Hideaway

I was a runner
fleeing from homespun horrors that
wrapped around my delicacy like a tourniquet

Only a child attempting to bestir
the warrior dormant within;
having no idea the enthrallment 
she reveled in,
I learned to accost my demons

Nigh, even at the wide-eyed age of eight,
scarred 
shattered
broken
I found, in a hand-crafted cardboard crate, 
my only chance at freedom

Every Saturday I'd sneak away
to my makeshift universe
that gave life to dreams unspoken --

I would crouch and crawl 
through thorn-encrusted branches 
enclosed in a thicket, 
sunbeams cutting into the tangles
alighting my face, piercing my eyes

The oceans breath
cascaded over the brush,
and everything, suppressed,
would fall into a hush
until I breached the winding path

Amongst the jungle of weeds/rose garlanded structures, 
high above the jagged rocks
and wide open mouth of the watery abyss,
my hideaway centered --
flimsy cardboard walls,
brightly painted bold brazen symbols protecting all who entered, 
tightly sealed with an invisible lock
opening only when voices of forgotten children fluttered through the air

I'd stand silent beneath the incandescent sky,
for just a moment,
breathing deep the silken salty breeze
and thrust my arms out to the sides 
like the seagulls hovering over the loud, fathomless cavern of the sea,
Losing myself in the mist
Copyright © | Year Posted 2016

Poem

Post Comments

Poetrysoup is an environment of encouragement and growth so only provide specific positive comments that indicate what you appreciate about the poem. Negative comments will result your account being banned.

Please Login to post a comment

A  Avatar
June 21, 2016 at 12:59 AM
Jenn, Congrats on your awesome free verse win. SKAT
Kimathi Avatar
May 3, 2016 at 6:38 AM
Greetings Jenn. Congrats for your awesome WIN with this piece!!! ;-)
Davey Avatar
May 3, 2016 at 4:35 AM
Congratulations on your placement in this contest and an overall brilliant write. You are definitely going to be an asset to everyone here in the soup, many can learn from the talent that you surely possess
Mark Avatar
May 3, 2016 at 1:33 AM
great read, i wont say " for your first write" its clear you are no novice, however regarding the poem,.. this is very engaging , littered with too numerous to mention brilliant metaphores,..the stanzas seem to stand alone and have there own strength,.. any placement in a Charlotte contest deserves a few reads ,.. the more i read it the more absorbing it becomes,...well done ..Ian
Puddifoot Avatar
May 2, 2016 at 5:04 PM
welcome to soup, and congrats on your fine win in my contest! superb debut poem...i think you changed the format of that last stanza, and i think i preferred what you originally had, but no matter, it's still a wonderful poem!
A  Avatar
April 26, 2016 at 8:57 AM
JENNIFER, Welcome to Poetry Soup. It will be a delight to read and become familiar with your poems in the future. As for now, I will greet you with the same smile others passed when I first joined the soup. Wishing you and your poetry the best. I hope you get to meet all the nice poets around here STARTING with me- SKAT :-) Please drop a hello and tell me a little about yourself if you wish. I would like to be your newest poetry soup "FRIEND" Hugs* SKAT
Flower Avatar
April 26, 2016 at 7:59 AM
That's the way to go! Congrats on your first entry and welcome to Poetry Soup, Jennifer. :)
Andresen Avatar
April 26, 2016 at 7:35 AM
- Welcome to Poetry Soup, Jennifer :) - A great poem, well written :) - hugs // Sun :)
A   Avatar
April 26, 2016 at 5:21 AM
Jennifer, , Welcome to Poetry soup, I hope you enjoy the community. Here, you will find friendly poets who enjoy supporting one another. I myself, enjoy reading and commenting those who want to be read. The only time I give constructive criticism is when a poet desires it. However, if for some reason the poem is not my field I will guide you to someone who is more qualified than I. Stop by and read one of my poems if you like. My poems are not perfect, but I have a feeling you might like one. I encourage you to check out the contest page and read to receive comments. Tell me a little about your poetic skills if you like. It will be my pleasure to follow and read every poem you post from here on :) We are Lucky To Have you. Your New Poet Friend @-> LINDA <-@
Get a Premium Membership
Turn off ads, get more exposure for your poetry, and get more features with a Premium Membership.
Book: Diverse Voices: The Poetry of Human Rights and the Pursuit of Peace