Betrayal

Betrayal is a bouquet 
of rainbow flames - blinding petals
bound by vines that choke.
A game of light and shadow,
delusions dancing to distract
across bruised walls. 
Truth looms in creases -
in darkest corners, unseen,
while naivety stacks like kindling:
inverted pyramids of innocence
that teeter precariously, igniting.
And the same spark that drew
the moth to the flame
now brands with pain.
Realization stamped with liquid wax, 
sealing the facts,
stripping denial like chipped paint.
Still, you sprinkle gasoline lies,
licking the lungs, filling them up
with sweet-nothing smoke. 
But in this ring of fire, 
it's too late. I must wait
for the crescent of coal to cool -
Then I cannot fool
myself anymore.
Copyright © | Year Posted 2013

Poem

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Hunter Avatar
March 27, 2013 at 6:11 AM
I love how you've used fire, smoke, sparks, gasoline...all the hot stuff to descibe something like betrayal. It's very fitting. And a haibun, eh? I wanted to do one for Debbie's contest, but I had trouble with the theme.
Zerbst Avatar
March 19, 2013 at 9:02 AM
The subject certainly does sound hurt and betrayed. Very realistic. Nice touch with the little rhyme at the end. I find it interesting that you write sad poems so well, yet you are so encouraging and happy all the time, which I surely admire.
Manassian Avatar
February 26, 2013 at 12:01 PM
Heather...what an amazing way to describe the brutal pain of realization...It has great depth and emotion...You have wonderful talent, my dear. I can't thank you enough for your faith in me and my work. I'm so so honored by your last post! :) Hugs!
May Avatar
February 16, 2013 at 8:25 AM
well written Heather......
Gigno Avatar
February 10, 2013 at 7:31 PM
!!!
Debole Avatar
February 4, 2013 at 1:59 PM
Heather - Perfect use of a metaphor, and strong description. Appreciate your poetry. - Gail
Kovrlija Avatar
February 3, 2013 at 4:03 AM
Great poem!
Ryerson Avatar
February 2, 2013 at 6:25 AM
And thanks for your latest comment...I like footles too... so in honor of your most kind comment...'I understand you're interested in meteorology, so if you permit would you mind telling me how's the: Weather, Heather?'...'From reading your poetry it's apparent that you sometimes take your writing very seriously.. on occasion you can be quite Sober, Ober'... (pretty bad, huh?...I'll try to do better next time)
Nickle Read Avatar
February 1, 2013 at 9:10 PM
I have been absent from the soup for a while and yours is the first I read...it's not often I walk off choked up, I really had to take a minute, your poem is so very well written, you truly have a gift....... {Read}
Dietrich Avatar
February 1, 2013 at 11:47 AM
glad you liked my warmup tanka, sweetie. Waiting for some more new poetry from you!!
Smith Avatar
February 1, 2013 at 9:41 AM
Absolutely love the metaphors!!
Aderounmu Avatar
February 1, 2013 at 8:51 AM
This is quite great.
Kendrick Avatar
January 31, 2013 at 11:55 AM
Great work with such wonderful poetic quality..The metaphoric language is great..Thanks for stopping by my work..I appreciate your visits there..Sara
Lamoureux Avatar
January 31, 2013 at 8:36 AM
Very painful memories, I am glad you are stronger and wiser. My hope is that your heart is still open and tender. Based on how you express yourself and your beautiful smile I suspect it is. Thanks for stopping by and reading my poem, I appreciate your visits and thoughtful comments.
Dietrich Avatar
January 30, 2013 at 10:54 PM
I just love how you employed symbolism of fire and burning to show the betrayal. The ending where you wait for coal (to not fool yourself any longer) that is ACES.
Guzzi Avatar
January 30, 2013 at 6:31 PM
So nice to read your verse this evening. Hope you are OK Heather?Light & Love
Ober Avatar
January 30, 2013 at 7:03 PM
Thanks, Debbie! I'm fine - just writing about something that happened a few years ago. I'm stronger and wiser now ;)
Ryerson Avatar
January 30, 2013 at 2:35 PM
'A bouquet of rainbow flames - blinding petals'...what a description, what contrast!...kinda like the devil disguised as an angel, right?...I was delighted and very humbled by your comment on my 'water' poem...coming from you that is some kind of compliment, Heather...Blessings to you, my friend - Tim
Ober Avatar
January 30, 2013 at 2:59 PM
Thank you so much, Tim! That's so kind of you to say. I'm 25 - I don't know if that's older or younger than you thought I was, but I am often told I look younger than I am! :)
Ryerson Avatar
January 30, 2013 at 2:46 PM
Once again I have to say this...from your picture you look like a VERY young lady...so much wisdom and insight at such a young age? Amazing...
Shine Avatar
January 30, 2013 at 2:28 PM
I seriously just shit myself reading this....3 times.
Sivey Avatar
January 30, 2013 at 2:09 PM
This is a brilliant and wondrous write my friend! I am surely delighted by reading this remarkable poem this afternoon! What a tremendous piece, complete with an incredible power within, Great Work!!
Horne Avatar
January 30, 2013 at 12:31 PM
clever write, my friend - something I can relate to at the moment - very well put
Ober Avatar
January 30, 2013 at 12:41 PM
Thank you. I'm so sorry to hear you can relate to this.. It's one of the worst feelings in the world. Hang in there!
Chircop Avatar
January 30, 2013 at 12:24 PM
A very giood description of betrayal..So much said..Well done..Charma
Shine Avatar
January 30, 2013 at 2:30 PM
are you russian
Williams Avatar
January 30, 2013 at 12:21 PM
Heather a wonderful write and I love your metaphors, excellent...David
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