Denuded

I strip off for you. Not only my garments. I reveal myself. In all my tarnished glory. I strip off for you. I want you to know me. Inside out from the outside in. With you I begin. I strip off for you. Look, here's my scar. Through which my daughter emerged from my womb. I strip off for you. Put your hand on my heart. You must make a start in knowing my pain. I strip off for you. So you can see my soul. And the wall around it. Can you climb? I strip off for you. Look into my brain. Clever words and sharp wit. Protect the child in me. I strip off for you. I want you to want me. You possess the chisel. Please begin to release me.

Post Comments

Poetrysoup is an environment of encouragement and growth so only provide specific positive comments that indicate what you appreciate about the poem.

Please Login to post a comment

Sandra Haight

Date: 10/20/2016 9:44:00 AM

Congratulations, Jean, for your nice placement in this Premiere Contest with this very intense and deeply personal write. Hugs, Sandra

Jean Murray
Date: 10/21/2016 5:14:00 AM

Hi Sandra. I see you are number one on the top 100 contest poets. Congratulations. In my dreams, that is the prise I aspire to. I have been generous in my dream, and have given myself five years to the top.

Carrie Richards

Date: 10/20/2016 9:42:00 AM

A big congratulations to you, Jean....this is a touching and candid poem ! Well done !!

Jean Murray
Date: 10/21/2016 5:11:00 AM

Thank you Carrie.

Daniel Turner

Date: 10/20/2016 8:48:00 AM

Back to congratulate you again, Jean for your placement in the contest. I am thrilled to see this one on the list.

Jean Murray
Date: 10/21/2016 5:10:00 AM

I am tickled pink Daniel. Thank you again for your continuing support.

Richard Lamoureux

Date: 10/20/2016 8:13:00 AM

Thanks for sharing this intimate piece, it is a lovely and vulnerable write. Congrats.

Jean Murray
Date: 10/21/2016 5:06:00 AM

Congratulations on your top place Richard and thank you.

Janice Canerdy

Date: 10/20/2016 7:52:00 AM

A 7 for your lovely WINNING poem, Jean! I, too, look a bit like Teddy when . . . .! LOL! Janice

Jean Murray
Date: 10/20/2016 5:49:00 PM

Thank your kindly Janice.

Just James

Date: 8/15/2016 1:54:00 PM

Thank you for the reveal! Great Write!

Jean Murray
Date: 8/15/2016 2:43:00 PM

Did I reveal too much James?

Arthur Vaso

Date: 8/13/2016 9:59:00 PM

This is poetry!

Jean Murray
Date: 8/14/2016 1:17:00 AM

OMG Arthur.....coming from you. A humble thank you to you.

Caycay Jennings

Date: 8/13/2016 5:11:00 PM

Beautiful write. To me this is the desire of true love when found, stripped of any mask and loved as and how you are when 'raw.' Truly well-done, Jean ... CayCay

Jean Murray
Date: 8/13/2016 5:20:00 PM

Thank you for knowing CayCay.

Daniel Turner

Date: 8/13/2016 3:29:00 PM

I see you, Jean, at least the parts I can see. You look beautiful to me. I certainly love your humor, your heart and your intelligence. Very honest write! Great job!

Jean Murray
Date: 8/13/2016 4:03:00 PM

I cried as I wrote this one Daniel.