Home » Poems » Brian Sambourne » Brothel Shuttered

Brothel Shuttered

limp roses
        blue boots, vinyl, knee length
hair extensions braided like sun-rings
pleasure knick knacks 
        perfume bottles
lacey things that hug the bodice
under garments, lipstick smudged
        stained dentures
        wrappers like scattered seed
brothel trash bin overflowing

young man slinks from the shadows
        picks up plum colored leggings
        "I knew her.
         My family thought me at church.
         But there's different ways of worship."

brothel walls, graffiti gloom
         seem to whisper
         lost shuddering joy
                 gasping delights
                 restless yearning
                 sighs that slip to groans

I see a bedspring mattress 'gainst the wall
           charred remains
           smoked rawness
           air, dust brown heavy
           like her legend

powerless voices quiet
when the brothel closed
            sheared
            unapologetic 
            in the hellish heat of gold.










Poem composed: February 17, 2021

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Krish Radhakrishna

Date: 3/5/2021 11:06:00 PM

Very good! Your poem reflects the deep hidden sadness that people fail to see! A very high quality write that deserves top placement! Congrats!

Brian Sambourne
Date: 3/6/2021 7:06:00 AM

Hello Krish, Thank you for your generous comments. Yes, the "powerless voices" are the sad laments of the women within. Most thoughtful of you to drop by. Best wishes, Brian

Charlotte Puddifoot

Date: 3/5/2021 1:38:00 PM

i always enjoy reading your poetry, and this is an excellent write, fully deserving of its high placement - congrats on your win!

Brian Sambourne
Date: 3/5/2021 1:42:00 PM

Hello Charlotte, Thank you immensely. Your entry was stellar. I salute your excellent pen as your submissions consistently startle me with their originality. Sincere good wishes, Brian

Anne-Lise Andresen

Date: 3/5/2021 10:06:00 AM

- Each brothel has its story, Brian - Congratulations on your second place in the contest :) - // Anne-Lise :)

Brian Sambourne
Date: 3/5/2021 1:38:00 PM

My appreciation for your thoughtful comments, Anne-Lise. You are so right - within the brothel there are countless stories, all tales of a wide human sweep. Best wishes, Brian

David Kavanagh

Date: 3/5/2021 9:01:00 AM

I can only imagine what they would find in a brothels garbage, excellent writing Brian, well deserved high placement in the contest cheers David

Brian Sambourne
Date: 3/5/2021 1:46:00 PM

Hello David, Your thumbs up is an ale of good cheer. Thanks very much for your upbeat remarks. Be well. Brian

Linda Alice Fowler

Date: 3/5/2021 7:17:00 AM

Nice take on the contest Brian. :) Congratulations on the win! Linda

Linda Alice Fowler
Date: 3/6/2021 5:36:00 AM

Yes, quite clear Brian. The picture you paint is a drear and dark life, fraught with melancholia. You tell the story with expertly crafted verse. Stay safe, Linda

Brian Sambourne
Date: 3/5/2021 1:49:00 PM

Thank you, Linda. I wasn't sure if the narrative of the brothel fire + the lady's loss of life were clear. Happiness + health to you always, Brian