Premiere Contest WinnerMalaise In My Heart

There is an abysmal void in the hollow of my breast
where once my heart pulsed, now weak and weary.
I cannot quell emotions your death has repressed
since our cord of silken threads has come unraveled.
Malaise in my heart leaves me cold and dreary.

I long to embrace you on the doorstep of time,
never allowing it to deprive me of you again.
I ache for the warmth of your breath on my nape,
and inhale the virile scent of you that lingers.
From these cherished memories I seek no escape.

Chilled are my nights, even beside the fireside,
while reading romantic sonnets you wrote.
I can quote your verses, every line in verbatim
but the sound of my voice in an empty room
leaves me yearning for silence, death by garrote.

I swear I hear your steps over thresholds I cross.
Wisps of your hair remain in your bristled brush.
Your laughter seems to float upon the air,
and your footfalls tread upon the creaky stair
until I whisper, "It's not him. Hush, please hush."

Dear memory, how long shall you torture me?
Each reverie, a dagger thrust to its hilt in my heart.
Answer me, when shall I live a life of quiet repose?
How long shall I be haunted by the illusion,
of the man who vowed we would never part?

Timid is my approach to the room's tenebrous corner. 
With his vestige close, I cling to him in the night.
Our shadows dance. In his arms, I'm swept away.
With each swaying step his presence I garner,
as we waltz across the room in the glow of moonlight.


November 26, 2022
2022 Poetry Marathon ~ Mile 21 Contest
Sponsored by Mark Toney
Copyright © | Year Posted 2019

