Dark Matter

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Image result for man under stars

Barren and bloody, I have dreamed of death ... I have stood beneath the sea of suns, Heaven's raw wound gaping to swallow me, Straining, stretching my fingers To tear at its mocking, star-freckled face, The acid ache of loss burning my marrow and sinews, Pain and consternation tying me to the earth, like roots in bedrock ... I imagine I am made dust, cold and callous, Swept up by a keen winter wind, And carried to abject oblivion. With all my might and matter, I pray for it ... I beg the cosmos to scatter me to the firmament, To make me one with all that is NOT, With all that reality and meaning disavow, The obscured pillow for the stars, The throbbing nub of nothingness. But then I open my weeping eyes, To see that I am still ... But flesh. ~ 1st Place ~ in the "Strand Select X Any Form Any Theme" Poetry Contest, Brian Strand, Judge & Sponsor.

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L. J. Carber

Date: 2/23/2020 9:59:00 AM

You are one of the most talented poets on this site, and I will admit, I'm not sure I get the full import of this poem. It seems almost a hymn to soulless [i.e., 'abject'] oblivion, but I've seen a different side of you in some of your quotes and poems. So I'm left in a quandary, Greg-- but congrats nonetheless my friend.

Gregory Richard Barden
Date: 2/23/2020 11:32:00 PM

Thank you so much, LJ, for your kind and thoughtful comments - you are very perceptive. That is pretty much the thrust of this one, and I suppose it's a bit of a reveal into the chaos and turmoil inside, but then I think it's important to share those things, so maybe others won't be reluctant to do the same. We rarely improve without change, and rarely change without fear and pain of some kind -

Gregory Richard Barden
Date: 2/23/2020 11:32:00 PM

- I think those internal battles are the darkest but most important ones. Blessings, Friend. :o)

Arturo Michael

Date: 2/22/2020 6:01:00 AM

And some bones too...much emotions in this one

Gregory Richard Barden
Date: 2/23/2020 11:28:00 PM

Thank you so very much, Arturo. :o)

Kim Rodrigues

Date: 2/21/2020 7:09:00 PM

I love the shape of your poem! It appears as that finger reaching.../ the obscured pillow for the stars!

Gregory Richard Barden
Date: 2/23/2020 11:27:00 PM

That was the hope, Kim - thank you so much for noticing! <3