The Sculptor POTD

The wood was perfect.
Hammer in hand, he toiled.
Sweat trickled down his neck.
Her face was chiselled,
A perfect portrait:
The hawk-like nose, 
The high cheekbones,
The wide brow.
But not her flaring eyes.
They defied him.
In exasperation, he threw the lamp,
His only source of light,
And watched the wood burn.

In the deserted cabin.
In a wooded glen forlorn,
When the fire subsided
They found his body
Long dead, carbonised and cold.
And a piece of chiselled wood
Charred and worthless.


originally written in 10/4/2016
Copyright © | Year Posted 2024

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

12
Andresen Avatar
October 9, 2024 at 10:26 AM
- A tragic story - Congratulations on your p.o.t.d., Victor - hugs
Roper Avatar
October 8, 2024 at 8:05 PM
Such a sad descriptive poem. Wood work such a very intricate but hard work. Sorry I miss your poem of the day. Well deserved win. hugs
Proxenos Avatar
October 8, 2024 at 12:09 AM
A sad write my friend, what a shame that at the end ' 'They found his body long dead, carbonized and cold, and a piece of chiselled wood, charred and worthless.' when he spent hours sculpting such a beautiful piece. So well penned. Blessings Jennifer.
Buehler Avatar
October 7, 2024 at 7:55 PM
I'm back with delighted congratulations on POTD, Victor. This beautiful poem, is so deserving. :)
Tor Avatar
October 7, 2024 at 6:01 PM
Victor back to Congratulate you for receiving such a high honor, of POTD. Take care my friend...
Ray Choudhury Avatar
October 7, 2024 at 5:27 PM
Congratulations on POTD. Your poem is done masterfully, with expressive and unique touch! Brilliant, but sad - a fascinating picture of grief!
Sands Avatar
October 7, 2024 at 2:49 PM
Congratulations for POTD Victor. Well done :)
Nicole Avatar
October 7, 2024 at 12:54 PM
The portrait was perfect, yet, it had one flaw. Strange, it being both at the same time. It sounds like this drove him crazy. To the point of death. Many emotions curl around your thoughts. Congratulations Victor, on Poem of the Day. My best to you. Hugs, Brandy
Romios Avatar
October 7, 2024 at 12:02 PM
Terrific write, Victor, Congratulations from Pangie
Kauffman Avatar
October 7, 2024 at 10:26 AM
So sad, Victor, but an extremely well written story of grief and grieving. Congratulations on your POTD. Blessings.
Rodrigues Avatar
October 7, 2024 at 10:11 AM
Quite a story! Congrats on POTD, dear Victor!
May Avatar
October 7, 2024 at 9:17 AM
A sad ending to this verse, Congrats on POTD
Riabi Dziri Avatar
October 7, 2024 at 8:16 AM
A story in which you told nothing but you showhed, through your so meticulous and expressive words, a lot about the sequence of events then you have surprised your avid reader who was thinking could predict the end of the story.. I can see the whole scene..the whole setting and then be moved when I found out about the lot of the sculptor! What a mastery of storytelling! A well deserved recognition and acknowledgement! Congratulations on your POTD honour dear Victor! So happy to read you. Regards
Goldsmith Avatar
October 7, 2024 at 8:12 AM
Congratulations on your POTD win. "The Sculptor" is a wonderful write/story. Enjoy your wonderful day with your win..................
DiMino Avatar
October 7, 2024 at 7:03 AM
Yep only God can make that life-like flare in the eyes the sculptor sought. And man to destroy the life that once was the wood. Congratulations, Victor, a well deserved POTD!
M  Avatar
October 7, 2024 at 6:49 AM
Big Congratulations Victor on POTD....Cuddles Galore!! Debx
Mcintosh Avatar
October 7, 2024 at 6:42 AM
Congrats on POTD with this sad masterpiece. God bless you always, love, Gina
Manassian Avatar
October 7, 2024 at 6:23 AM
Congrats on your POTD. Fascinating albeit sad. Also, thanks for your visit to me page. Blessings
Elless Avatar
October 7, 2024 at 6:03 AM
Victor congratulations on Your POTD. captivating, very sad. As is reality, sometimes. Keep Rolling.
Buhagiar Avatar
October 7, 2024 at 9:06 AM
Thank you for your POTD.
Pigeon Tart Avatar
October 7, 2024 at 6:00 AM
Your pen on fire too, fantastic piece! Congratulations on POTD darling. Have a wonderful day dear vb! xomo <3
Kitchin Avatar
October 7, 2024 at 4:56 AM
Victor, a sad and captivating story, congratulations on POTD!
Rodgers Avatar
October 7, 2024 at 4:52 AM
Dear Victor, First and Foremost, Congratulations on an outstanding POTD. I like how you wrote this tragic outcome, which is a great cautionary tale about the dangers of obsession and the potential cost of striving for unattainable perfection in one's craft. CONGRATS! - Autumn Blessings, My Dear Friend, Daniel
Lawless Avatar
October 7, 2024 at 4:50 AM
Well, Victor, you've done it again, left me sitting here in awe pondering the depth and passion of this poem. A scathing metaphoric love story...andno happy ending
Daniel Avatar
October 7, 2024 at 4:47 AM
Wow! Sadness profound...congratulations on POTD
Seeker Avatar
October 7, 2024 at 4:12 AM
Reads like a Shakespearean tragedy, warmest congratulations on POTD, Victor
12
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