Karen Anglesey Poet Free verse

Burn

What powers held me in this tortured love
Shame and excitement danced around me
Grasped by the cunning illusions, deceiving
My void self image, coercing my
Vanities until I believed the insideous lies

You robbed my soul, knowing
Your presence was sealed with death's kiss
Tossing and turning in the night
I let you back in no matter the cost

Oh, and this is good -
I pretended not to be hostage to your
Cunning facade of empty promises
Even letting you linger in the presence
Of my most cherished posessions
As they also became sick in your stench

Finally, enough denial and nearly destroyed
Still strong enough to rid myself of you
I see you for what you really are, a drag
Killer of desire, coaxing many
Also blinded by your evil

In the last hours of whatever life I have left
And the coffin is near, I'll wonder 
Why I let you hold me for so long

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Mustapha Mohammed October 24, 2013 at 5:49 AM Brilliant Karen. This poem really demonstrates the depth of skills you have as a poet my friend. This goes to my favorites so smile. :) Karen Anglesey October 24, 2013 at 1:07 PM Mustapha, so pleased to read your glowing comments. Thank you :)

Kelly Deschler September 6, 2013 at 3:27 PM Fantastic poem, Karen!...At first I thought this poem was about lost love, until I read the last line!....Glad you are free from addiction. Never let anything hold you back! Well done!....Thank you for the nice comments, once again. I appreciate it very much! Karen Anglesey October 22, 2013 at 11:34 AM A belated thankyou for commenting. Much appreciated

Andrea Dietrich September 2, 2013 at 9:08 AM I think I read this one before and it's still very good seeing it again. I think I have seen so many of your poems. I am not able to find a new one to comment on very quickly, and I need to get to the gym. Thanks so much for seeing my poems recently. Luv, Andrea Karen Anglesey October 22, 2013 at 11:33 AM Thank you Andrea

Just That Archaic Poet August 19, 2013 at 10:04 PM I related to another poet this evening that I was not a fan of "free-verse", and I think the reason being was because 99.9% of what I've read has been utter garbage. This is the second free-verse piece I've read tonight that has made me rethink my aversion. Great piece. FINALLY! I found a sanctuary of truly talented people who are enlightening me; thank you again for sharing! Karen Anglesey August 19, 2013 at 11:02 PM This is an exciting place and I would love to share some inspiration with you anytime. Thank you for the great comments :)

Sandra Adams August 18, 2013 at 8:37 PM I thought this was about an abusive relationship at first until I saw your note... very powerful piece...and congrats on licking the habit! :) Karen Anglesey August 18, 2013 at 9:39 PM Thanks for your detailed comment. Much appreciated :) Karen Anglesey August 18, 2013 at 9:38 PM Thanks for your de

Stephen Kilmer July 27, 2013 at 10:07 PM Ah, yes the coffin nails. What a battle. Good for you and what a great write about the struggle. I gave them up several years ago. Not so tough for me because I only smoked when I drank. And I don't do that anymore (though I still think about it). Great write. You are the best! Kilmer Karen Anglesey July 27, 2013 at 10:39 PM Thank you very much. :)

Keith Bickerstaffe July 4, 2013 at 2:18 PM Powerful and compelling! Fabulous imagery and phrasing. As someone who REALLY should quit smoking, I will return to your poem often in my attempt to conquer MY addiction... Thank you. Best wishes, Keith Karen Anglesey July 4, 2013 at 2:38 PM Keith, good luck in your quest. I found Orange Tic Tacs instead of a cigarette were helpful. I kept tons of them in my purse and the grandkids always wanted them. Now I am known as Tic Tac Grandma...thanks for commenting !

Kabuteng P.Ink K. June 30, 2013 at 10:54 AM You captured my attention with this one, Karen-- I honestly thought this was about someone, and then I read your note at the end and I had to read your poem again from that perspective. This time around, I even caught your references to smoking. Brilliantly done if you ask me. Such a meaningful read and I am very happy for you for getting yourself out of this addiction! Thank you as well for reading my poem and leaving such kind words. Karen Anglesey June 30, 2013 at 2:20 PM wow bini, thank you for such gracious and in depth comments. So very much appreciated :)

Bidhu Patnaik June 24, 2013 at 10:05 AM A brilliant personification of addiction. It takes a strong mind and a determined heart to break free of any addiction. While reading this poem I could feel the strength and the power of mind combined with words. I am inspired....Bidhu. Karen Anglesey June 24, 2013 at 8:02 PM Bidhu, thank you for the generous comment :)

Richard Lamoureux June 24, 2013 at 8:39 AM Dropping by to say good morning. Karen Anglesey June 24, 2013 at 8:02 PM Hello Richard, good evening :)

Poet Destroyer A June 23, 2013 at 9:35 PM Hello Karen, thank you for all the lovely comments... and yes, i can write on many subject... except this one... I pulled up a poem called "nicotine" sometime last year... but, my poem is no were as clever or truthful as yours... I forgot why I wrote the poem. LOL, anyways, I read your comment on my comment on the bottom... it's about my son. ATM, we are not talking do to this nasty burning sensation. love this one again... LINDA Karen Anglesey June 24, 2013 at 7:59 PM Linda, thank you for your detailed comments and sharing your thoughts :)

John Posey June 23, 2013 at 4:37 PM Karen, I've been tobacco free for years. It was tough going until I gave the habit up to the one who took away the desire for smoking... Praise God, He made it easy to quit....Jake Karen Anglesey June 24, 2013 at 7:57 PM Jake, Yay ! glad you quit and thank you for sharing :)

