Oval

An oval shape—a ghostly pane,
A frame of whispers, soft refrain.
It hung in quiet, out of view,
Where silence slept and shadows grew.

I glimpsed “the oval window, a portal to another dimension,”
A whispered truth beyond convention.

Glass like jelly, thin and wide,
With golden veins that pulsed with pride.
It shimmered soft in dusty air,
As if it knew I’d someday dare.

I pressed my face and felt the tug—
A velvet yank, a quantum hug.
Through space unstitched, my atoms curled,
And spilled into a confused world.

The sky was plaid and sang in chords,
Clouds played chess with talking boards.
A sun rolled by on squeaky wheels,
Chased by moons with citrus peels.

The trees were made of steel bones,
Their leaves composed of dial tones.
They spoke in clicks and humming chimes,
Barked headlines from olden times.

A caterpillar wore a suit,
Arguing ethics with a flute.
A bus flew past with wings of lace,
Stops announced in outer space.

The buildings leaned yet stood with grace,
Each doorway led to stranger place.
One held a café run by crows,
Who served haikus in your nose.

I met a chair that pondered fate,
And told me, “Sit before it’s late.”
A fish explained the price of doubt,
While paddling through my thoughts throughout.

Laws were loose, yet oddly tight,
Where wrong felt wrong but also right.
Where time wore shoes and danced in place,
And mirrors showed your inner face.

The rain wrote in cursive script,
While thunder hummed in jazz and crypt.
Each lightning bolt did grin and strike
Where daydreams bloom and rules dislike.

A dragon sold umbrellas cheap,
Claiming he hadn’t learned to sleep.
He traded tales for half a yawn,
Slept in pixels just past dawn.

An alley wound like thought itself,
Lined with clocks that ticked in stealth.
Each second held a scent, a tune—
Some smelt like soup, some hummed like June.

I saw a whale made out of sighs,
Who flew beneath the grammar skies.
It told me truths I didn't keep,
Then sank below a field of sheep.

I tasted colours, spoke in stars,
Drew maps from dreams and bottled jars.
I danced with logic in disguise,
And kissed a pun beneath the skies.

But then the pane began to dim,
Its edges blurred, the borders grim.
A voice said, “Time to head on back,”
Snapped the world to perfect black.

I woke in dust, alone once more,
The attic still, the wooden floor.
Yet in my palm, a shimmer glowed—
A thought the window had bestowed.

It calls to me in twilight’s tune,
Hums at dusk, sighs at noon—
I’ll go again, and very soon.
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

