Home » Poems » Charlotte Puddifoot » In a Silent Way

In a Silent Way

The languid petals of addiction fall in a silent way; they do not scream or keen, but wrap insidious mind-vines around all that you are, soft as a smother of snow. And no one speaks of it, tongue-muffled. Yet here I am stumbling soundlessly round the house again at 3 a.m. searching for cerulean soothe, however many milligrams to silence the night: its loud black shout. Somnolent vocals of valium; a lethargic lexicon swaying the cacophony of strident day and quietly mining crystals of calm. A deep dive into hushed obsidian skies... Moon-pearls rippling in a bedside water glass; reflections pale and beautiful, lithe as a bare-breasted woman slipping into night's negligee, innermost indigo folds...the night-hued sea, undulations of waves...sleep waves washing over me, under me, around me, wrapping me in the languid language of night: its dark and delicate whisper. Sinking further into the deep; sleep-sliding into a wordless world, welcoming soft murmurings of the moon's flower, dropping valium's voiceless sleep-petals hour by hour.

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Paige Hind

Date: 12/31/2023 1:14:00 PM

I find is hard to sleep sometimes at night too- I just go to bed and toss and turn til I sleep, lol. Late in the morning hours... this was beautiful and raw and such a gift...

Sam Scott

Date: 10/17/2023 4:38:00 AM

Late to the party to say congratulations on POTD - but I can see why - this has so many differing levels and descriptive language is superb, Charlotte :)

John Hamilton

Date: 8/14/2023 7:49:00 AM

I can't believe I never commented on this one Charlotte, even in your torment the writing is exquisite, I too suffer insomnia it goes with the fibromyalgia. Sleep is so essential for healing, without it everything worse. A wonderful write worthy of all the accolades.

John Hamilton
Date: 8/17/2023 8:40:00 AM

yeah along with heart and lung problems I'm going from day to day at this point 63 but feel 85 most days.

Charlotte Puddifoot
Date: 8/14/2023 8:20:00 AM

oh i didn't know you have fibromyalgia - i really sympathise as i have it too (amongst other problems) it's such a horrid, difficult condition to live with

Joanna Daniel

Date: 7/31/2023 7:54:00 AM

This is intoxicating poetry, Charlotte, great word pairings, double congratulations on your win and POTD:)

The Situation

Date: 7/29/2023 4:41:00 PM

Okay It's personal. Your hurting me because your special to me. It's hard to admit to needing help. But don't let It break you. Remember years ago I lost someone I loved. Her picture still sits in my room. And when I see you, you were her voice for me. Seems like so long ago. But you were. Remember???

Charlotte Puddifoot
Date: 7/30/2023 5:04:00 AM

of course i remember, i still have the music box, it sits on my dressing table

The Situation

Date: 7/29/2023 4:33:00 PM

To me speaks of addiction. In escapable addiction. But it is escapable with God. Nancy Reagan said "Just say no". Sleep will come back. Check in where they treat it and do what they say. Or else you'll never get away. I wouldn't say talk to God if I didn't myself. Just do it and you'll be able to help someone else.

Tom Woody
Date: 8/2/2023 4:27:00 PM

Was that her astrologer's advice? Nevermind. Seriously though, I've known many who found solace in a relationship with their Creator, though the meds still help.

Valsa George

Date: 7/26/2023 7:07:00 AM

A stunning poem dear Charlotte ! When sleep eludes one, one may resort to drugs to slip into a world of slumber. Sleep waves come as undulations and one is carried away slowly and silently into the folds of sleep. A well deserved POTD. Congratulations dear friend.

James Horn

Date: 7/25/2023 5:22:00 AM

Do you live in Charlotte, NC? Was trying to find some allergies.

Tom Woody
Date: 7/26/2023 5:37:00 AM

I can loan you mine. Heh

Sam Kauffman

Date: 7/24/2023 9:46:00 AM

Charlotte, what can I say except simply amazing! Your imagery literally jumps off the page as it articulates a ruminating mind in the midnight seeking silence with whatever means or methods possible. Every line tells a story. Congratulations on your win and on your POTD. Going right into my favs! What an honor to share the podium with you! Blessings especially in the silence of midnight.

Kim Rodrigues

Date: 7/23/2023 6:59:00 PM

Congratulations, Charlotte! Sensual imagery and vivid.

Speaks Volumes

Date: 7/23/2023 4:18:00 PM

Back with congrats for your win in the contest Charlotte. Truly deserved, it is a terrific poem. Best wishes from SV

Brandy Nicole

Date: 7/22/2023 5:56:00 PM

They're many ways to seek silence, a way of escape; without harming your body. Your words are deep and powerful, with a message within that many need to reflect upon. Congratulations Charlotte, on Poem of the Day. My best to you. Hugs, Brandy

Speaks Volumes

Date: 7/22/2023 3:34:00 PM

Congrats dear Charlotte. I knew this would make it to POTD. A lovely poem. Glad its in my favorites that I can go back and read it often. Best wishes SV

Nancy Kaufman

Date: 7/22/2023 1:35:00 PM

Many kudos on this potent poem and congratulations on the recognition honor POTD. Well done.

R J. Elless

Date: 7/22/2023 12:25:00 PM

Charlotte, Congratulations on Your POTD. That is a Powerful poem. Keep Rolling.

I Am Anaya

Date: 7/22/2023 9:21:00 AM

Sleepless nights cruel and unrelenting seek allies in whatever proves soothing and merciful. I lend an understanding ear. The cadence of stanza ending with the night hued sea, strikes one as a nocturnal ritual so many bear. Congratulations on such a well-deserved POTD Charlotte!

Bill Baker

Date: 7/22/2023 8:58:00 AM

An excellent description of drug induced journey into the wordless world of deep sleep. Your imagery was eloquent. Congratulations on your POTD, Charlotte. Enjoy your special day of recognition. Bill

Arlo Parker

Date: 7/22/2023 8:57:00 AM

Timeless line: "Moon-pearls rippling in a bedside water glass". POTD indeed! :o))

Malabika Ray Choudhury

Date: 7/22/2023 7:57:00 AM

Congratulations on your POTD honour with this powerful poem, Dear Charlotte. Your poignant expressions, thoughts and word choices around them - masterfully done.

Arastu Goyal

Date: 7/22/2023 6:25:00 AM

A very powerful and beautiful poem, congrats on POTD

Susan Lawrence

Date: 7/22/2023 6:17:00 AM

Powerful and poignant interlaced with your magical words and images dear Charlotte . I have so many favorite lines ! I love “quietly mining crystals of calm” Beautiful writing . Congratulations on POTD. Hugs, Susan :)

Tom Woody

Date: 7/22/2023 5:47:00 AM

Aah, I see this very personal poem made potd. Enjoy your day Charlotte

John Lawless

Date: 7/22/2023 4:58:00 AM

..."soft as a smother of snow"...that line of itself is food for deep reflection.

Mike Gentile

Date: 7/22/2023 4:13:00 AM

So gracefully powerful is your poetic expression Charlotte! Congratulations on your POTD honors!!

Paul Bell

Date: 7/22/2023 3:26:00 AM

It's something you never think about, you go to bed, you sleep. I always wake up at 4 am, and have done for as long as I can remember. I suppose the drug route is a continuous journey, and we know how reliant drugs can be.