Poem

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Ashley Avatar
December 15, 2022 at 9:31 PM
Dear Lin, your striking imagery and grand use of metaphor shows the depth and breadth of your artistry. "Dear memory, how long shall you torture me? Each reverie, a dagger thrust to its hilt in my heart." The woes and throes are potent and palpable throughout this beautifully sad poem. Congratulations for your excellent trophy win in Mark's contest! Warmest wishes.. ~Susan
Lane Avatar
December 16, 2022 at 5:05 AM
Thank you so much, my sweet poetic friend. I appreciate your kind words, always offered in the same sincerity that I just mentioned in my reply to John. You are both wonderful poets, who I've come to respect and admire. Let's finish the marathon together. No matter who crosses first, I'll still be a few steps behind.
Watt Avatar
December 10, 2022 at 7:16 PM
Dear Lin, your command of the language and your powerful imagery are a perfect match for this type of emotionally charged subject matter. Who would not weep with you after reading of the loss of true love and the restless haunting of the soul in its aftermath? Brilliant, and a worthy trophy winner. So glad you have joined the marathon and continue to succeed. I learn something new about writing every time I partake of your stunning poetry. Congrats ~ John
Lane Avatar
December 16, 2022 at 5:02 AM
Hello to you, John. I should keep your beautiful comments gathered from over the years to bring a smile to my lips when I can no longer hold a pen. Your complimentary reviews always bring a tear close to my eyes because I know you'd not offer them if they were not sincere. I am truly honored to call you a friend, and value your words. Thank you, John.
George Avatar
December 8, 2022 at 8:16 PM
Some memories are hard to be extinguished. The more we try to quell them, the stronger they rise up with vengeance ! But in living with those memories also, there is a vicarious pleasure. A very emotive poem. Congratulations once more on your trophy win in this prestigious competition, dear Lin !
Lane Avatar
December 9, 2022 at 3:47 AM
That's so true, Valsa. We're incapable of preventing them, for they come unbidden. Thank you very much for offering me your congratulations.
Pandit Avatar
December 8, 2022 at 12:29 PM
BIG congrats on your trophy win, Lin. Highly emotive, reminiscing in memories...Well done, as always.
Lane Avatar
December 9, 2022 at 3:46 AM
Thanks for your sweet sentiments, Vijay.
Kauffman Avatar
December 8, 2022 at 11:49 AM
Lin, congratulations on your first place win AND your POTD with this poignant, melancholy cry of the heart! Every verse is a "reverie" of a broken heart. Sending you blessings on wings of comfort and consolation.
Lane Avatar
December 8, 2022 at 12:10 PM
Thank you very much, Sam. I greatly appreciate your kind sentiments.
Alex Avatar
December 8, 2022 at 5:36 AM
"Chilled are my nights, even beside the fireside" - Speaks volumes. Nostalgic! Poignant! Lost! Loging-filled! Congratulations!
Lane Avatar
December 8, 2022 at 11:05 AM
Thanks for the many sweet comments you've left for my poetry, Chris.
Toney Avatar
December 7, 2022 at 10:15 AM
Oh, the agony of love lost! Outstanding, Lin! Congratulations on your first-place finish on Mile 21 of my 2022 Poetry Marathon Contest. Keep your running shoes on because Mile 22 has already started.
Lane Avatar
December 8, 2022 at 11:05 AM
Mark, most of my sad tales were difficult to write, but the pain I felt when they were penned has faded. Now, when I read them again, no tears fall. I'm honored, once again to receive a place in your contest. Thank you so very much.
Callus Avatar
December 13, 2019 at 2:04 PM
I am so touched by this beautiful poem Lin! The absence of a loved one tends to play tricks on the mind...even in dreams memories come flooding back in a rush of emotions. Congratulations on a very much deserved p.o.t.d. award. A fav ~ Warm regards // paul
Lane Avatar
December 13, 2019 at 3:15 PM
What a sweet sentiment, Paul. Yes, you're right, those who have died and those who live, but are lost to us. It's so nice of you to read me and leave your thoughts. Thanks for the regards and I offer them back to you.
Robinson Jr. Avatar
December 10, 2019 at 1:28 PM
A very intricate poem of rhyme masterfully ink stroke done, LL!! Doorstep of time, eh. Kudos on POTD. Love and best wishes for the holidays. Romantic Warrior
Lane Avatar
December 15, 2019 at 7:46 PM
Thank you very much, Freddie.
Gauthier Avatar
December 9, 2019 at 7:46 AM
Congrats on your POTD, Lin. Well done.
Lane Avatar
December 9, 2019 at 8:23 AM
Thanks very much, Line.
Gondolf Avatar
December 8, 2019 at 6:24 PM
The depth of emotion in this poem is captivating, Lin, I am in awe of your talents. A belated congrats on POTD. Hugs, John
Lane Avatar
December 9, 2019 at 8:23 AM
