Through Life’s Clenched Jaw

I have walked the hallways
where minutes gnash like teeth,
each second a pebble pressed
into the jaw of memory.

The air tastes of iron--
memory’s rust,
old prayers swallowed
before they ever touched the light

Yet still - I carry my candle
into the jaw’s dark cavern,
its flame a soft rebellion
against the grindstone silence.

Soft laughter rests in the cracks,
like seeds grabbed
into the frozen earth,
waiting for the frost to release them,
for spring to rise
from winter’s quiet.

I move onward,
not a hostage,
but marrow unbroken,
a hymn rising
through bone and enamel,
singing until the jaw
yields to the light.
Copyright © | Year Posted 2025

Poem

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Etgen-Baker Avatar
September 19, 2025 at 3:47 PM
love the imagery and the inspiration in your poem, Rowen. "the air tastes like iron....' perfect Well penned, Sara
Velasco Avatar
September 19, 2025 at 4:09 PM
Thank you .
Wolf Avatar
September 18, 2025 at 9:05 PM
What a creative heart and intellect you possess. Lovely, lovely written, Rowena. Bravo! ~ Gershon
Velasco Avatar
September 19, 2025 at 3:55 AM
Thank you so much, Gershon! Your words mean the world to me. I’m truly grateful for your encouragement—it fuels my heart to keep writing
Canerdy Avatar
September 18, 2025 at 3:31 PM
Rowena, you have employed vivid figures of speech to convey your darkness-to-light message. Janice
Velasco Avatar
September 18, 2025 at 3:34 PM
Thank you so much, Janice
Hind Avatar
September 18, 2025 at 12:51 PM
A beautiful poem, a "candle"
Wolf Avatar
September 18, 2025 at 9:06 PM
O, Paige. You have hit the jackpot with this comment. Bullseye ~ Gershon
Velasco Avatar
September 18, 2025 at 3:34 PM
Thank you.
Buhagiar Avatar
September 18, 2025 at 7:27 AM
I can relate with the idea of having a rusty memory. Can't be helped.
Velasco Avatar
September 18, 2025 at 7:28 AM
Absolutely! A “rusty memory” is something we all experience—sometimes it’s frustrating, but it also reminds us we’re human. A little humor about it makes it easier to accept.
Greenhough Avatar
September 18, 2025 at 7:20 AM
Laughter helps us get through life's obstacles. Your poem teaches resilience. I enjoy the spiritual message. Thank you.
Velasco Avatar
September 18, 2025 at 7:27 AM
Thank you! I’m glad the poem’s message of resilience and the healing power of laughter resonated with you,.it’s wonderful to hear it brought you both insight and joy.
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