not even

for a friend....it hurts to see you this way

angel oil painting by andra ponomarenco






he slices his words with a serrated knife
hoping they will be easier to swallow
     but they are not
she ducks as the barbs fly across the table
landing in the coffee she was about to savor
thoughts curl through her mind
    like cursive letters on an unlined page
carrying her
    weightless
         like a frisbee
till she arabesques into her safe place
    where not even he can hurt her

Reviews

[AYVID N]

Retreating into a shell...You have brought a whole new meaning to this phrase Lydi! I love the way the poem flows and the tussle progresses, till she finds her safe sanctum. Your poetry conveys emotions softly and perfectly, to be savored slowly. Happy New Year!

Its a treat to read one of your poems each day. Your choice of artwork never fails to draw my breath.

[Lydia Shutter]

What a sweet thing to say, Divya. Thank you so much. I try to find artwork that complements my thoughts. Happy healthy New Year to you as well. Lydi**

[The Rock And Roll Cowbo..]

Emotional abuse can be more devastating than physical… the reality is the abuser has low self esteem and takes it out on others to make them feel better, and that is not acceptable.

[Lydia Shutter]

I agree 100%. Thanks for reading. Lydi*

[The Rock And Roll Cowboy(REBEL WITH A CAUSE)]

You are so very welcome.

[Desert Knave]

Once upon a time I used arabesque in a poem ... and I suspect with far less impact. I love when I read something from you that I suspect is far less poetic than personal. (I write some of them too). ~Jim

[Lydia Shutter]

Thank you, Jim. It truly is about my friend. Her situation worries me. Hope you will be writing again soon. Lydi**

[Desert Knave]

I actually just added one here that I had written for a contest elsewhere.

[Rita L. Sev]

It is so difficult to see people we love in this type of relationship... But we cannot live life for them. All we can do is be that safe harbor... Heartfelt piece, Lydi. Love your word choices here.

[Lydia Shutter]

You are so right, Rita.....we have to stand and watch till they make a decision. Thanks for your review. Lydi**

[jacob erin-cilberto]

love the use of "arabesques" as a verb in this one..."barbs landing in her coffee.."

this one hurt...could feel the sting of the barbs...we all need that safe place.

[Lydia Shutter]

Thank you, Jacob. My friend knows she has a safe place in our home. It is sad to see her this way though. Lydi**

[John Alexander McFadyen]

Sometimes relationships just slide into the abbys at such a speed of freefall we forget why we once loved each other. Often it is like a dance that once started simply spins out of control as both 'actors' deliver those barbed lines. Sensitively described here Lydi!

[Lydia Shutter]

Thank you, John. Lydi**