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Twelve Bells at Midnight

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In the vortex of a maelstrom, I was rudely thrown drowning in turbulent waters for an error I bemoan, a blunder of loving someone who chose to whittle away at my heart until it became fragile and brittle Bereft beyond the point of caring if I lived or died My eyes were scarlet, burning from tears I'd cried But they became transfixed, immutable on a fire stoked for my normally tenuous demeanor had been provoked I was a genteel lady, who demurely acquiesced to love but it was time for me to throw down the gauntlet glove I was chaffed by what had been just an interlude for him, an escapade, a mere dalliance, a rascally romantic whim I drew a rough sketch; in likeness of my vagabond swain an abstract portrait, in Picasso's style, the face of my bane Black eyes were hollow, blind orbs that would never see that his trifling peccadillo tryst was a brutal betrayal to me The painting was delivered as twelve bells pealed midnight I watched as he unwrapped it, but carefully kept out of sight A formidable opponent I had become to his knavish ways In the moonlight his face turned pale; his eyes were glazed

Copyright © | Year Posted 2024




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Date: 4/18/2024 6:48:00 AM
My Dear Lin, your poem is a testament to the tumultuous journey of love and betrayal. In the chaos of heartbreak, I found peace in your words, as if they mirrored some of my own inner turmoil. Your artistry displays emotional upheaval, for each line a brushstroke on the canvas of shared human experience. Your courage to confront pain with artistry inspires us to embrace our own vulnerabilities. Like a phoenix rising from the ashes, your resilience shines through, a beacon of hope in the darkness of heartache. - Blessings, Daniel
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Lin Lane
Date: 4/19/2024 5:17:00 AM
Thank you so very much for your awesomely detailed comment, Daniel. If a poet cannot express his/her feelings, why bother putting into words what must have need to escape the heart? I appreciate your following and friendship.
Date: 4/15/2024 9:00:00 PM
He got what he deserved Lin, I could picture you in the wings saying "Gotcha" Tom
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Lin Lane
Date: 4/15/2024 9:54:00 PM
and wearing a smile? You know me well, Tom. Thanks for your thoughts.
Date: 4/15/2024 4:49:00 PM
Magnificent creation, Lin. You did an amazing job of narrating this story in rhyme....I liked 'trifling peccadillo tryst'--I would've felt betrayed too. And creating that painting was sweet revenge. I, too, was once a genteel lady who acquiesced...but I learned that wasn't the best outfit for me to wear. :-) Did you create the painting pictured here? have a splendid evening, hugs, Sara
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Lin Lane
Date: 4/15/2024 5:18:00 PM
Not one of my paintings but thanks for asking, Sara. I’m toying with the idea of doing some abstract work though. Thanks for the read and your comments. I like your outfit remark ;-)
Date: 4/15/2024 11:17:00 AM
Very nice, a sweet revenge. Great painting. Nicely penned poem.
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Lin Lane
Date: 4/15/2024 5:16:00 PM
Thank you very much, Jay.
Date: 4/15/2024 8:23:00 AM
Very nice! Hopefully the man will see his awful self in the Picasso’s mirror. Hugs ~ Kim
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Lin Lane
Date: 4/15/2024 5:16:00 PM
I’m sure it could be about a number of men but this one is just a figment that circled in my mind. Thanks, Kim.
Date: 4/15/2024 8:23:00 AM
Ah, sweet revenge, a dish best served cold. I can very much relate to this poem. I cried my share of tears over such a man. Your poem is extremely well-written.
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Lin Lane
Date: 4/15/2024 5:14:00 PM
This is fictional, Chetta but thank you for appreciating it.

Book: Shattered Sighs