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Black and White Clarity

beneath my skin is black and white burn the body away in the sun shadows still lurk here bleach my bones before I turn to dust in life my fear shows as white knuckles pallor predicts my end as I lose my grip blackness doesn't leave the earth swallows it up in a closed loop to be relived, echoed, reshaped what lies here, what stands? chalk white and brittle or everlasting? I'm fibres, bone and shadows for all time

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Sam Kauffman

Date: 3/23/2024 9:44:00 AM

DD, your articulation of black and white is profound with images and lines like "burn the body away...the shadows still lurk there." I have read this poem several times and each time I experience a new depth. Congratulations. This is marvelous. Blessings to you.

Di11y Da11y
Date: 3/23/2024 9:51:00 AM

You're very kind Sam, I try and raise my game a bit for Craig as he has quite meticulous standards. Lovely to hear you have honoured this with several reads - I'm grateful for you taking time to share such encouraging words x

Susan Ashley

Date: 3/23/2024 8:16:00 AM

Dear DD, the rich imagery of this piece is deep and thought-provoking. Indeed, your two closing lines are profound and potent. Congratulations for your win in Craig's contest. Warmest wishes.. ~Susan

Di11y Da11y
Date: 3/23/2024 9:38:00 AM

Many thanks Susan, you are always so generous with your comments, appreciated

Charlotte Puddifoot

Date: 3/22/2024 2:36:00 PM

this is one that stands out for me, a very interesting and profound take on the theme; i especially like that closing line "i'm fibres, bone and shadows/for all time" - congrats on your placement in craig's contest!

Di11y Da11y
Date: 3/23/2024 9:37:00 AM

Thank you Charlotte, nice to know :) congratulations also x that was my favourite line too x

Ink Empress

Date: 3/22/2024 12:02:00 PM

Dear dd, i love the opening lines the most in this, “ beneath my skin is black and white” wow! The kind of line i wish i had written. I feel the sincerity of your voice and self acceptance flowing throughout this in such a seamless manner. “ I'm fibres, bone and shadows for all time” powerful ending! Pleasure reading this, congratulations on your win

Di11y Da11y
Date: 3/23/2024 9:35:00 AM

Thank you so much Ink, Craig won't entertain anything that hasn't got an edge to it so I tried to go a bit further. Thank you for your kind words, appreciated

Daniel Henry Rodgers

Date: 3/18/2024 7:08:00 AM

Dear DD, I loved how your poem delves into the depths of identity and mortality, exploring the interplay between black and white, light and shadow. The imagery of burning away the body in the sun and bleaching bones evokes a visceral sense of transformation and decay. Through poignant reflections on fear and mortality, you confront the inevitability of death while pondering what remains of the self. DD, this is a powerful exploration of the enduring mysteries of existence. I found this to be a reflective piece. - Blessings, Daniel

Di11y Da11y
Date: 3/18/2024 11:25:00 AM

Thank you for your thorough analysis Daniel, much appreciated :)

Paul Willason

Date: 3/17/2024 10:05:00 PM

A very clever poem DD...the juxtapositioning of imagery both engaging and original. Found it thoroughly absorbing.

Di11y Da11y
Date: 3/18/2024 1:07:00 AM

Well that's lovely to know Paul. This is for a contest and unlike me I wrote it and edited it for a short time before posting. I used a painting of a horse's skull as the inspiration haha - I'm jolly like that :)

David Kavanagh

Date: 3/17/2024 3:45:00 PM

Profound and pared back to the bare bones Dilly, I do love these skeletal pieces, they are about as black and white as we can get, without disappearing into the paradox of consciousness, brilliant, cheers David

Di11y Da11y
Date: 3/18/2024 1:04:00 AM

I do love the concepts you bring to my attention David. Thank you for your comment, always a delight with your straightforward yet intelligent consideration of my words

Hilda Greenhough

Date: 3/17/2024 3:09:00 PM

This is exquisite. I enjoyed the tale of what are we ,and what lasts. So much is unknown.

Eric Ashford
Date: 3/17/2024 3:39:00 PM

Powerful words Dilly. Felt this!