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Friday 5 October 2012

AFTERMATH

Heart of granite
shattered by visual torment.
Displaced fragments amass in his throat
threatening to choke him.
His chin trembles uncontrollably.

Implosion of silent anger.
That such sentimentality could lurk
undetected in his psyche
is unthinkable.
Anger becomes blind fury - towards that creature,
but even more so towards himself.

What does this make him?
A soft man-sized mouse
with jelly for nerves - exactly the type
he finds repugnant
and has so often ridiculed.
And he an ex-boxer:
stereotypical hard man,
iron muscled with scars that tell
of a thousand fights hard-won.
When had he ever been afflicted
with feelings?
Not once.

Yet standing here now
in this rain drenched street,
shivering and confused, willing
these fucking tears to dry up
before anyone notices;
he's no more than a quivering mass
of raw emotion - no, worse than that -
of gut wrenching empathy.

And all because of the sight
of something so tiny, so helpless,
that closely resembles a map
of Australia.
A thing completely flat and greyish,
outlined in bright red;
that moments ago
was a frisky squirrel
playing dare with his speeding car.

11 comments:

  1. This really touched me. My husband is an ex boxer and you described his own process in this poem. He softened and was transformed forever by overwhelming empathy and emotion for something vulnerable and wounded. It wasn't a squirrel, it was me and from someone who was once seemingly without emotion except for anger, it was a miracle because now he is the most empathic man I know. I loved this poem so much.

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    1. I can't begin to tell you how much your words mean to me.
      To think that there is so much truth in my mere words is incredibly humbling!
      Thank you so, so much.

      I am still desperately trying to access your blog, but whatever I try, it still comes up with 'access denied!'
      Will keep trying...:/

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  2. Wow Ygraine..powerful energy..the very first line totally hit me ..such striking words..beautifully written..this poem has movement and carries such impact..and feels very emotional..beauitful.. stirring! your magnificent talent for weaving words is so appreciated and admired! Love the title of this poem too..! Do you have a favorite of your poems? or does that change from time to time?

    Blessings of October kindred sister..thanks for sharing your magic!
    Hugs
    victoria

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    1. Thank you so much Victoria. You are so kind.
      I always feel such emotional pain when I see dead animals on the road, and I began to wonder how a 'macho' type of man would feel. Would he feel differently to me etc; and this piece just grew from there!
      I am so happy that you liked it :)

      Warmest Blessings & Hugs
      xxx

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    2. Oops, sorry Victoria, forgot to answer your question!
      Out of all the poems I've written, I guess I'd probably choose two as my favourites:
      'Remembrance' and 'Suicide?' - the latter was a Spirit communication.
      Don't feel I've equalled either of those since!

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  3. So touching Ygraine, I so love this poem it had me guessing till the end! Love the last verse especially, exceptionally good write :)

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    1. Many thanks, dear friend.
      Your comments are always so supportive and encouraging, and that means a lot to me because as a writer I really struggle sometimes.
      Thank you :)

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  4. A great idea, brilliantly crafted and very moving. The rhythms, and the subtle changes of, are exactly right for it. A most enjoyable and satisfying read.

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    1. Thank you so much Dave. I am truly happy that you enjoyed reading this poem. As I have explained to Victoria, the sight of dead animals on our roads has always affected me emotionally, and writing this was rather therapeutic!

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  5. Oh, no! I feel sad for both the man and the squirrel.

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    1. Me too Dale.
      I hate the way dead animals are just left lying there in the road where they died. That would never happen to a human being would it?
      Maybe it's just me, but it seems so disrespectful:(

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I really appreciate hearing your opinions...:)