Demetrios Trifiatis June 23, 2013 at 3:00 PM It is easier for someone to conquer a mountain but very difficult to conquer one's passions! Excellent poem! Congratulations for your victory! Karen Anglesey June 24, 2013 at 7:57 PM Demetrio, such an amazing way to describe the subject thank you :)

Carrie Richards June 23, 2013 at 8:50 AM Hooray for you, if you have been able to rid yourself of this cunning destroyer of families! I know it is a difficult challenge, but I admire everyone who is able to break the chains of habit and addiction. I toast to your good health! A Thank you for checking my poetry.....I'm so grateful !! Karen Anglesey June 23, 2013 at 9:17 AM Carrie, I am elated by your comments and really enjoy your poetry. :)

Donna Jones June 22, 2013 at 8:03 PM Hi Karen...so glad I popped over to read your latest poem...so many people in my family have died slow horrible deaths from this habit...and it took my husband two years to quit but he did...and I am so happy for you and your loved ones too, so they will have you around a long long time! Karen Anglesey June 22, 2013 at 9:50 PM Donna, thank you very much! I feel very blessed and glad you found the meaning to be relevant :)

Debbie Guzzi June 22, 2013 at 7:16 PM How like love any sort of addiction is! You are such a strong writer! [Re: The Sowing I just tire of men's deaths being valued over woman's death, and our pain being held in such low esteem. I was recently even told, basically because I was a woman and small, that I couldn't be brave, only men like firemen and policeman understood bravery, what bull, and they [men] still talk it!] Light & Love Richard Lamoureux June 24, 2013 at 8:45 AM When you think in terms of they you perpetuate the myth of differences. In the end bravery is a human experience undefined by gender. The emotions are not exclusive to either gender. When we seperate on lines of sex, race, culture all humanity is marginalized. Karen Anglesey June 22, 2013 at 9:49 PM Debbie, I appreciate your comments and thank you for the explanation with regard to your poem Sowing. I understood women were the subject of such demeaning treatment and I appreciate knowing why you wrote so powerfully about the subject :)

Andrea Dietrich June 22, 2013 at 5:26 PM I see Chris loved your poem here too.It truly is amazing!! And I just came back for a second look. Karen Anglesey June 22, 2013 at 5:39 PM Andrea, thank you !

Duke Beaufort June 19, 2013 at 5:21 PM It's also interesting that smoking is used in so many films. The directors love it for some reason. I frankly can't stand even a trace of smoke. We recently had a discussion what it was like to be in the last row of the non-smoking section when smoking was allowed by the airlines. Anyway, I want to thank you profusely for the comment you left for me. It meant a lot. Be well. Karen Anglesey June 22, 2013 at 10:38 AM Duke, I abhor the smell and can't tolerate being around it. Some people quit and then say they kind of like the smell once in a while. I am not one of those people. Thank you for commenting !

Eileen Manassian June 19, 2013 at 10:00 AM WOW! So proud of you for having the strength to quit. It can't be easy...there are so many different forms of addiction out there....accountability partners help! I must admit...like Isaiah I had NO idea where you were going and thought...wow such strength of emotion...how horrid can the guy be? Well, cigarettes are that horrid and more. I applaud you! Karen Anglesey June 22, 2013 at 10:37 AM Eileen, yes it felt a little horrid to look back at the past and rid myself of the disgusting thing once and for all . Thank you for your meaningful review :)

Isaiah Zerbst June 19, 2013 at 9:54 AM Impressive poem! I read it through the first time, rather perplexed as to what was going on, then after reading the note, everything made perfect sense, so I had to read it again to see how the verses felt. It was quite an experience! PS. Your latest visit was so kind. I can't thank you enough! Karen Anglesey June 22, 2013 at 10:35 AM Isaiah, thank you very much for the insightful comments. I very much appreciate your generosity!

Allan Koven June 19, 2013 at 9:19 AM Wonderful imagery. Cleverly written. You have the knack, Karen. Karen Anglesey June 22, 2013 at 10:34 AM Allan, thank you very much for the positive comments. :)

Joyce Johnson June 19, 2013 at 8:43 AM Great writing. You really held my interest. I was so relieved that it was a bad habit and not a hideous love affair. Great work. Thanks for reading and commenting. Love, Joyce Karen Anglesey June 22, 2013 at 10:34 AM Hi Joyce, thank you for reading my work. I appreciate your comments :)

Richard Lamoureux June 19, 2013 at 7:04 AM Good morning I enjoyed reading this one again, it is an exceptional piece. Karen Anglesey June 19, 2013 at 7:14 AM Richard, thank you for stopping by again. I appreciate your comments because I almost thought it was too dramatic to leave it the way it is. :)

Painted Hunter June 17, 2013 at 1:57 PM Wow...I feel this one for sure. I started smoking when i was 12, was a regular smoker by 14, and didn't quit until I turned 30...I promised my wife that I would...and, hard as it was for me, I did. Karen Anglesey June 17, 2013 at 3:59 PM Caleb, thank you for the great comment and sharing your experience. Addiction makes us slaves to bad things. Glad you overcame the habit :)

Len Gasun June 17, 2013 at 8:58 AM This is a stunning write of yours my dear friend Karen. I don't smoke but my dad did when he was still alive that's why he got sick & left me. This is an outstanding poem which I love & has enjoyed to read. You're great poet as well. I hope this will also be read by many esp. the chain smokers;)). I'll fave this one & u (not as a repay of my poem ok) i really love it. It's my honor that you fave my poem. I didn't know it's on top l00. Thanks for informing me. love lots & big hugs, Leonora Karen Anglesey June 17, 2013 at 3:57 PM Leonora, thank you for sharing your thoughts and experience with the affects of smoking. Any addiction is terrible, but smoking was the one that got me until I was finally able to say no more :)

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