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Look Closely

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Written for the contest sponsored by Edward Ibeh. This poem highlights how sometimes women get objectified. Not seen for what they are beyond skin and bones.
Look closely, theres more to us all.

Look closely, feel the harmless heat enveloping black-diamond petals in the glistening garden of glossy geraniums. There, sprouts rosemary dreams from an untouched silhouette, eager to be seen beyond her perfumed pigments. Her universe was sprinkled with starry streams of gleaming rays, as she swayed to symphonic serenades filled with hazel dust. They may gawk with greedy glares as wide as the night sky, marking her with lecherous objects that only please shameless eyes. She was never in need of a sixth sense to understand iron glances that travel in nefarious packs, with sugar-burnt hunger washing all over her unblistered flesh, judging her concealer as a manipulative facade, seeking uncalled-for affirmations that she never solicited, misconceiving her thin lines of red-river lipstick. Her summer physique allowed no consent for invasive intrusion, yet carnal cravings become unwelcome toxic trespassers. Their immoral thoughts believe shallow words give them wanderlust wings, while sinister stars in their sky label her a soulless mannequin, objectifying her cinnamon-glazed skin, sun-kissed hair, and pecan-powdered~ caramelized voluptuous flare, with their vehement voracious desires. Swinging penetrative thin blades of opinions from miles, oblivious to the fact that she is the sanguine strength that strolls in silver silence across spiky swards, suppressing the pain her bones have endured with every whiskering whistle they wolfed. There, if the mauve moon and crystalline constellations look closely, they would find versatile mirrors of meaning reflecting the times she parades a smile too comfortable to wear, for they have concluded her bed to be a shrine of blenders and overflowing thickened blades, cursed by the biological sins of Adam's ancestors.

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Tonye George

Date: 5/23/2024 7:49:00 PM

We should focus less on protecting the girl child and focus more on training the boy child. Most of these men do not want to be responsible or accountable. Lustful eyes even when covered in bedsheets. It's alarming how they so want to be predators when they should be protecting men we need to teach them to embrace their masculinity and make the place a safe space for women to thrive and not always watch their backs. We need to do better. Lovely written Ink. More awareness on this.

Duke Beaufort

Date: 5/23/2024 10:07:00 AM

IE, your last lines regarding her bed as a shrine and the sins of Adam's ancestors is fascinating. Technically, since an ancestor is a predecessor, I can't help but think of the theory of evolution and what we came from. Yes, many men do look at women in a sexual way. I suppose it's OK to think anything, but we men need to act in a way that is not hurtful, degrading, or intimidating. Honestly, I have talked with friends about physical beauty...we've said it's like admiring a car...doesn't mean a test drive should take place. It's like admiring art in a gallery. At least in our culture, we're beginning to provide the space for women to have fulfillment in ways they see fit and not as defined by men. It's actually a good feeling to see that happen and not be threatened by it at all. The most amazing beauty is all internal.

Valsa George

Date: 5/23/2024 5:41:00 AM

Unfortunately women are seen as mere objects to satisfy the carnal cravings of men. They may gawk at her with greedy eyes. Their lecherous eyes keep staring at her and their carnal cravings often become unwelcome toxic trespassers to her. She stays immune to their ploy. So she is labelled as a soul less mannequin. But if looked closely she would be seen as one with more "sanguine strength that strolls in silver silence across spiky swards, suppressing the pain her bones have endured with every whisking whistle they wolfed." Dear Empress, what a powerful poem with such beautiful alliterations exposing the objectification of women. This hasn't started recently. All through history we can see female body seen as an object of sexual satisfaction and nothing more. So sad...!

Tom Woody

Date: 5/22/2024 6:02:00 AM

Masterful poetic treatise on the objectification of women. As I was reading Marilyn Monroe came to mind, then Elton John's song Candle in the Wind. Of course, we are created with an inherent sense of sexual attraction, but as you say, there's more to a woman than just her figure. On the other hand, many beauties shamelessly allow themselves to be exploited. They call it empowerment. I call it sad. Nice write Inky

Ink Empress
Date: 5/23/2024 1:47:00 AM

Yes, today we see such absurd scenes in the name of empowerment, i agree. Thank you for your kind and empathetic comment. I appreciate your support

Buhagiar Victor

Date: 5/22/2024 2:19:00 AM

Wonderful: she swayed to symphonic serenades. Just to give an example of your power in alliteration. Powerful and deep. I think both males and females are complex occasionally.

