Wafting through the air
failure greets nose
like bare feet from cramped plastic shoes
just released from their prison into summer haze
regret's tentacles clinging
hanging on like the particles attached
to just scalped hair dangling savagely
keeping time with violence
lack of courage colors every movement
slumped shoulders and the swinging
stumps of hands, dirt-ingrained fingers
helplessly limp and broken nails itch
looking in the mirror
cursing at the hope of catching a glimpse
of 'once upon a time' in a golden photo
or the castle 'in a land far, far away'
fear bares its sallow teeth
crusted like rusty nuts and bolts
as the memory of what a smile feels like
slips down the drain
hair like caramel corn sticking
to the bottom of garbage cans tossed
toward alleys of abandonment
across once-gleaming eyes retreat
names burrow deeper, "white trash,"
"crack whore," "skanky bitch," roll easily
what happened to my Mom, my daughter,
Or my sister, Stephanie?
Author notes
We are all strange people especially when we deny that part of ourselves or family who have entered states such as these. We deserve your respect simply because we are human beings.
Most of us are just a few people removed from this fate...and most of us have called these names...
Comments
1 - 7 of 7
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well there goes my sleep
this was very disturbing, i have a very uncomfortable image in my head now, Amazing piece, somehow i think this one may stay in my head tho
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Bornwithapen
Disturbing images create the fabric of life, do they not? We live our lives constatnly trying to escape them but what would happen if we embraced them. not with the intention of trying to change them but just accept them for who and what they are without expectation...
To whom much is given, much is required...
To sleep, perchance to dream...
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This is awsome in its raw intense expression. Your imagery is powerful... thought provoking... so to your
deep... vivid content. Excellent! 10 out of 10
you deserve something for this piece
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stephen
thanks for taking the time to peruse my attic... always appreciate your comments. your work is the sun to my shadows.
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Excellent
A very visual and thought provoking write. Truly wonderful entry. Good luck in the contest.
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penman
thank you for giving this a read. i'll be 'round to see what you've entered lately. hope all is well with you these days. -
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You're very welcome.
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