Where Loneliness Lives

In shoes with their laces untied, a picture frame with image faded,
in a hotel room whose guest is dust, a drawer, empty, but for rusted pins.
In the letter that you never reply to, the bin not emptied,
in a phoneline disconnected, a priest flockless - no sermon to utter.

You got up from the dinner table and told me to wash the dishes.
I put them in the sink but left them, neglected, and the memory
of you hardened, crusted. I told myself I’d scrub them when you

came back. Flakes float in greasy water like leaves aimless 
in a puddle, the suds lamely lapping at burnt leftovers - a 
tired ocean current feigning interest in destroying castles.

In a kettle without water boiled, a car seat with no belt,
an artist’s palette blank, a notebook with no impressions of thought.
The deaf person’s signing without hands, in the umbrella without ribs,
in calendars void of days, a clock with hands counting backwards, 

trapped in the amber of time. A mosquito caught in a tree’s sap.
Copyright © | Year Posted 2020

Poem

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

Mishra Avatar
May 23, 2020 at 6:48 PM
This is so creative and artistic. Congratulations on your win Thomas :)
Hamilton Avatar
May 23, 2020 at 1:00 PM
An amazing write Thomas worthy of a shared first place congrats again!
Hamilton Avatar
April 29, 2020 at 10:25 AM
So well written, congrats Thomas on a well deserved win!
Poteet Avatar
April 21, 2020 at 11:34 AM
Fragmented, yes; but complete, yes too. Unanswered questions line our days, these days, with the message, Just wait. Marvellous, Thomas, irregardless of the placement; this shines.
Crismond  Avatar
April 20, 2020 at 6:53 PM
What amazing imagery. The loneliness bleeds from each line!! Congratulations on a well deserved win :)
Radhakrishna Avatar
April 19, 2020 at 10:31 AM
This is brilliantly written! Congrats on your well deserved win! Really enjoyed reading it!
Hawkens Avatar
April 18, 2020 at 8:59 PM
Fragmented, disconnected, and incomplete, deep musings of loneliness, my friend. Congratulations on your win.
Watt Avatar
April 18, 2020 at 6:33 PM
All the images of disconnected pairs, unfinished business, decaying life, speak volumes of loneliness. The story in stanza two provides the pathos and gravity holding them all together. Truly powerful writing, Thomas. Awesome ending too. Congrats on your #1.
Kauffman Avatar
April 18, 2020 at 2:08 PM
So many vivid images Thomas. Powerful poem. Congratulations on your top win.
Dietrich Avatar
April 18, 2020 at 12:42 PM
Excellent verse,Thomas.Congrats on the top win.
De Beaulieu Avatar
April 8, 2020 at 12:30 PM
Hello Thomas Harrison, yes this is loneliness. It is nice to meet you. Enjoy your day. Be safe my friend.
Get a Premium Membership
Turn off ads, get more exposure for your poetry, and get more features with a Premium Membership.
Book: Diverse Voices: The Poetry of Human Rights and the Pursuit of Peace