Ink Empress
Date: 5/23/2024 1:47:00 AM

Thank you so much dear victor for seeing something worthy of praising in my poetry. Appreciate your support always

Paige Hind

Date: 5/21/2024 9:19:00 PM

Wow! This was so forthcoming and wise, so powerful and emotive your lines....glad you wrote something like this, a top winner (it has to be!) wonderful writing, dear Ink

Ink Empress
Date: 5/23/2024 1:51:00 AM

Thank you so much its written for a judge that appreciates and understands my metaphors so i am hopeful that it will go somewhere. Im grateful for your kindness and support always

Andrea Dietrich

Date: 5/21/2024 4:10:00 PM

That third stanza and on really convey the stupid mentality of many guys who really need to get a clue instead of writing women off as too mysterious or complex to understand. The swinging knives. Haha was I right to think they are a metaphor for an appendage of the male? Good one, Ink.

Ink Empress
Date: 5/23/2024 1:53:00 AM

Swinging knives hahaha is that what i think it is gosh you are hilarious sweet andrea thank you for making me smile! Hugs

Hilda Greenhough

Date: 5/21/2024 2:58:00 PM

Poem makes a good point. I liked the summation in the last line, "cursed by the biological sins of Adam's ancestors". Good luck with the contest.

Ink Empress
Date: 5/23/2024 1:57:00 AM

Thank you so much dear hilda i appreciate your kindness always you are so supportive always! Grateful

Sotto Poet

Date: 5/21/2024 12:38:00 PM

Dear Ink, I wanted to commend you on the brilliance of this poem, which showcases exceptional poetic skill through clever metaphors and vivid imagery. You have expertly portrayed a character who fiercely defends the honor of a loved one, while also highlighting the superficial judgments they face. The character's resilience and inner strength are beautifully captured in your writing, culminating in a powerful and memorable conclusion. This is my favorite. With best wishes for the contest

Ink Empress
Date: 5/23/2024 2:20:00 AM

Thank you always dr sotto for your kindness i appreciate your support truly

Robert Gorelick

Date: 5/21/2024 11:20:00 AM

You amply demonstrate with flair and fury how inner resilience and integrity, when forged with a will, serve to overcome cruel and dismissive objectification. I understand that women are judged by surface superficialities much more than men, taking a toll on both physical and emotional health. A bravura accomplishment! All my best, Robert

Ink Empress
Date: 5/23/2024 2:49:00 AM

Thank you dear robert for your kindness. And for leaving such a soulful comment. Grateful for your supportive visit

Lioness Onpaper

Date: 5/21/2024 8:35:00 AM

I look closely aee… harmless heat enveloping black-diamond petals… ayayooooo very hot aeee these days .. universe was sprinkled with starry streams of gleaming rays, mmmm the kind of gorgeousness this piece brings.. misconceiving her thin lines of red-river lipstick… carnal cravings become unwelcome toxic trespassers. damn papi.. cinnamon-glazed skin, sun-kissed hair, and pecan-powdered caramelized voluptuous flare,.mauve moon and crystalline constellation… absolutely breathtaking weave papi

Ink Empress
Date: 5/23/2024 2:50:00 AM

You copy paste very well ae papi hahahahh

Silent One

Date: 5/21/2024 8:28:00 AM

This is an excellent theme for the contest and very clever to use the option your did.. Poor, Adam, gets blamed for everything, doesn't he, but then again so does Eve... I like how this is a vivid and evocative exploration of a woman's experience of objectification and the silent strength she harbours within. It uses rich, sensual imagery to draw us into a garden of "glossy geraniums" and "black-diamond petals," setting a scene that is both beautiful and fraught with deeper significance.

