STAINED SHIRT

past and future: dual beliefs

 y

Black rain descends upon my frail shoulders

envelops me in haunting shadows

traps me in a universe of darkness

I turn to drink, whole bottle, sickly

onyx droplets flow from blood red eyes

ghosts of the past and future considerations

obstruct my clear thinking

others share what is to come

I quiver to imagine being alone

 

Already my life seems broken

torn in directions

stress consumes me

it touches every organ

I shall rest my head on a pillow to ease

so many notions at once

two elderly souls with distinct outlooks

on life and  death

pain on the rain-soaked shirt

we keep until

our faces are smothered in ash

Author's Note

photo by occutopia.com
Thank you for reading!

Reviews

[MrBlack202]

Wow, you used imagery very masterfully in this poem. "I rest my my head on a pillow to ease so many notions at once" is a line that struck. I always enjoyed reading you poems, there's something I always get from your words.

[Betty Hermelee]

Thank you so kindly for this review!
Much appreciated!
Warmly, B

[Michael Sun Bear]

Oh my god Betty, this collection of words struck me like a dagger to the heart. A great piece of writing.

[Betty Hermelee]

thank you Michael for a great review; it is pretty emotional!
Warmly, B🌷

[Starr]

WOW, this is one powerful write, I love your imagery as well. Nicely done

[Betty Hermelee]

Thank you Starr for fine review!
Warmly, B

[Beren]

wow that was really impressive. when people get stuck about life, thinking about death always leads to two far ends; Albert Camus or Sartre. either you ignore everything or you live more carefully, this changes at certain stages of life. but I felt it deeply in each of the sentences of your poem. very impressive. we are all here until we turn into ashes, aren't we? no matter what we do
i am amazed

[Betty Hermelee]

Thank you Berenongur...a lovely, understanding review...
Warmly, B

[MCS]

Powerful sober read, enjoyed the imagery. Well done!

[Betty Hermelee]

Thank you very much!
Warmly, B

[MCS]

My pleasure, excellent read.

[Light and ashes]

The first stanza reads like something written possibly for Halloween.
The second stanza progresses into something truly sad. Overall, very good work.

[Betty Hermelee]

thank you for your kind review🌷
warmly, B

[Light and ashes]

You are very welcome.
😊

[Dylan Macadham]

Time and tide wait for no (wo)man." -Chaucer
Beautifully written, Betty.

[Betty Hermelee]

Thank you Dylan for a lovely review, much appreciated🌷
Warmly, B…

[Pryde Foltz]

Wow. This is a powerful write. Gripping imagery and prose that seems to almost possess movement. And that ending ... it's breathe stopper. Superb work:)

[Betty Hermelee]

WOW! Such an amazing review...and so appreciated!!! Thank you,
Warmly, B

[Pete]

wow. dark and haunting stuff. such vivid imagery. just don't ask me to do the laundry of this one, top notch writing.

[Betty Hermelee]

thank you for an excellent review, much appreciated!
Warmly, B🌷🌷🌷