Notes About The Poem

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~

Unstable

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
Copyright © | Year Posted 2022

Poem

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Delaney Avatar
October 6, 2022 at 6:21 AM
Sometimes a kind word can change everything. Very well expressed, Michelle. Congratulations on your winning work. SuZ
Ligon Avatar
August 4, 2022 at 8:11 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.
Ashley Avatar
August 1, 2022 at 7:03 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
Eslinger Avatar
June 27, 2022 at 10:05 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
Radice Avatar
June 26, 2022 at 12:50 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
Calasibetta Avatar
June 26, 2022 at 7:28 AM
Very poignant write Michelle, describing the tragic mindset of the world around us; powerful write! :)Paulette
Edmonds  Avatar
June 25, 2022 at 2:59 PM
An excellent write Michelle, giving the reader insight and understanding of a troubled mind… Belle
Slaughter Avatar
June 25, 2022 at 10:53 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?"
Poet Avatar
June 25, 2022 at 5:18 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.
Leffanta Avatar
June 24, 2022 at 6:37 PM
Indeed well thought, said, and done! Congratulations! Aloha!
Wolf Avatar
June 24, 2022 at 3:26 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
Pigeon Tart Avatar
June 24, 2022 at 1:09 PM
Wow, gotta sit with this a while. Incredible write! xomo
Pandit Avatar
June 24, 2022 at 12:54 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.
Rose  Avatar
June 24, 2022 at 12:21 PM
I have replied to your poem dear Michelle, I hope you get a chance to read it and comment, Love Vie
Rose  Avatar
June 24, 2022 at 11:49 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
Watt Avatar
June 24, 2022 at 9:14 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
Deo Avatar
June 24, 2022 at 9:13 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
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