their appetites whetted, they'll never know the real hunger that a true heart feels, or suffers through.

    Amazing write, good luck in the contest!

    - Giovanni

  • Jaded Lily
    May 10, 2006
    Edit | Reply

    Real, Raw, Magnificent

    My Beautiful Friend,

    This has to be one of the most amazing works I've ever read. The tight, short lines add to the gripping, sad tale you've woven in this magnificent piece that many, yet not all, can identify with. Yours is a new page turned in your book of life. Nothing will be the same, but for parts of you, this may be a good thing. From a poetic standpoint, it appears to be a very good thing. I've always been a great admirer of yours since we've met, sometimes speechless and unable to comment, but there is something about your work now that is different. It has become raw, real and in-your-face. That's just the type of stuff I love to read. I love you Honey, and am honored to be your friend. You are an amazing woman of great courage and strength; a woman I look up to with great respect. Excellent job here.

    Much Love and Many Blessings,

    Lily ♥ ♥ ♥

  • Miss Faerie Greeters member
    May 10, 2006
    Edit | Reply
    And what can one say that hasn't been said? I saw a lot of you in this. The way that you feel now that you've lost Lisa and nothing is the same.

    The same people, or different people can look at you and see right through you because you're lost and not the same.

    I hope you are ok

  • pattyann4500 gold member
    May 10, 2006
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    This is an amazing piece, Cat! Truly lovely, flowing beautifully and expressing elegantly! Hugs, Patricia

  • Always Deena
    May 9, 2006
    Edit | Reply
    Death has a bitter after-taste,
    that you can never rinse away.
    We have all tried. Many prayers
    Love you,
    Aunt Deena

  • May 9, 2006
    Edit | Reply
    i think you covered alot of ground with this. personal and otherwise. this will hit home with alot of the kids here, and quite possibly is an explanation for their angst that they cannot realate it as well as you have here.

    although be it your personal angst. very beautifully dark. sad and disturbing. but you did it so eloquently. i can see where you would and should be proud of your expression.

    i know you as well, if not better than some ppl. i think. i hope. and i ccould hope that i could say i love you and that would make everything right. if it were that easy....

    ive always thought you were an excellent poettress. you bear your heart and soul with everything you write. from humor to love to sadness. and that is what a poet does. albiet sometimes i think it can be emitonal mashochism at times, sigh.

    but you touch ppls hearts. you touch mine. and for that i will always know you, no matter where you are. and i will always remmeber you even if there comes that day i never see you again.

    ah ys, there is no good in good bye shall we say good night.....
    for you always have a place in my heart, never you to feel alone.


  • Faerie Me
    May 9, 2006
    Edit | Reply
    Ok! here I am Cat! You are so very good at writing about the most painful things. I know how much you have been through and it really shows, sweetie. There is always good in your soul. I know that!

    Dana

  • macandrew
    May 9, 2006
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    This is a poem I will come back and read again and again.

    Outstanding.
    John

  • Just Rob gold member
    May 9, 2006
    Edit | Reply
    Wow, this hurt, physically. I read a certain maturity in your newer work. Perhaps an ironic gift to salve open wounds.The jeans metaphor is great, a hard visual for me to shake. I find this maybe the best of your work that I've read. The artwork is perfect, with the same impressionist quality of the verbal imagery. Gut-wrenching, but very good!
    Peace, Rob

  • Slyder silver member
    May 9, 2006
    Edit | Reply
    So sorrowful and bittersweet. Salvation and confusion, aimless and unballanced... very strong concepts all tied to feelings of loss and being lost. Excellent work here, do I sense that the Muse is working her way back home?

  • Catressa gold member
    May 9, 2006
    Edit | Reply
    Thank You truly for a compliment that touches me.. You above others should know why..

  • NoIQ gold member
    May 9, 2006
    Edit | Reply
    And here I thought Novacula was some type of vampire -- perhaps Blackula's sister (remember that 70s combo horror/blackploistation film Blackula - sorta was Shaft meets Dracula; very original)...

    Then again, vampires are sharp edged instruments, so maybe this IS what i thought originally.

    Is the artwork your own? It's very evocative in its own right. So too is the poem, of course. You've painted one hell of a bleak portrait -- and here I am referring to the sadness of the poem, which is marvelous even as it relates scars and wounds of a terrible pain. Then again, you wouldn't even be one of the finalists for this excellent contest were you not as talented as this poem reflects. I can safely say you rose to the demands of excellence the host anticipated. Wonderful work Cat.
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