The Citronella

She stood by the citronella
staring at its jagged leaves
hoping they would grow and carry her away

Rooted in the ground, eyes drawn into its foliage
the caretaker peered over his cigar at her despair
removing the belt from his waist
his "sword" of fury

she called it his sword 
for she did not know war
but she knew pain

the sword of fury thrashed down upon her back
she collapsed forward to the ground like a wounded soldier in battle
her face in the brown dust
blood seeping from her nostrils
igniting the soil with red

the caretaker smirked at her pain
she looked up through tear filled eyes
and saw a callous soul
the citronella plant was more righteous than him 
in her desperation
she silently begged that the citronella 
could lift her away from this hell.
Copyright © | Year Posted 2019

Poem

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Roper Avatar
October 20, 2019 at 4:34 PM
heartbreaking , but great verse, Astrid, congratulations on your win. Hugs
Peterson Avatar
October 19, 2019 at 2:31 PM
Indeed, the tormented are the ones more free, for they have choice while their persecutors have surrendered their honor to blind fury. You have captured these emotions well with carefully chosen words and heartfelt expression. Congratulations.
Pinet Avatar
October 19, 2019 at 1:28 PM
Congratulations Astrid! Your poem has placed "Third" in my contest. It was a very tough contest to judge because I was very strict, well done my friend, Emile. You have no Soupmail so please contact me.
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