Home » Poems » Justin Bordner » Touch Therapy - 9

Touch Therapy - 9

She spoke to me
about the semantics of shame,
the seduction and flame,
the name of the pain,
lunatic loop of lost meaning,
complaining of symptoms remaining
robust and teething
weighing upon me
morning through evening
like a stoney smoke stifling,
misidentifying the madness 
of this sadness as inherent illness
primordial and permanent,
the face of Her wisdom
a jewel of enlightenment,
a catharsis burning on the coals 
of my ingrown crown,
Her voice vouches for my vim
as she says to me with a cerulean sympathy,
The Mind must make Itself
as a heart must learn to heat the soul,
emote to promote the promise of your pulse,
you are not a puzzle
you are a powerful purpose,
emotions are the lights of your eyes
the colors of your concepts,
the verve of your values,
find no shame from your sensitivity,
make love with your intensity...

J.A.B.  2023

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

Alesia Leach

Date: 4/17/2025 1:39:00 PM

J.A.B., this is soul work in poetic form. You take shame, confusion, emotional complexity--and you hold them with reverence. Her voice, her wisdom--it flows like a balm over burned places. That line “The Mind must make Itself…” shook me. So simple. So profound. And “you are not a puzzle / you are a powerful purpose”--that’s not just a line, that’s a lifeline. This poem doesn’t just explore pain--it reshapes it, into something holy. Thank you for sharing this inner fire with the world. Alesia

Justin Bordner
Date: 4/19/2025 10:24:00 AM

We are what we know...we must love what must be loved Poetess. Your viewpoint is very special to me...J.A.B.

Ink Empress

Date: 2/20/2025 4:53:00 AM

Dear justin, this is such an impressive write! Not just for the evocative and soulful nature of your poem but how youv paired words together and your use of poetic techniques such as alliterations truly is impressive, as they flow so seamlessly and in such a beautiful rhythm, i love so many lines in this especially “ semantics of shame, the seduction and flame, the name of the pain, lunatic loop of lost meaning,” the cadence, rhymes and depth of those lines as well as “ cerulean sympathy “ and the ending is truly impeccable! A fave too for me! Its nice to meet you and i must definitely read more of your poems. Sending you light always

Justin Bordner
Date: 2/23/2025 8:03:00 PM

You are a wonderful Writer Poetess. I'm thrilled to be alive in your mind. Spirit and style, technique and teaching, this is Poetry. I appreciate your enthussiasm, and your voice...J.A.B.

Laura Breidenthal

Date: 2/13/2025 2:03:00 AM

I’m always blown away by how your words are like a journey for me Justin. I’m honored as a reader to behold them. I loved exploring the intricacies of love, identity, vulnerability, and healing. The language is filled with your signature rich imagery and emotional depth. This is not just a poem, but an invitation to return to innocence, to rediscover the rawness of love….

Justin Bordner
Date: 2/23/2025 7:57:00 PM

Your understanding of this poem is flawless Poetess. I am Honored by your heart, thank you.

Laura Breidenthal
Date: 2/13/2025 2:05:00 AM

The words not only offer comfort… but an ancient call to step into the fullness of one’s humanity, celebrating the very pulse of existence. Love is both the question and the answer. Always, Laura