The Grahamburglar Poet Suzette Prime

Ravens and Lilies

‘When you are not fed love on a silver spoon, you learn to lick it off knives.’ - Lauren Eden


lilies and ravens
dance together making mud puddles
thick as salve caked on deep wounds
stemming not the ooze

tinctures from droppers
bitter herbs labeled for survival
use only as directed
replenish nothing

rancid birthday cakes
gleeful candles form dancing shadows
glassy story-telling eyes
yearn desperately

gleaming steel knives slice
neat little rows across the table
the sacrificial altar
where naked I lay

ignorant children
don't see the bullies in their own homes
doling birthrights like feed for
ravens and lilies

Written 8 April 2025
For the contest Light or Shadows hosted by Suzette Richards

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Rev. Gerald Dillenbeck August 16, 2025 at 5:15 AM Graham--Thanks so much for showing up again. Your voice feels profound and thinks about what is deeply significant. We have all been verbally ignorant infants, fed by the silver spoon of belonging and licking off the cutting edge of longing to belong. Once again, beautifully and paradoxically versed.

Michelle Mac Donald July 23, 2025 at 8:10 AM Hey Graham! You have not indulged in any attempt at making this feel anywhere near joyful? Blah blah blah! Actually this is likely the best ever macabre ghoul ish imagery that I have ever come across! *Gleeful candles .. dancing shadows...glassy story telling eyes* This entire write is truly amazing! Thanks for sharing! Best wishes, Mikki