Chronicles of Life

I grew up in rows of houses ending in graveyards,
where six feet of dirt covered
the mound of my existence
and failure arched every single doorway.

Depression draped the windows
with patterns stitched
by poverty’s unapologetic hand.

The futility of language lacing its voice
with abject grief and guilt;

Expression left to moan its desperation,
yet unable to communicate its plea.

While eyes lost the blue of horizons and hope--
blindness welcomed

as agony’s twisted comic relief.

Emptiness has a way of filling up
and spilling over, consuming;

 
Until all that remains is a chronicle of life
lived too painfully in reverse,

and the screaming sheathing of despair

mummifying the entombed...
Copyright © | Year Posted 2009

Poem

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Lindner Avatar
July 23, 2010 at 10:52 AM
AWESOME POEM! and congrats~!!!!
Peranteau Avatar
March 14, 2010 at 8:16 AM
Congratulations on your win with this well writen poem !! james
Haick Avatar
March 5, 2010 at 1:22 PM
My congratulations on your win in PS Intl. Poetry Contest, Bernadette!!! Peace, Audrey
Palli Avatar
March 3, 2010 at 8:04 AM
can feel the emotion, you've pertrayed it well
Parrish-Spence Avatar
March 2, 2010 at 4:34 AM
Congrats on being featured. The thoughts and images are well described here.
Brown Avatar
March 1, 2010 at 8:59 AM
Congratulations on your win in the October 2009 PoetrySoup International Poetry Site Contest Bernadette. Love, Carol
Culverhouse Avatar
March 1, 2010 at 6:36 AM
congrats on the featured poem!! Good work!!
 Avatar
February 28, 2010 at 3:51 PM
Interesting use of imagery. The emotion comes through your words. Congratulations on being one of the winners in the Soup contest. Enjoy your honor. Keep on writing. Karen
Brown Avatar
December 23, 2009 at 3:09 AM
Congratulations on being a first round survivor with three poems and the best to you in the finals. I wish you the best in your writing endeavors in 2010 whatever they may be. Love, Carol
George   Avatar
December 21, 2009 at 10:57 PM
Dear Bernadette, Congratulations on all three sensational entries making it through the first round and best wishes on advancing to the finals. Lainie
Sheart Avatar
December 21, 2009 at 9:18 AM
Congrats on your poem winning the first round of PS contest!! Very well deserved, enjoyed reading your wonderful poetry. Here’s wishing you a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!! May 2010 be your best year ever! Love Light Patty
Fraser Avatar
December 20, 2009 at 10:58 AM
Many congratulations on reaching the second round with your fine poem >> James
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