Notes About The Poem

1498 sept no:1 Poetry Contest
9th Place

Surreal art  LabyrinthBy25kartinok by Andrew Ferez

The abuser of women dwelt at the labyrinth’s center. She escaped Minotaur’s test of weakness, with loves breakage:  a gentle guide—by Poet

Labyrinth Dwellers

Above, scarlet red steaks 
a pure white sky,
its innocence taken
below, cracks that pit the path change

housed in its secret chambers
he dwells at the labyrinth’s center,
a monster Minotaur with dangerous desires

she drifts thus far
atop the stacks of stasis                        
without falling into depts 
of the indecorous act  

her guard guides her away 
with gentle hands,
he trembles with anticipation
as she reaches the precipice
afraid of losing her as she
cannot perceive what’s ahead
cannot see what to expect

their anxiety trickles down,
of wants and needs
not fleeing from nor running to
though escaping,
to a rebirth forward
Copyright © | Year Posted 2026

Poem

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Sharma  Avatar
September 9, 2026 at 7:02 AM
Woah this feels like hunting the innocence! So haunting and eerie in its essence dear Anaya, as far as one tries to run away, the darkness keeps crawling back, even closerrr.. sigh.. his toxic possessiveness towards her and she, caught up in his loop of lethal love ~ wanting to escape .. even with the clouded consciousness... "their anxiety trickles down, of wants and needs not fleeing from nor running to though escaping, to a rebirth forward" Woah that ending! Sent chills absolutely! Brilliant ekphrasis for the artwork ~ A pleasure reading you, as always! Sending you poetic light and mermaid starsz 🧜‍♀️🧜‍♀️🌊🌊🌙⭐💫
Anaya Avatar
September 9, 2026 at 12:56 PM
I'm so pleased of your reaction & review today Hiya, sweet poetess & the support....TyVm...Light & mermaid stars welcome!! ✨🧜🏻‍♀️✨🧜🏼‍♀️✨🧜🏽‍♀️✨🧜🏿‍♀️
Hind Avatar
September 7, 2026 at 4:32 PM
wow, I love this, the art, too- beautiful!! <3
Anaya Avatar
September 7, 2026 at 9:16 PM
Surreal artist digital works, he designs book covers😄 TY!
Hind Avatar
September 7, 2026 at 4:34 PM
I also like the Minotaur concept.
Borg Avatar
September 7, 2026 at 3:26 PM
I love the use of Minotaur and stasis in your poem, both rooted in my mother-tongue. Congratulations on your win Anaya.
Anaya Avatar
September 7, 2026 at 8:44 PM
Ancient Greek myths, I had referenced Zeno of Citium philosopher in a recent poem 🧿 it's all so very interesting, Pascal TY for mentioning, I love Greek mythology ~
Smith  Avatar
September 6, 2026 at 1:02 AM
A haunting, layered ekphrastic poem: the broken, shifting labyrinth becomes a powerful emotional landscape of danger, fear, protection, and forward rebirth. I especially admire the surreal movement of the imagery and the tender contrast of the gentle guide against the Minotaur’s threatening presence.
Anaya Avatar
September 6, 2026 at 8:53 AM
Dear Alison, thank you for your spot on review, it was my goal here to highlight the contrast of the abuser & the gentle one. Ty for reading! I enjoy your poetry it inspires me. Keep well & autumn blessings poet~
One Avatar
September 5, 2026 at 8:17 AM
Interesting poem... It is like the person is approaching a dangerous point in desire.. Especially this line: “he dwells at the labyrinth’s center, a monster Minotaur with dangerous desires.” It is an excellent poem about what happens when we get close to something we desperately want but are simultaneously afraid of. Hope you are well my friend ❤️
Anaya Avatar
September 5, 2026 at 10:40 AM
Silent One I really like your interpretation of the digital art I've chosen & found interesting. The Greek myth came to mind & after a POTD I read the other day, I wanted Minotaur to represent domestic violence. I hope I did it poetic justice ! ha, I'm doing alright, (heat is better) 🪭 hope the same is for you dear poet.💕Autumn blessings
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