Scarlett

Scarlett thought she was promised permanent security. 
Satchels of resilience bound her fragile wrists. 
Woodland deities hailed her.
Underworld demons feared her.
The curious townsfolk simply stood in contemplation - 
Inviting epee's gleamed in their eyes 
as the garden shears, in their hands, smiled. 

Scarlett oft pretended she was Joan of Arc.
Threads of meshed titanium webbed her sheltered heart.
Sour Grimm moppets heralded her. 
Skeptical fairy godmothers chastised her.
The relentless wheel of innocence spun without interruption. 
Persnickety rogues sashayed in dumbed silence -
permitting their sordid counterparts unwelcomed invitations
into a void where reverend satchels are tragically punctured. 

Scarlett donned spiked eye patches in her latter years.
Protective velour swatches masking mass and the masses. 
Myths and urban legends empathized with her. 
Gods and martyrs appropriately buried her.
The dumbfounded spirits circle Scarlett's broken window with raised eyebrows. 
Quizzically staring at rotting barrels littered with skeins if shredded satchels -
yards if tainted fibers being hopelessly spun into yet another
dark, forgotten midnight.
Copyright © | Year Posted 2014

Poem

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George   Avatar
May 10, 2022 at 6:49 AM
I think you often and miss you , my dear poetic friend. You were...in my opinion, the best free verse writer of all time. What a wonderful gift you were to us that had the honor of knowing your beautiful spirit and incredible talent.
Lamoureux Avatar
June 5, 2020 at 10:12 AM
I too am sorry I didn’t know you. I hope your words bring comfort to your family. They are both beautiful and sad.
La France Avatar
June 4, 2020 at 10:31 AM
John, rest in peace, you were a talented man and your poetry is the gift you leave us _Constance
Bianco Avatar
June 2, 2020 at 7:31 PM
R.I.P John, Thank you for all you have done for this site and for myself with your encouraging comments and wonderful poems during the golden years at the soup Anthony
Horsman Avatar
May 31, 2020 at 10:35 PM
R I P, John, sorry i never got to know your wonderful poetry....
Dietrich Avatar
May 31, 2020 at 9:49 PM
I come here to the last post you made to say my goodbye, John. Sorry I never got to know you. May your family come here and see the fine body of work you left behind. Rest in Peace.
Barden Avatar
October 20, 2018 at 4:01 PM
Superb write, exquisitely penned ... a friend of mine said my work reminded her of yours, and suggested I give it a read, (though you're no longer "here" at PS), and I'm very pleased she did! Don't imagine you'll ever read this, but it required my accolades nonetheless. I am but a hack in comparison, but the piece she referenced is "One Last, Cold Gift". All the best to you, wherever you are these days - you have enriched my weekend! :-)
Burch Avatar
November 12, 2016 at 6:53 PM
Such aching depth ... John. I'm in awe.
A  Avatar
June 18, 2016 at 10:51 AM
JOHN, nicely penned. Enjoyed reading your thoughts and words today. Luv **SKAT**
Ebbs Avatar
September 26, 2015 at 7:25 AM
Heartfelt, sorry for your loss...
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