Merci, merci, John. No comment is ever belated, and I value yours, as always.
Lindley Avatar
December 7, 2019 at 7:59 AM
My word but this is a breathtakingly wondrous piece my friend! I love every word of it!!! You are without any doubt an immensely talented and very artistic poet.. Such depths an emotions, I could feel as I read. The sadness and realism in this is surely born of a very kind and wise heart.. A fav- a true jewel...God bless..
Lane Avatar
December 8, 2019 at 5:12 AM
Thanks so much, Robert. Emotions were real, though years ago they remain and haunted my dream the night before I wrote this. Your laurels are rewarding and valued.
Nicole Avatar
December 6, 2019 at 8:56 PM
I am at a loss for words. This truly moves me, each and every moment- these emotions from your heart. Congratulations Lin, on Poem of the Day. ~ Brandy
Lane Avatar
December 7, 2019 at 7:25 AM
I think you found the right words to express yourself very well. Thanks so much, Brandy.
Andresen Avatar
December 6, 2019 at 1:45 PM
- Congratulations on your p.o.t.d., Lin :) - hugs // Anne-Lise :)
Lane Avatar
December 6, 2019 at 5:44 PM
Anne-Lise, many thanks for leaving a comment on this one. Hugs back to you.
Marcum Wong Avatar
December 6, 2019 at 12:05 PM
You’re beautiful poem breathes with realism and beauty. Congratulations on your deserving honor of POTD! I really love this beautiful poem and it is going into my faves Lin. Happy holidays are wished for you and your family. xxoo
Lane Avatar
December 6, 2019 at 5:43 PM
Hi Connie. Your gracious comments are always gratifying to read. Thank you ever so much, sweet friend. The fave is appreciated.
Adams Avatar
December 6, 2019 at 10:35 AM
back to say congratulations on your POTD this was an excellent write and choice for the honors...
Lane Avatar
December 6, 2019 at 5:41 PM
Thanks so much, Sandra.
Hamilton Avatar
December 6, 2019 at 9:59 AM
Back with congrats on POTD I knew this one would get recognized!
Lane Avatar
December 6, 2019 at 5:41 PM
Thank you, John. I appreciate your insight.
May Avatar
December 6, 2019 at 9:08 AM
Memories linger in the heart in this sad write Lin...Congrats on POTD
Lane Avatar
December 6, 2019 at 9:25 AM
Yes, unfortunately even the sad ones linger. Thank you for sharing your sentiments with me, Joseph.
Capitano Avatar
December 6, 2019 at 8:04 AM
A melancholy write, Lin, full of sadness yet comfort remembering the past. Congrats on POTD.
Lane Avatar
December 6, 2019 at 8:07 AM
Many thanks for your congrats, Phil.
Warrior Avatar
December 6, 2019 at 7:39 AM
Well! well! well!...our Laney can finally write poetry that tugs at the heart or some other body part lol...you get 10 on the Richter scale...Earth-shattering poetry Laney...you can't keep teasing and taunting us like this lol...Oh!, Congrats!! on POTD!!...love you girl... jusqu'à ce que nous retrouvons mon ami...^WW^ :o)
Lane Avatar
December 7, 2019 at 9:03 AM
You're fine as long as you fill them back up before someone throws you in. Ditto on the sentiments.
Warrior Avatar
December 7, 2019 at 7:08 AM
Should have been a grave digger, with all the holes I've dug lol...Still, love you though ;o)
Lane Avatar
December 6, 2019 at 4:28 PM
Keep digging that hole til you fall in. Lol
Warrior Avatar
December 6, 2019 at 10:59 AM
I was just tugging at your leg lol...of course, you've written these before...but you're getting so much better...with age lol...to me you are timeless ;o)
Lane Avatar
December 6, 2019 at 8:01 AM
Merci, mon guerrier amour poétique. Ce n'est pas le premier de ce type que j'ai écrit. I assure you, a little teasing and taunting only whets the appetite for more. Et donc la recherche continue, cher homme, et j'ai souri à la compréhension de «une autre partie du corps
Trifiatis Avatar
December 6, 2019 at 7:17 AM
Congratulations for a well-deserved honor of POTD dear, Lin!
Lane Avatar
December 6, 2019 at 8:05 AM
Thank you.
Sands Avatar
December 6, 2019 at 6:40 AM
Congratulations for POTD :)
Lane Avatar
December 6, 2019 at 8:05 AM
Thanks, Heidi.
Proxenos Avatar
December 6, 2019 at 5:19 AM
Congratulations Lin on your very deserved POTD - a brilliant write. Hugs and blessings, Jennifer.
Lane Avatar
December 6, 2019 at 8:05 AM
I appreciate your generous comments, Jennifer. Thank you.
Kitchin Avatar
December 6, 2019 at 4:40 AM
Lin, a beautifully penned sad romantic poem, excellently done, congratulations on POTD!
Lane Avatar
December 6, 2019 at 8:04 AM
Thank you very much for the lovely remarks, Tania.
Cunningham Avatar
December 6, 2019 at 3:31 AM
Lin you write amazing poetry, you are truly gifted. I'm not surprised to see this honoured as POTD. Congratulations. Tom.
Lane Avatar
December 6, 2019 at 8:03 AM
Good morning to you, dear Tom. Thank you ever so kindly for your sunny comments alerting me of potd. I'm delighted by your thoughts.
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