Notes About The Poem

rose9

[ hear the song ]

Listen to poem:

Litany of Borrowed Sorrows

The sorrows we borrow,
the sorrows we keep—
are debts of the dead,
replayed in our sleep.

Blood writes the tally,
blood writes it in red;
tomorrow collects
what yesterday bled.

The sun drags its shadow.
The sun drags its shroud—
darkness advancing
cowering aloud.

Dry eyes at dawn.
Ashes inbred;
a prayer in the dust,
a prayer for the dead.

The sun flares faintly,
a wound in the sky.
The clouds part briefly,
yet cold will not die.

What was served yesterday
lies rotting today;
a banquet of abstinence,
a plate of decay.

Tears must be borrowed.
Tears must be sown;
the covenant is endless,
the debt as ever has grown.

I am summoned.
I am again sworn—
to gather the blood,
to nourish the thorn,
to water dead flowers,
for sorrow's reborn.
Copyright © | Year Posted 2025

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

Rodrigues Avatar
September 7, 2025 at 8:20 PM
Worthy of POTD! Congratulations! Fave!
George Avatar
September 4, 2025 at 6:13 AM
"tomorrow collects what yesterday bled." The burden and scars of the past will be handed over to the present and the future. All of us are caught in the vicious cycle of grief from which there is no escape. Indeed a dark commentary on human life. Congratulations on your POTD dear John
Anderson Avatar
September 4, 2025 at 10:38 AM
Thanks very much for your feedback. All the best - Cheers
Seeker Avatar
September 3, 2025 at 8:45 PM
Karmic rebound recalls debts of love owed. Enjoyed your poem, John, the message resonates. Warmest congratulations on POTD
Gifford Avatar
September 3, 2025 at 12:51 PM
Hello John, congratulations on winning POTD with this amazingly beautiful poem of yours. A great read.
Anderson Avatar
September 3, 2025 at 3:08 PM
Thanks very much for your kind words. All the Best and Cheers to You
Anderson Avatar
September 3, 2025 at 10:41 AM
Thanks very much for the wonderful feedback you have provided on my rather 'dark' poem. Cheers and Best Wishes
Goldsmith Avatar
September 3, 2025 at 10:36 AM
Congratulations on your POTD win. I loved reading your wonderful yet sad "Litany of Borrowed Sorrows" write. Love your line, "Blood writes the tally," it sure does. Have a blessed day with your win...........
Baker Avatar
September 3, 2025 at 10:16 AM
Thought-provoking poetry, John. Congratulations on your POTD honor, my friend. Enjoy your special day of recognition! Bill
Rodgers Avatar
September 3, 2025 at 8:22 AM
Hello John, There's something so raw and true about the idea that grief isn't just ours and that it's inherited, borrowed, passed down like some ancient debt. The way you end it, with the speaker accepting their role as tender of thorns and dead flowers... Congrats on POTD! Blessings, John, Daniel
Wolf Avatar
September 3, 2025 at 8:19 AM
Haunting poetry, John. Congrats on POTD, Gershon
Edmonds  Avatar
September 3, 2025 at 7:47 AM
Very good John, how true that the sorrows we keep disturb our sleep. Congratulations on having received the honour for poem of the day… Beryl
Andresen Avatar
September 3, 2025 at 6:30 AM
- Congratulations on your p.o.t.d., John :) - Great written :) -
Kitchin Avatar
September 3, 2025 at 3:43 AM
John, a great poem. Congratulations on POTD.
Etgen-Baker Avatar
September 3, 2025 at 2:59 AM
Fabulous poem filled with poignancy. Congrats on your POTD designation!
Messina Avatar
September 3, 2025 at 2:27 AM
Great write, John. Congratulations on POTD! Enjoy your day! Charlie
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