catharsis

she asked me

            without the slightest hint

            of malice

 

what do you know of loneliness?

 

somewhere around my ribcage

rests a metal band

deep beneath my skin

            the band circles my torso

a metal clasp holds the beginning

            fast to the end

turn the screw

turn the screw

turn the screw

 

what do i know of loneliness?

            i thought

            (with just the slightest hint

            of malice)

 

i’ll never know my mother

            i’ve never before

            heard my mouth say

            those words

 

the edge of the band

            met resistance

            and bone

                        tiny lines form tight

                        at the edges  

                        of my eyes

turn the screw

 

we’re talking about me, here

            plaintive

            urging

            her eyes �" sadly sincere

 

ask me again, then

            what do i know

            of lonliness

 

 

Reviews

[Angi]

CM, this is one of the best poems I have read in a while. The picture of the metal band under the skin, around the ribcage was halting. Shocking, even. It grabbed my attention and it made me start over from the beginning. I slowed myself down, so I could take the images inside me. This speaks to me about letting go, opening up and listening. There is pain in this world that has nothing to do with me. It is something to be aware of that. Very, very well done. Angi~

[A. Doyle]

I'm sorry I don't write the longest reviews. But I only write on those I am touched by. There is a moment here you have described and the beauty is it is so relatable. Simple, pure, raw. Beautifully written. A pleasure to read :-) AD

[Ken Simm.]

I think you made a lot of hits with this one. Well written and empathic.

[ChemicalMadness]

thank you....

[Robbie~xoxo~]

What a coincidence that I have been watching a turn-of-the-century series, which involves medieval torturing...

The "turning of the screw", is tightly grasped on the cusp of an internal torturing in itself...

You have written an emotional piece, so visceral, I can feel the pain...there is an embedded vulnerability here.

This is a heartfelt write, my friend. xx

[ChemicalMadness]

Thank you, Robbie.

[Georgia Gypsy]

So many emotions can put this band around one, making it hard to breath or think for want of the pain it brings.
I could see it as a scene in a movie, very dramatic, near horror inducing.
Nice write. Brought much to the surface in my mind.
GG

[ChemicalMadness]

I saw it as a scene, myself...how interesting you ended up there as well. Thank you so much for sharing...

[Horizon K.]

Lonliness is... having those words you can never speak ... and then, when you do, of them falling on ears that aren't hearing you... Love the irony you have painted in these lines, realizing who is alone in this story... Not being heard, but not listening, that is lonliness too...

[ChemicalMadness]

really enjoyed this take....than you, H!

[gabrielle]

sometimes the most innocent question would trigger so much emotion. simple, concise yet poignant.

[ChemicalMadness]

Thanks!.....

[_mal]

I like how you can turn things, show many different sides in so few words. And you've managed to express something perfectly in those words. This is why I love poetry

[ChemicalMadness]

wow. thank you, thank you, thank you....you made me smile.

[Girl Friday (Sarah W.)]

:( This one brought tears to my eyes, CM. Another window of your soul opened; another door unlocked. The imagery of a metal band around the ribcage, and the turning of the screw as you make realizations about yourself that even you never before dared to utter was really quite brilliant in its bittersweet saddness. At least her eyes were "sadly sincere"...at least there is that. Going to have to step away for a few moments I think, go and wipe the eyes...

[ChemicalMadness]

Well, don't shed too many tears....as many as you would at a movie or reading a book, maybe...this one is not autobiographical.... not directly, anyway. To the extent we can take ourselves out of our work, you know? This was more a scene I saw played out in my head....I'm glad to know it had impact. Thank you.

[Girl Friday (Sarah W.)]

Yes, but do not all scenes relate back to our own worlds? I know that mine do... The actual "event" might not be autobiographical, but the feelings are your own, and those are what sang most loudly.

[ChemicalMadness]

touche....

[Girl Friday (Sarah W.)]

:) Gotcha...