Knotty

“Out of suffering have emerged the strongest souls; the most massive characters are seared with scars.” - Khalil Gibran

I am a delicate deck of cards,
alabaster roots, tossed
across time’s yard
from foolish patterns
of poker promises,
like the days
when scorching summer
was an ace of solstices.

You’ll find my name
in numbers where
the perfumed forget-me-nots
in pressed pages slumber;
defined as the black hearted
queen of blood diamonds,
soaked in vintage
murdered lies-
fallen angels, singing
solitaire’s sorrowful sirens.

For I have long earned
the straps
within mystical corners,
crumpled, placed
to breathe in a crystal coffin
with no escape, 
and no mourners.
Yet the moon subtly smiles-
at our sin, through
rose-colored everything.
And I swim
in my own darkness, wading
through wet waves
of black spades,
washing wounds
in the nothingness,
crashing unto gates 
as heavy as
a raven’s wing, 
whilst I’m clawed
and transformed
under betrayal’s sting.

So take my scars
as an offering,
feeding the knotty cracks
in our foundation, paper thin;
there’s nothing left
to take, or give in
this facade we maintain
of this kingdom
of an immortal harlequin.
Copyright © | Year Posted 2023

Poem

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Ricci Avatar
November 14, 2023 at 4:33 AM
Good Morning Empress. Please allow me to let your entry stand. There is nothing I could ever add and my mere pale words would diminish your entry. You truly have amazing poetic talent and skill. May the poetic pen be with you always. I will just say that you chose the free verse format wisely for this entry because no other would do for your message. As always, we thank you for sharing with us. Peace and Blessings always. (smile) PS - This is another entry to be read out loud...
Croft Avatar
November 1, 2023 at 7:13 PM
Congratulations! Very beautiful words
Goldsmith Avatar
November 1, 2023 at 3:56 PM
Congratulations on your win. What a great creative write. Love It... Have Blessed Day...........................
Dietrich Avatar
October 31, 2023 at 10:06 AM
Wow, you sure know how to work those metaphors. Actually I think they are more similies. As usual, your poetry glows with imagery. I bet this is a top win!
Buhagiar Avatar
October 31, 2023 at 4:41 AM
Your poem is full of emotions. It is as it should be, for poetry is emotion. A beautiful poem even if with a tinge of melancholy. Blessings.
Hind Avatar
October 30, 2023 at 6:20 PM
I grew up with Gibran. :) Your poetry here is so beautiful- but fragile and raw. There is else nothing to say...
Silence Avatar
October 30, 2023 at 12:39 PM
This has my heart and soul my beautiful soul sis! The way you’ve woven such depth into such a haunting beauty, is beyond me! The way you write has always touched me, always resonating with your words. I can feel myself in each emotion you express in your masterpieces! This one no different! “You’ll find my name in numbers where the perfumed forget-me-nots in pressed pages of slumber” — so melancholically romantic..”crumpled, placed to breath in a crystal coffin with no escape and no mourners”..
Silence Avatar
October 30, 2023 at 12:43 PM
“Yet the moon subtly smiles-at our sin, through rose-colored everything” — I don’t know how your beautiful mind comes up with such ways to express raw emotions so flawlessly. You write to perfection, pulling in your readers with the depths of your heart and soul. And the ending so flawlessy flowing in powerful, yet delicate grace! Sheer brilliance!
Culverhouse Avatar
October 30, 2023 at 12:16 PM
immortal harlequin, incredible poetry oozes out of this poem
Greenhough Avatar
October 30, 2023 at 9:07 AM
I love this. Anthropomorphic cards is a wonderful idea. A very special poem.
Sharma  Avatar
October 30, 2023 at 8:51 AM
Woah, this is truly a phenomenal poem, my dear Ink! I'm absolutely speechless and in search of appropriate words to describe how much this piece resonated with me & so deeply.Your vocabulary, flow of words, exquisitely articulated lines with similes, metaphors, alliteration!Ah, I'm blown away!This is definitely one of the top takes for the contest, purely profound..i'm loving your cards-themed word-choices "So take my scars as an offering, feeding the knotty cracks in our foundation, paper thin"
Sharma  Avatar
October 30, 2023 at 8:55 AM
"facade we maintain of this kingdom of an immortal harlequin", "tossed across time’s yard from foolish patterns of poker promises", "defined as the black hearted queen of blood diamonds, soaked in vintage murdered lies-fallen angels, singing solitaire’s sorrowful sirens" as heavy as a raven’s wing" There are so many brilliant lines here, it's so hard to choose favourite from these.. The strength and power that comes after facing series of storms, you've shown that in a very emotive and heartfelt way.. This world sometimes forces us to become stone-cold. But, this poem really has captivated my heart, best of luck for the contest!
Poet Avatar
October 30, 2023 at 6:01 AM
Dear Ink, You wonderfully depict the delicate balance between sorrow and progress. Your response struck me since it demonstrated your affluent voice and exquisite writing. Your poetry is heartfelt and strong. I am certain that it will be successful and acknowledged. It's breathtaking, divisive, and thought-provoking. Dear Ink, your descriptions constantly exceed expectations, leading us to your lovely words and profound thoughts. Good luck with the contest
Pandit Avatar
October 30, 2023 at 5:44 AM
You’ll find my name in numbers where the perfumed forget-me-nots in pressed pages slumber; defined as the black hearted queen of blood diamonds---- For I have long earned the straps within mystical corners, crumpled, placed to breathe in a crystal coffin with no escape, and no mourners---Your descriptions are always superb, my friend. Walking effortlessly in Khalil's footsteps!
Mcintosh Avatar
October 30, 2023 at 3:22 AM
so true. powerful poetry for sure. Just love this and am sure it will win. beautiful and brave and provocative. WOW. God bless you always, love, Gina
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