Bartley Avatar
June 28, 2025 at 12:58 PM
Wow that was amazing and had my attention all the way through. Thanks for sharing this worthy #1 spot.
Xiang Avatar
June 27, 2025 at 6:49 PM
Circles are just too perfect. I like ovals best. Its imperfection is what appeals. In its orbits, dragons sell cheap umbrellas. I can see why you want a ticket to ride its orbit. There's a wonderful psychedelic feel to your words. Grand.
Junaid Avatar
June 22, 2025 at 1:37 PM
I absolutely loved tasting the flavors of this poem. The visceral quality of your imagery is chef's kiss - aesthetic, and deliciously satiating. Congrats on #1 on PoetrySoup's 100 Best New Poems. Love your poetry. Best wishes, Hiba <3
Joseph Avatar
June 9, 2025 at 4:58 AM
Lovly take on wonderland lol! So fire, pls keep it up! I hate when ssa poems r at the top & u should be higher than 4th for sureee!
Daniels Avatar
May 29, 2025 at 10:14 PM
Awesome Aaliyah. U have an exotic grasp of spherical life & an ability to convey it in form. Congrats ! Keep going, you have my bet. X.
O'Neil Avatar
June 3, 2025 at 5:09 PM
Thank you so much—that's such a beautiful and encouraging message. I truly appreciate your support and belief in my work. I’ll definitely keep going.
May Avatar
May 29, 2025 at 7:26 PM
A dimension that's worth another visit, Very nicely done, Congrats on your win
O'Neil Avatar
June 3, 2025 at 5:09 PM
Thank you so much. I'm really glad the piece resonated with you—I'd definitely love to revisit that dimension too. I appreciate the kind words and congratulations.
Rodgers Avatar
May 29, 2025 at 5:53 AM
Dear Aaliyah, Pure wonder, a portal where imagination reigns and every line speaks with playful possibility. I felt myself pulled through your window, tumbling into plaid skies, jazz-thunder, and moon-chasing suns. Your world is wild, witty, and wise, each detail a gentle dare to see magic in the mundane. Congrats on POTD and letting me wander your dreamscape. Spring Blessings, My Dear Friend, Daniel
O'Neil Avatar
May 29, 2025 at 6:27 AM
Thank you so much for your beautifully poetic words—they truly touched my heart. I’m delighted that my poem could invite you into that world of playful possibility and wonder. Your thoughtful reflection means so much to me, and I’m grateful for your friendship and support. Spring blessings to you as well, my dear friend.
Hind Avatar
May 26, 2025 at 8:34 PM
Hey! This is an interesting and very unique take on this topic. Congrats on POTD! Sorry I was not here sooner- so much going on.
O'Neil Avatar
May 29, 2025 at 6:26 AM
Thank you so much—I’m glad you found it unique and interesting. No worries at all; life gets busy. I really appreciate your congratulations and your support whenever you’re able to stop by.
Wolf Avatar
May 24, 2025 at 8:41 PM
The rhyme, the flow, the amazing imagery, the sheer delight of each stanza: What a gem you've penned Aaliyah. Well-deserved POTD, I say. ~ Gershon
O'Neil Avatar
May 25, 2025 at 1:33 PM
Thank you so much, Gershon. I truly appreciate your thoughtful words—they mean a great deal. I'm so glad the poem brought you delight. Your support and POTD congratulations really made my day.
Kauffman Avatar
May 24, 2025 at 7:07 PM
Such a wonder adventure into the mystical and slightly absurd, Aaliyah. So many wonderful, whimsical and fun stories and characters! Congratulations on your POTD! Blessings to you! I’ll go again with you!
O'Neil Avatar
May 25, 2025 at 1:32 PM
Thank you so much. I’m delighted you enjoyed the whimsical journey—it was such fun to create. I truly appreciate your kind words and blessings. And yes, let’s go again—adventure always awaits. Thanks again for the POTD congratulations.
Nicole Avatar
May 24, 2025 at 5:32 PM
So difficult picking a favorite line within, because they're all captivating. I want to highlight this one. :) ' The sky was plaid and sang in chords, clouds played chess with talking boards. ' I can see this image in my mind. :) This is a fun write. Congratulations Aaliyah, on Poem of the Day. My best to you. :) Hugs, Brandy
O'Neil Avatar
May 25, 2025 at 1:31 PM
Thank you so much, Brandy. I’m really touched by your kind words. I’m so glad that line stood out to you—it was such fun to write, and it means a lot that you could picture it so vividly. Thanks again for the lovely congratulations and support. Hugs back.
