The Sting of Nettled Showers

To the sound of pelting rain, she woke in early morning
Upon the tattered tin roof, it rhythmically pitter pattered
No sunlight peeked through clouds on daylight's dawning
She thought of him and of the dreams that were shattered,
of the nights she'd spend without end, remorse spawning

Windblown rain pummeled windows, on sills it splashed
Obscured was her view, vision blurred behind each pane
Howled as does a wolf, thunder growled, lightning flashed
In rivulets like rain, was weeping she struggled to restrain
Like drops of blood from a wound, her teardrops splashed

That night, in shadowed lamplight she espied on the corner,
a familiar silhouette of one whose countenance was a given
Dark eyes of a raven who had waived his right to scorn her
No vocal cawing was riven as torrents of rain were driven
He was beyond the reach of this sad beseeching mourner

Outside she ventured, into the sting of nettled showers
for just one glimpse of him, she would offer as her reason
On the street, scattered at her feet, her espousal flowers
Fallacy, was an act Charlotte Bronte' would label 'treason'
Uncloaked, soaked, she stood with her memories for hours

From grief she could not hide nor abide her mirrored face
His eyes, for once unveiled, yet not one word did he speak
A webbing of fine silk threads spun, woven in warm embrace
He had raised no hand in farewell. A tear grazed her cheek
Without solace she would linger in portals of empty space

She trembled, shivering, eyes teary, there was no mistaking
her sips from tainted cup had the caustic taste of bitter gall
The impeccant knight chose the right to claim his forsaking
Nimbus skies lay overcast without surcease of a graying pall
Fraught with aching, she sighed one word, "heartbreaking."
Copyright © | Year Posted 2023

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

Lindley Avatar
May 31, 2023 at 8:57 AM
" The impeccant knight chose the right to claim his forsaking" A great poem my friend this verse struck me as specially significant. A gem and a fav too.
Lane Avatar
May 31, 2023 at 10:32 AM
I am always grateful to know what lines readers find intriguing. Thanks so much for your supporting comments, Robert.
Kaufman Avatar
May 30, 2023 at 5:42 AM
I love the "sting of nettled showers" you weave this tale so well and take the reader there with such amazing detail. Enjoyed this sad narrative.
Lane Avatar
May 30, 2023 at 5:49 AM
I’m so pleased with your comments, Nancy. Thank you for reading me.
Gentile Avatar
May 27, 2023 at 5:07 AM
Lin, your ability to craft this dark and shadowy mood is really quite amazing! I surely wish I could! The last line, the last word, perfectly encapsulates that entire write! Excellent!!! Happy Saturday xxoo
Lane Avatar
May 27, 2023 at 12:19 PM
To read such accolades from you, Mike, is akin to opening a treasure chest of gold. Thank you ever so sincerely.
Faulkner Avatar
May 26, 2023 at 3:10 PM
This is so eloquent of the pain of heartbreak, I especially like 'she stood with her memories for hours' and 'nimbus skies lay overcast without surcease of a graying pall' - that has the feel of Edgar Allen Poe to me~
Lane Avatar
May 26, 2023 at 3:57 PM
Michelle, I am grateful to you for reading the pangs of heartbreak in my verses, and always glad when told which lines a reader likes most. To compare my poetry with Poe in even the slightest way is encouraging. Thank you for your compliments.;-). As for you, Jan. I know you are talented enough to write much more than poop, and you have. Love ya!
Allison Avatar
May 26, 2023 at 3:41 PM
ah yes the raven I agree Michelle:-) I write poop - Lin write proper poetry!
Parker Avatar
May 26, 2023 at 1:09 PM
from shattered dreams and the beseeching mourner, a picture you have painted of utter sadness that was lived and felt in your poem is also felt by the reader...dear poet
Lane Avatar
May 26, 2023 at 1:24 PM
Frederic, your insightful review captures the depth of angst this poem intended to portray. A heart broken as badly as were the shattered dreams. Thank you.
Allison Avatar
May 26, 2023 at 9:11 AM
wow Lin this one sure packs a punch, what a sorrowful story indeed. your deep dark imagery is amazing and I love the liberal use of alliteration. a poetic masterpiece my dear, into my faves
Lane Avatar
May 26, 2023 at 10:56 AM
Hi Jan. You're comments and the fave are very generous gifts you offer my lines. Thank you for your unfailing support.
Turner Avatar
May 26, 2023 at 7:05 AM
Pretty sad, Lin. "The impeccant knight chose the right to claim his forsaking" You win some, you lose some.
Lane Avatar
May 26, 2023 at 7:53 AM
His armor was shining. His cause was just.
M  Avatar
May 26, 2023 at 5:18 AM
WOW Lin thats a real beauty! I was gripped to the end! Debx
Lane Avatar
May 26, 2023 at 5:29 AM
I know it's rather long, so I'm glad it held your attention, and thank you for reading it to the end, Deb.
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