Notes About The Poem

Premiere Contest WinnerBreaching the Barrier of Cries and Goodbyes

Once more you appear, crossing my threshold
after breaking the lock to memory's door.
Your illusion enters without bothering to knock,
stepping into my room as a wavering shadow.
You breach the barrier of cries and goodbyes,
escaping from the grave where lost love slept.

I wept long ago and swore an oath to my heart,
never would I allow you in, as a lover or friend.
Tell me, against your invasion, how do I defend?
How can I restrain you from entering my thoughts,
and if I knew, would you still haunt my dreams?

Through eyes blurred by streams of warm tears,
would you leer as a voyeur, lurking at my window?
Why do you channel the deep furrows of my soul,
gazing at me with mournful eyes blackened by kohl?
I've given up pretending that you're not here.
Here, in the chamber where we were never apart.
Please leave me in peace if you once held me dear.

On velvet nights when the moon is fully ripened,
I'm still drawn to you like the magnetism of her pull.
I tremble each time my lips whisper your name.
With each intrusion, I am powerless to defend myself,
for my heart wears no armor, my door has no sentry.
Vulnerable mortals such as I, must bear this burden
when a wraith from an erstwhile love desires entry


October 14, 2022
2022 Marathon Mile 17 Contest
Sponsored by Mark Toney

Originally posted in May of 2018
Copyright © | Year Posted 2018

Poem

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Ashley Avatar
November 3, 2022 at 5:23 PM
Dear Lin, your imagery and metaphors are dramatic and dynamic, and so poetically lush. Your exquisite pen flows its impressive and expressive angst upon the page with heartfelt intensity. I especially loved the verse "for my heart wears no armor, my door has no sentry" - indeed, the vulnerability and heartache and surrender is palpable. Congratulations for your excellent trophy win in Mark's contest. Warmest wishes.. ~Susan
Fowler Avatar
October 31, 2022 at 6:31 AM
Very romantic and sensuous Lin. Congratulations on your win! :)
Pandit Avatar
October 27, 2022 at 11:08 AM
BIG congrats on your trophy win, Lin. Your gifted pen always shines no matter what you write. Your emotive write is yet another example of your prowess.
Lane Avatar
October 27, 2022 at 6:16 PM
Thank you very much for your gracious comments, Vijay.
Toney Avatar
October 26, 2022 at 12:28 PM
"You breach the barrier of cries and goodbyes..." Lin, a powerful example of insidious memories that haunt us at the most inopportune time, taking away our peace of mind. A Fav for me. Congratulations on your first-place finish on Mile 17 of my 2022 Poetry Marathon Contest. Keep your running shoes on, because Mile 18 has already started.
Lane Avatar
October 27, 2022 at 9:30 AM
Those worrisome memories always come unbidden. Thank you for honoring one of my earlier writes with a place on your winning list in mile 17, Mark.
Kauffman Avatar
October 26, 2022 at 9:55 AM
Lin, congratulations on your win! Every line overflows with innovative images that create your sense of processing loss and grief. This is so well done. Blessings to you.
Lane Avatar
October 27, 2022 at 9:29 AM
I'm very pleased to read your thoughtful words of congratulations, Sam. Thank you so very much.
Hamilton Avatar
June 13, 2018 at 11:04 AM
I feel the pain of a loss that keeps recurring in dreams and the subconscious mind without wanting to revisit those discarded emotions. The person is helpless and surrenders unwillingly to the place of mental anguish. A gripping write Lin!
Lane Avatar
June 14, 2018 at 8:24 AM
and you've cast your comments in the perfect light, John. Thank you for reading and leaving your insightful remarks on this one.
Lindley Avatar
May 21, 2018 at 10:01 AM
I love to read such well composed Dramatic Verse my friend. Every stanza powerful, deep and exhibiting your immense talent! A fav....
Lane Avatar
May 21, 2018 at 7:22 PM
Thank you very much for your glowing remarks, Robert. You're always so kind.
Cunningham Avatar
May 18, 2018 at 10:40 AM
A powerful dramatic verse Lin, sadly when a relationship becomes one sided it's so hard to let go. I'm hoping its a fictional write. Tom.
Lane Avatar
May 20, 2018 at 6:58 AM
Thank you most kindly for your thoughts, Tom. It was a reflection from my past that creeps in once in a while, but I'm hunky dory now. ;-)
Allison Avatar
May 18, 2018 at 8:22 AM
Bravo Lin such an emotional poem which I think may will be able to relate too - am so so glad you decided to post it as I found it so intensely moving the first time I read it!!:-) hugs jan xx
Allison Avatar
May 18, 2018 at 9:40 AM
Keep on sharing your wonderful words Lin:-) hugs jan xx
Lane Avatar
May 18, 2018 at 8:43 AM
Jan, thank you for suggesting I post this one. Some emotions have a way of stealing into our lives, particularly those we try to keep at bay.
Gondolf Avatar
May 18, 2018 at 8:15 AM
I have a sense of deep emotional pain reading this, Lin, nicely written. Sometimes it's so hard to let go when it is over. May you always have joy in your heart my friend. John
Lane Avatar
May 18, 2018 at 8:42 AM
Some pains take longer to heal than others, and some leave permanent scars. Thank you so very much, John.
Gentile Avatar
May 18, 2018 at 8:02 AM
Lin, such deep emotion expressed with intense feeling in your dramatic poem, I really enjoyed it, well done xxoo
Lane Avatar
May 18, 2018 at 8:41 AM
Thank you for such thoughtful remarks, Mike.
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