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Unstable

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This is my poem 'Unstable' that was published online in both the literary yard and winamop. The ending is slightly different (and I sent winamop a shorter version) but I wanted to share it with my poetry soup family~

You think this is quaint, a case of the blues A handkerchief for a dainty cheek But I want to howl, I want to shriek I want to tear the world in two As you safely stand In your well-dressed land Handing out ornate soliloquies Like pennies yet neglecting to understand The poverty of agony While my dark demeanor is dismissed I will burn buildings If you insist On painting glitter over rage On labeling my pain a phase An inconvenient rite, a blight On your ladylike well-mannered path My wrists bleeding As you correct my math My words are not petty, not obscene I am not a robot, not a machine To defuse, deprogram or debug Or merely lock away and shrug In your placid belief that compliance is peace What is prison for If not release? When I am tumbling through Unstable skies And need a roof To calm my eyes Bring me more than A structured reply Just sit with me And ask me why 6/24/22

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Suzanne Delaney

Date: 10/6/2022 6:21:00 AM

Sometimes a kind word can change everything. Very well expressed, Michelle. Congratulations on your winning work. SuZ

Mark Massey

Date: 10/5/2022 1:31:00 PM

The mental turmoil is deliciously portrayed in this piece. The passion of the narrator to just get someone to listen compels empathy from the reader. I can see why it was published twice. Well done!

Juliet Ligon

Date: 8/4/2022 8:11:00 AM

Congratulations on your well-deserved publishing! Strong emotions conveyed here that many can relate to. Sometimes another's genuine concern is all that is needed to calm the storm inside.

Susan Ashley

Date: 8/1/2022 7:03:00 PM

Dear Michelle, I am overwhelmed by the palpable emotions of your poem. A profound piece expressed with thoughtful and thought provoking lyrical power. The immense talent and artistry of your golden pen shines. The brilliance of this poem requires it to be faved and savored again and again. Congratulations on being published on two online journals. I'm so happy and proud of you, my sweet friend. Your breathtaking poetry deserves to be read by many! Warmest wishes and hugs.. ~Susan

Sally Eslinger

Date: 6/27/2022 10:05:00 PM

Michelle! TRUTH!! How completely, dynamically you have captured the feelings in their raw scene! Then, word by word, by phrase, by agonizing line, birthed the break out to stand AND define …communicate so without support! Loved “that compliance is peace.” A Fav 4 me. I Will SpMail U tues. You’ve spoken 4 many

Gary Radice

Date: 6/26/2022 12:50:00 PM

I'm not sure 'beautiful' is the right word to describe such a strong, powerful piece that's rages against ignorance and screams out in desperation for human empathy, but beautiful is what I think this work is. The last two lines are both poignant and brilliant. Cheers - Gary

Paulette Calasibetta

Date: 6/26/2022 7:28:00 AM

Very poignant write Michelle, describing the tragic mindset of the world around us; powerful write! :)Paulette

Beryl Edmonds

Date: 6/25/2022 2:59:00 PM

An excellent write Michelle, giving the reader insight and understanding of a troubled mind… Belle

Jim Slaughter

Date: 6/25/2022 10:53:00 AM

Very provocative piece, Michelle, and congrats on getting it published in Literary Yard. I love the last stanza, especially, and also "What is prison for/If not release?"

Sotto Poet

Date: 6/25/2022 5:18:00 AM

You have written a beautiful poem, Michelle. Your topic for discussion is replete with insights into the upheavals that are all around us. Awesome poetry Michelle Congratulations on the publication of the well-earned piece.

Rico Leffanta

Date: 6/24/2022 6:37:00 PM

Indeed well thought, said, and done! Congratulations! Aloha!

Gershon Wolf

Date: 6/24/2022 3:26:00 PM

'I want to tear the world in two' is my favorite line. The agony is felt, Michelle. Congratulations again to you on being a published poet!! Happy for you. :) :) gw

Maureen Mcgreavy

Date: 6/24/2022 1:09:00 PM

Wow, gotta sit with this a while. Incredible write! xomo

Vijay Pandit

Date: 6/24/2022 12:54:00 PM

Awesome poetry Michelle. I remember reading it online after your blog. This is exemplary of your literary prowess. Kudos to you for your gift.

Mystic Rose Rose

Date: 6/24/2022 12:21:00 PM

I have replied to your poem dear Michelle, I hope you get a chance to read it and comment, Love Vie

Mystic Rose Rose

Date: 6/24/2022 11:49:00 AM

hmm why did you write this ? Why did you make my heart feel ? So many questions I would ask if I had you eye to eye my friend, love your deep heart and your beautiful chaos, not a wild flowered stirs in your garden that I do not take heed, lets lose ourselves in acceptance and do away with greed and tags, Love and light, Vie

John Watt

Date: 6/24/2022 9:14:00 AM

Michelle, I can't say enough about this one: the line-by-line impact and craft that you put into it, the fresh use of language to describe the conflict both internal and external, and the amazing ending. "To defuse, deprogram or debug" is so original, and "the poverty of agony" expresses so much. I've already told you how proud I am of the publication of this at two online journals, but now I'm so happy to see it shared with the Soup family. Another fave to add to my Michelle collection ~ John

Anil Deo

Date: 6/24/2022 9:13:00 AM

Stunning. I would have more political mileage based on ETHICS we share ... Could I write as u do here. Congrats Sis in Our Universe