Ink Empress
Date: 5/23/2024 2:51:00 AM

What a thoughtful comment silent one! You always are so respectful and kind and very generous also towards poets! Appreciate you seeing the depth of what iv expressed here. Always grateful for your support

Silent One
Date: 5/21/2024 8:34:00 AM

To conclude, your poem is a powerful commentary on the complexities of female identity, the pervasive nature of objectification, and the strength required to navigate a world that often seeks to diminish one's worth to mere physical attributes. Your use of vivid imagery and metaphors creates imagery that captures both the beauty and the pain of the woman's experience...

Silent One
Date: 5/21/2024 8:28:00 AM

Despite the oppressive objectification, the poem conveys a woman's resilience. She is "the sanguine strength that strolls in silver silence across spiky swards," a powerful image of quiet endurance and grace. The mention of "spiky swards" suggests the pain and challenges she faces, yet she remains unbroken.

Daniel Henry Rodgers

Date: 5/21/2024 8:23:00 AM

Dearest Empress, What a very powerful exploration of objectification often overlooked in women. I love how your creative words, from "black-diamond petals" to "pecan-powdered caramelized voluptuous flare," beautifully convey the richness of female existence beyond mere appearances. Having three daughters and now 3 granddaughters I love how you highlight the pain and resilience women must endure. Empress, this piece is a stunning testament to your talent showing the amazing inherent worth and strength in every single woman worldwide. I will not only FAV but share with my family. - Blessings, Daniel

Ink Empress
Date: 5/23/2024 2:52:00 AM

That is so kind of you dear daniel. Your fave and also you appreciating the depth of what iv expressed here means alot! I hope your daughters and all women in your family always stay, blessed and away from the evil eyes of the world: grateful for your support always

Joe Dimino

Date: 5/21/2024 8:15:00 AM

"She was never in need of a sixth sense to understand iron glances that travel in nefarious packs," -- Great visual! "suppressing the pain her bones have endured with every whiskering whistle they wolfed." -- outward appearance can be very deceiving. What goes on inside another can be a deeply guarded secret, a pain ill defined even by self. Know that what we see in the outside world, in others, is more indicative of what is inside ourselves and not elsewhere begotten. Excellent read. Thank you.

Ink Empress
Date: 5/23/2024 2:59:00 AM

Thank you so much for always leaving such soulful comments, i do appreciate that so very much! Your visits are uplifting and heartwarming!

Jeanette Swan

Date: 5/21/2024 5:53:00 AM

I liked these lines too, 'she is the sanguine strength that strolls in silver silence'. This is what any woman would want to be - someone with the optimistic confidence of wisdom. J :)

Ink Empress
Date: 5/23/2024 3:10:00 AM

Thank you j i appreciate your kindness truly

Sara Etgen-Baker

Date: 5/21/2024 5:23:00 AM

I enjoyed your descriptive, powerful lines as well as your alliterations. You remain the queen of alliteration for sure. I appreciate how you addressed the objectification of women. Especially liked these lines: Swinging penetrative thin blades of opinions from miles, oblivious to the fact that she is the sanguine strength that strolls in silver silence Wishing you a pleasant day, hugs, Sara

Ink Empress
Date: 5/23/2024 3:11:00 AM

Hah its a habit using alliterations. But what i know is i dont write to impress readers but to express but when one feels my thoughts and emotions it truly means alot! Especially a flawless poet like you! Sending you light beautiful soul

Vijay Pandit

Date: 5/21/2024 5:20:00 AM

Another masterful write my friend. Fiercely protective of her, defending her honor from shallow thoughts.---while sinister stars in their sky label her a soulless mannequin, objectifying her cinnamon-glazed skin, sun-kissed hair---she is the sanguine strength that strolls in silver silence ---suppressing the pain her bones have endured---Perfect ending line. A FAVE!

Ink Empress
Date: 5/23/2024 3:18:00 AM

Thank you for always being so genuine and sincere with your support. I do appreciate also your fave. Grateful for your poetic light

The Aura Rhymes

Date: 5/21/2024 4:18:00 AM

So many alliterations in this poem too … well said

Ink Empress
Date: 5/23/2024 3:18:00 AM

Yes, see beyond those alliterations lol