Unwritten Absence

I see it right there, the subtle changes, 
As you tuck those toes underneath your tights, 
Fighting behind silences and sickening sunrises, 
Contain yourself, you might cross a fire you can’t outcry, 
I can hardly see those eyes through the mirror, hollowing through like a swirling tip of a tornado, 
As if muffled drums were held still on cotton gloves, 
The tiny twitches as you twist those thoughts, 
Drowning in words to the point you see no light, 
I guess your lips have learnt the lungs of quiet, 
And your tears have tasted grace of terrors, 
You’ve gone far enough and I hope you find north, 
Walking in shattered bones one too many times, 
Swimming through waves like a forgotten shadow,  
Forgive me for this outrageously unwritten absence, 
Pretending perfection while these veins remain paralyzed,
What more of your heart is left to give, 
When you’ve played it like a tune with a broken grove, 
The beastly blues voicing it’s protective aggressions, 
Maybe one day I’ll love you out loud and all your shortcomings, 
In the meantime I shall learn to make peace with breaths you take.
Copyright © | Year Posted 2023

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Lamoureux Avatar
October 12, 2023 at 6:48 AM
“your lips have learnt the lungs of quiet” spectacular line. I think for me this piece of the ones I have read this morning, is my favourite. Very skillfully rendered.
Empress Avatar
September 29, 2023 at 2:41 AM
Papi i really love the wordplay here; as i read this whilst judging i was like thinking, wow so many different lines and metaphors that i normally dont read here. Especially loved the lines “ your lips have learnt the lungs of quiet” wow! “ tiny twitches as you twist those thoughts” and those opening lines: who would have described sunrises as sickening? Only you! Thank you for writing: congratulations on winning! I loved this, fave too for me
Onpaper Avatar
October 1, 2023 at 12:11 AM
Awwwwn thank you papi for choosing my piece !!! I am soo honored… I really enjoyed writing on ur prompt… absolute brilliance
Mcintosh Avatar
September 23, 2023 at 8:14 AM
yes, angst... in a grimace crying out for the moments before shadows became the doors for freedom. Such a window in the the fears, the tears, the wistful beckoning, waving about its hands, clapping for the unimagined, the source of doubt. I can see how this fills in the lines with abundant and lasting flames. Enjoyed the moments here. God bless you with love and freedom, Gina
One Avatar
September 23, 2023 at 3:04 AM
Ufff.... are muffled drums like a silent kettle? A lot of emotions and anger pouring out here... when people hurt us, or betray us it leaves an everlasting affect.. sometimes it takes a long time to get over it... it seem this person's unwritten absence is a blessing for you.. great poem for the contest..
Onpaper Avatar
September 23, 2023 at 5:17 AM
Awwn thank you brotha .. soo happy u enjoyed this piece .. hahahah kinda like a silent kettle!!! The kettle is trying to make noise but tooooo lost ..????????
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