ALTERCATION

shame, blame, dark

A damp, dark night

even the moon conceals behind ominous clouds

stars fear thunder and lightning on the horizon

no enlightened celestial sphere

 

She leans against a sourwood tree

hair strewn across an obscure face

thoughts race about an altercation with her lover

in the shadows of a somber murk

he abandons her aimlessly leaping like a tiger

until his figure vanishes into the brush

her guilt and sorrow homogenize as one

she cannot recall how it ensued

though the flame rapidly turns into a ball of fire

 

She weeps with blame, torture

recalls scattered words spoken

perhaps he will return when he calms

she sees his face in her mind’s eye

which worsens her plight

her cries awaken the owl’s hoot

the cricket’s chatter

the katydid’s cackle

 

She whimpers herself to sleep in the distant thunder

sinister clouds diverge

the moon peeks through

at once, it shrouds her tiny bones

with warmth and empathy

 

 

 

 

 

Author's Note

Thank you for reading!

Reviews

[AYVID N]

A mesmerizing tale of a lover's quarrel set in a beautiful and haunting backdrop. I love the first verse for how it brings emphasis on the dark and somber mood accompanying an altercation. Her lover is portrayed so fascinatingly, as a tiger that vanishes in the brushes. I found it thrilling and so creative, dear Betty. She's weeping in hurt and filled with pain. Hoping against hope for his return. I think women tend to bear most of the guilt in the disagreements in relationships, which is quite unfair. You brought it out superbly here. The poem ends on a sorrowful note but I loved the consolation offered by the moon. Let it grant her the power to shine alone.

As always, your imagination is just amazing and your writing never fails to grip me to the end.

[Betty Hermelee]

Divya….you are such a dear heart, but not only that, you are superbly intelligent and intuitive and I appreciate this so much, it makes me smile
Your review is out of this world!
Warmly, B🌹

[Soren]

The pain of rejection whether from temper or other reasons is difficult to endure. This is a dark write both in setting and mood. Wonderful imagery.

[Betty Hermelee]

Thank you Soren, a fine review, much appreciated!
Warmly, B

[Tom]

In the heat of the moment when tempers are frayed, yes indeed many of us say and do things we later regret when the dust settles but then despite our later qualms, have we went too far, hurt the one we love the most? Yep, relationships are rarely stress free and uncomplicated, compromise is key!

A metaphoric masterpiece here Betty, impressive how you used the fauna, flora, clouds and moon above etc to depict a sombre mood in hindsight!!

[Betty Hermelee]

Wow! A very thoughtful review Tom
Warmly, B

[Marie]

A truly incredible write, very atmospheric as the story of a disagreement between two lovers is very finely nattated in this finely penned poem. The nocturnal imagery is hauntingly beautiful and so often happens in disagreements when one cannot see the other's point of view, the conflict escalates from nowhere into a blinding argument. The lady is left enveloped in guilt while he has taken the easy way out and escaped. Words spoken can never be taken back, so we should always be very careful of what we say in the heat of the moment. I am hoping some time alone will benefit both and that he will return to her when they have both calmed down. A wondrous write, dear Betty. I so enjoyed reading and a very heartfelt Thank you! for sharing...
Have a very lovely evening and enjoy...

[Betty Hermelee]

Thank you so much Marie, truly appreciated!
Warmly, B

[Marie]

Most welcome, dear Betty...

[Lonely Bunny]

I love the vivid imagery! It’s so breathtaking. Every word is beautiful and adds to the lovely storytelling.

[Betty Hermelee]

Thank you so much, appreciated!
Warmly
B.

[Poetic Beauty]

Oh a lovers quarrel and all the anguish and sorrow it can bring with only the shadows of night for comfort

[Betty Hermelee]

Thank you PB for a fine review…
Warmly, B

[Poetic Beauty]

You are welcome as always. Enjoy reading your work!!

[jacob erin-cilberto]

the moon knows it was not her fault even she takes blame.
I love the homogenized line...that is some really creative metaphor.
I want to knock him in the head. Shame him and see how it feels for him.
j.

[Betty Hermelee]

Thanks for a stunning review J. Means a lot!
Warmly, B

[emmajoygreen]

'She leans against a sourwood tree
hair strewn across an obscure face
thoughts race about an altercation with her lover
in the shadows of a somber murk
he abandons her aimlessly leaping like a tiger
until his figure vanishes into the brush
her guilt and sorrow homogenize as one she cannot recall how it ensued
though the flame rapidly turns into a ball of fire'

This entire poem shows your skills as writer and poet. The above excerpt touches me. Love is what it is.

[Betty Hermelee]

Thanks so much dear Em, my dear friend…
So appreciated…🌹warmly, B

[Arundass TP]

I am attracted towards last few lines. Very imaginative. Loved this poem

[Betty Hermelee]

Thank TP, much appreciated!
Warmly
B.

[Patricia Wedel]

dear Betty.. the Moon always keeps me at Peace… and when it cannot be seen… I pull the Covers over my Head and Dream. softly, Pat

[Betty Hermelee]

A great line dear Pat, thank you for your lovely review
Warmly, B

[Betty Hermelee]

T’s my pleasure dear Pat
Warmly, B