The Velvet Noose

I am a broken-winged dove
Held in a soft, black bag
Tied round with a velvet noose.

Reasoning with my sensibilities
He seeks to assure me
All will be well
If I simply stop struggling
And allow him to feed me
Soft, warm food
From his caring hand.

I am a rudderless vessel
Adrift on a river
Filled with sharpened rocks of worry

Holding the anchor,
He fastens it calmly
‘Round the mainmast
Of my shredded sail
And speaks quietly
Of landlocked shipyards
And safe harbors.

I am a voiceless singer
Reading silent music
Written with pens of invisible ink.

Softly approaching
He closes the door
On my singing heart
And tears the score
Of unheard symphonies:
The music is gone;
It exists no more.
Copyright © | Year Posted 2010

Poem

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Fraser Avatar
December 17, 2010 at 1:50 AM
Sad, but beautiful poetry Deb, so understandable that it won in the recent contest >> James :)
Brown Avatar
December 10, 2010 at 10:57 AM
Thank you for sharing your wonderful poetry here at PoetrySoup this year Deb. May you and yours have a wonderful Holiday Season and may the New Year bring you and yours good health, and may your hearts be overflowing with love and happiness. Love and blessings always, Carol
Dietrich Avatar
December 6, 2010 at 9:20 PM
Deb, this is one of my favorites I have read in this contest. REALLY nice. Congratulations. Luv, Andrea
Sweetheart Avatar
December 6, 2010 at 12:59 PM
Congrats Deb on your big win in John's contest with this brilliant write and entry .. enjoy your top spot for a top notch poem with luv..
Brown Avatar
December 6, 2010 at 11:35 AM
Congratulations on your win in John's "Jaded Partitions" contest Deb. Love, Carol
Kendrick Avatar
December 6, 2010 at 5:49 AM
Good one..I am glad that I chose it to read this morn..Congratulations on your win..Sara
Mehta Avatar
December 6, 2010 at 1:53 AM
Congratulations on this well deserved win in the contest of Jared, deb
Blomberg Avatar
November 30, 2010 at 11:50 AM
It has a strong tension. Each word seems to be carefully chosen.
Devonshire Avatar
November 30, 2010 at 11:26 AM
Deb, you might consider entering this moving poem in John Heck's "Jaded Partitions" contest. Striking contradictions with the "voiceless singer...silent music...invisible ink." You make the reader feel this woman's helplessness. Excellent writing! Best wishes, Carolyn
Arnold Avatar
November 29, 2010 at 12:04 PM
This is wonderful.
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