The Vessel
The glass becomes like an extension of her arm
Clenched firmly at the stem, it seems to lead her very gestures
Like the cargo of a vessel on a stormy sea, its contents follow in rhythm
Quickly, the contents are emptied, refilled and emptied again
But there is no satisfaction; no relief, no matter how often it is filled
Only an unquenchable thirst that’s born from pain and shame
He watches the movements, his eyes drawn against his will to the vessel
Helpless, he sees and feels the pain, sees and feels the shame
First he feels fear; then emptiness, resentment and contempt
Fear, of losing the past they had shared
Fear, of losing the future they had built together
Fear, of losing the bond that had seemed so strong
Emptiness, as love and compassion drain from his heart
Emptiness, as the gentle side of him hardens and thickens
Emptiness, as hope slowly vanishes
Resentment, of the fear that is always present
Resentment, of the loneliness that grows each day
Resentment, for the guilt these feelings bring
Contempt, for the tiny vessel with its cargo
Contempt, for those who had filled and launched the vessel
And now, contempt for the one who holds it
These feelings now, have become his pain, his shame
Locked deep below, like the cargo of a vessel;
His vessel, drifting alone on an empty sea
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
Turn off ads, get more exposure for your poetry, and get more features with a
Premium Membership.
