The Woman They Know


 Her smiles of valor encase her agony--
   her fiery scars pound against her sanity
    struggling in twisted ropes of silent screams.
     A wounded Athena, she is a woman in chains
      staring at her shattered reflections.

  Her shades of red, they haven't seen--
    tender shrieks buried under forced arms,
      blurred visions of screaming tyranny.
       A trampled magnolia, she is a woman in chains
         rotting in her Carmen of morose ember.

    Oh woman! You embrace scars with dignity,
       ethereal flow of progeny in your hands,
   your banished desires in shriveled ages
      survive in spiral cobwebs of festered veins.

  Her miserable existence in labyrinths--
    she simmers courage in dried paranoia,
     a streak of red blood, no longer she'd fear.
      A goddess flickering amber lamps of hope
       her essence flows through mankind.

     Oh woman! Feel the celestial powers
         preserved in your gracious bosom,
     your afflicted pain nurtures patience
        strong enough to bend heavenly tides.

       A wounded Athena, a trampled magnolia
          A rotting Carmen, a goddess she is..

    The woman in chains pours forgiveness 
      filling oceans from azure exuberance,
    her selfless heart of mellowed love
      permeates Satan's abode with virtue.

    The woman in chains wears sacrifice,
        her gossamer veil embraces men's follies,
   she carries the elixir of compassion,
       ripples of hopes for scarred souls.

         Oh woman! They oppress you in madness,
       to your sanctity they bow in agitation,
    the woman they know, the goddess they don't,
  until you dust your timeless wings to fly again.
Copyright © | Year Posted 2020

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

Gauthier Avatar
January 17, 2021 at 5:23 PM
A powerful and poignant poem. Very fitting that it is published in the 2020 PS Anthology.
Gondolf Avatar
December 2, 2020 at 3:06 AM
Aditi, I enjoyed reading this wonderful verse in the anthology, congrats. John
Shines Avatar
September 17, 2020 at 8:31 AM
Congratulations on your win!
Lindley Avatar
September 4, 2020 at 7:08 AM
You my friend have created a wonderful, powerful and true depiction of women, their immense courage shown in this dark and too oft oppressive world. Dare we to understand and acknowledge that they are mothers of life? So often the loving kind heart we all need and often depend on... Great poetry. A fine fav.. God bless..
La France Avatar
September 2, 2020 at 11:06 AM
Aditi, congratulations on your win with this excellent poem _Constance
Goldsmith Avatar
September 2, 2020 at 10:12 AM
Congratulations on your win. Your pen was working over time on this wonderful write. I love your line, "you dust your wings to fly again." Enjoy your win and day..............
Ermine Avatar
September 1, 2020 at 11:12 PM
Hi Aditi. So much grace in ugliness of Contest theme. Only you have such flair..! Congratulations, Master. Good firm, hard earned top honour Win..!
Allison Avatar
September 1, 2020 at 3:39 PM
superb poetry Aditi, many congrats on your win:-) hugs jan xx
Koplin Avatar
September 1, 2020 at 2:17 PM
Excellent job! Congratulations on your top win
Watt Avatar
September 1, 2020 at 1:07 PM
Aditi, you have enunciated well not only the oppression against women, but her valor and strength in overcoming such oppression with grace and goodness. Well done and congratulations for your #1 win! Blessings ~ John
Mcintosh Avatar
September 1, 2020 at 11:00 AM
Congrats on a wonderful win and poem. God bless you ~ Gina
Kauffman Avatar
September 1, 2020 at 8:41 AM
Back with congratulations Aditi. hugs...
Hamilton Avatar
September 1, 2020 at 8:15 AM
Another wonderful write with vivid imagery, thanks for your entry Aditi, and congrats on a top win!
Mitra Avatar
August 28, 2020 at 12:24 AM
So beautifully penned dear Aditi......much love this is a sure shot winner and a beautiful poem.
Kelii Kekaula Avatar
August 26, 2020 at 1:48 AM
Words truly embodies your soul, Aditi, for every line bears to be cherished upon a pedestal--FAVE--, stay well and safe my friend, Aloha! William
Buehler Avatar
August 21, 2020 at 9:32 PM
Your magnificent poem captivates the reader and touches the heart, dear Aditi. It is truly outstanding and beautifully written. A FAVE for me. :)
Horsman Avatar
August 20, 2020 at 12:30 AM
I was chained to this amazing poetry, Aditi.
Ibeh Avatar
August 19, 2020 at 4:27 AM
Wow! This is mindblowing, Aditi:-) A fav for me!
Brul Avatar
August 18, 2020 at 11:33 PM
Spectacular as ever dear Aditi. This will surely hit the TOP. Goodluck my dear.
Somadas Avatar
August 18, 2020 at 12:01 AM
Wow.. When the contest was opened, I thought about you.. I was sure, you will bring something magical.. Yes, it is a powerful poem and lines are beautifully carved.. Good luck Aditi..
Kauffman Avatar
August 17, 2020 at 4:52 PM
Stunning, my friend. I am sure this is a winner. Your poetic language and imagery are amazing! A "fav" for me. Best of luck in the contest. Sending you hugs and much love...
Krutsinger Avatar
August 17, 2020 at 4:00 PM
Such a tremendous write. Your description of the multifaceted woman is outstandingly good. Each line packs its own well penned image.
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