Emotional Shrapnel

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Sara's Emotional Shrapnel Contest ~~ May 9, 2025

Lurid looks have been thrown at me Deadly daggers sent to pierce my heart Why do some insist on acting beastly waging war in attempts to tear me apart? How long can I go on pretending I'm not in pain hiding my tears by calling them emotional rain? I need compassion but I'm afraid to ask so, I conceal my trauma behind a face mask There's an art that some have honed, weapons sharpened to break my bones Not the kind of childish chiding of 'sticks and stones,' but those spoken with bitterness and taunting The kind that fires torpedoes from torrid tongues flaunting their ire and desire to wound me in a fight with words that shatter like shrapnel in flight A flame throwing pen, firing splotches of ink to pierce my skin, tattooing me with their brand Mark me as 'prey,' shooting as if in reprimand Just enough to keep me flinching... not quite dead They laugh it off, calling it 'friendly fire' No excuse accepted from those who conspire No burning steel rod can cauterize my wounds I cannot anesthetize the festering gashes A sharp-bladed tongue bites much too deep, making my blood flow in repeated clashes No mere prick or scratch do they inflict as thorns draw drops from a finger opened bare... foul words end relationships with a bullet's nick I still breathe and I've no fear to speak I've been set free, and no longer weak My tongue holds daggers of its own and it's been whetted on a grindstone I hungered for strength and parched with thirst to take vengeance as my anger grew Emotions boiled that were long past due but felling them would label me a wrong doer which is something I never want to be Vengeance will never be mine to take realizing that is what set me free Emotionally, I was a casualty, a tragic story about pens and mouths becoming an allegory Symbols used as extended metaphors But why is it I was being targeted in wars by Gollums and Freddies, and evil Chuckies? Shrapnel lodged in the heart leaves jagged scars

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Daniel Caplin

Date: 5/11/2025 12:43:00 AM

I have to admit when I joined poetry soup I was probably a little naive in thinking that we as budding poets shared the same values, that we wanted the best for one another, that the purpose was to recognise and encourage one another to be the best they can be, poets(most) are sensitive to the world around them and delve into unimaginable depths to express their inner most thoughts, if only we all could take a moment to reflect and put aside our differences and want only the best for one another

Lin Lane
Date: 5/11/2025 2:24:00 AM

Your thoughts are the same as mine when I joined, Danny. That's the way it should be, but I soon realized some who labeled themselves 'poet,' weren't interested in the site as a place in which we shared the love of the art. There were and still are a few who contribute more detrimental comments to the site than they do encouraging others and writing. Unfortunately, those few have failed to change their values. Most poets here, as you've noticed, are fine people whose love of poetry promotes fellowship the way it should be. Thank you for your thoughts of the community. You are a wonderful addition because of your talent and sense of fairness. I hope this time you stay.

Duke Beaufort

Date: 5/9/2025 5:22:00 PM

Lin, you've designed a contest entry that describes the severe pain someone could feel when targeted for attack by bullies or others who generally don't feel very good about themselves. They seem to be doing it for their own pleasure without regard for the effect. You ask why is it they targeted you. That's something these types need to ask themselves. This would be a good read for them. Of course, they might take more satisfaction for the damage they do. I love how you say that forgoing vengeance has set this victim free. We know the assembly of monsters will never be satisfied or experience any real joy. Sending you smiles, of course!!

Lin Lane
Date: 5/9/2025 6:25:00 PM

It's been done and if they take pleasure in it, the weight of shame is on them. I've built a suit of armor that doesn't weigh heavy on me. Jan pities them, and I use to, but their repeated performances have allayed that route. Forgiveness is always necessary... forgetting is not as easy. An assembly of monsters... now that's cause for consternation, but I can withstand whatever they throw. Duke, thank you for your comments and smiles.