Anaya Avatar
May 24, 2025 at 12:08 PM
Aaliyah you’re too funny! "I was four when I partied like it was 1999" that one~ you had me at the first line. Back to the Poem Of The Day..I see where you got it from a lovely mom, please don't let life's worldly stuff get to you, we'll be, the world will be here longer than we think. Congratulations to a very imaginative poetess! I Am Anaya
O'Neil Avatar
May 25, 2025 at 1:30 PM
Anaya, you’ve truly made me smile—thank you. I’m so glad that line gave you a laugh. Your kind words about my mom and your thoughtful encouragement mean a great deal. Thank you also for the lovely congratulations—I'm honoured. So grateful for your support.
Me Avatar
May 24, 2025 at 12:03 PM
Similar to Robert Frost in style, mysterious and personal, very nice writing ????
O'Neil Avatar
May 25, 2025 at 1:28 PM
Thank you so much. I’m truly flattered by the comparison to Robert Frost. I really appreciate your thoughtful comment and am glad the poem spoke to you.
Toney Avatar
May 24, 2025 at 9:41 AM
Aayilah, your poem is a delight to read and would make Lewis Carroll smile. A Fav Poem for me. Congratulations on Poem of the Day!
O'Neil Avatar
May 25, 2025 at 1:28 PM
Thank you so much. I'm truly honoured by your kind words—what a lovely thought about Lewis Carroll. I'm so glad you enjoyed the poem and made it a favourite. Your congratulations mean a lot to me.
Buhagiar Avatar
May 24, 2025 at 8:19 AM
Congratulations on your POTD, Well deserved. A great poem.
O'Neil Avatar
May 24, 2025 at 8:54 AM
Thank you very much. I’m truly honoured and grateful for your kind words.
Goldsmith Avatar
May 24, 2025 at 8:17 AM
Congratulations on your POTD win. I enjoyed reading your write. Have a blessed/wonderful day writing away.........
O'Neil Avatar
May 24, 2025 at 8:54 AM
Thank you so much for your kind congratulations and good wishes. I’m delighted you enjoyed the poem. Wishing you a wonderful day as well.
Meadows Avatar
May 24, 2025 at 5:38 AM
Congratulations on your POTD. Well done!
O'Neil Avatar
May 24, 2025 at 8:51 AM
Thank you very much. I’m truly grateful for your kind congratulations.
Andresen Avatar
May 24, 2025 at 1:54 AM
- Impressive writing - Congratulations on your p.o.t.d., Aaliyah :) - hugs
O'Neil Avatar
May 24, 2025 at 8:50 AM
Thank you so much. I really appreciate your congratulations and the hugs—means a lot.
Edmonds  Avatar
May 24, 2025 at 1:03 AM
Wonderful poetry Aaliyah, congratulations on receiving the honour of poem of the day… Beryl
O'Neil Avatar
May 24, 2025 at 8:50 AM
Thank you so much, Beryl, for your ongoing support. I’m truly honoured to receive the poem of the day recognition and appreciate your kind congratulations.
Jones Avatar
May 24, 2025 at 12:49 AM
Congratulations on your imaginative write making potd!
Me Avatar
May 24, 2025 at 12:05 PM
Odd!
O'Neil Avatar
May 24, 2025 at 8:49 AM
Thank you. I honestly didn’t even know Poem of the Day existed until this win, so it’s been a lovely and unexpected surprise. I really appreciate your congratulations.
Curtis Avatar
May 23, 2025 at 3:17 PM
This comes for a great imagination , you have the power to create whole new worlds with words, very well done Aaliyah Bravo!
O'Neil Avatar
May 24, 2025 at 8:48 AM
Thank you so much for your generous and encouraging words. I’m truly grateful that my imagination and words resonated with you. Your support means a great deal—thank you again.
Theraven Avatar
May 22, 2025 at 9:52 PM
Aayah Aaliyah, Oh cleverness in a Rhyme, though vaguely unsettling. Like a Rorschach drawing being described in perfect conformity. -Richard
O'Neil Avatar
May 24, 2025 at 8:47 AM
Thank you, Richard! I love your comparison—“a Rorschach drawing described in perfect conformity” is wonderfully vivid. I’m glad the rhyme struck a chord, even with its unsettling edge. Always a pleasure to hear your thoughts.
Wolf Avatar
May 22, 2025 at 7:50 PM
This is truly a remarkable fantastical, phantasmagorical write, Aaliyah. A FAVE for me. Bravo, and thank you for posting it. ~ Gershon
O'Neil Avatar
May 24, 2025 at 8:46 AM
Thank you again, Gershon, for your continued support. I’m truly honoured that this piece has become a favourite of yours. Your encouragement means a great deal to me.
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