Dominion

Dominion

 

 

 

He was jealous

of rain that fell upon her

of night when she slept 
for the time it had taken her

away from him.

 

Jealous

of shadow and light,

how intrusively they played upon

a monopoly of skin
sequestering the inventory

of a stare. 

And he was jealous

of other men before him

 

of the prefix of syllables

lying in wait upon her tongue,

 

coveting her every word

like the dominion of a priest

to a confession.

 

 

 

 

 

Reviews

[Crowley]

Been there...thats for sure. Aging has helped with the jealousy immensely. Hanging on too tight is never a good idea, self sabotage is not your friend. Really amazing sentiment and write here Kelly.

[Kelly Scheppers]

Some people have the propensity of making another's day. You just did! Many thanks,my friend!

[Crowley]

I’ve missed you!

[Robert Trakofler]

Kelly I am so sorry I had a relationship with someone very much like that and how dreadful it was.. you painted this so vividly in your poem. It got to the point that anything that didn't involve her directly was a transgression of catastrophic proportions. This poem made me want to peel the top layer of my skin off in the shower. In other words... it was great I sure hope you peeled that person from you as well

[Kelly Scheppers]

It was pure conjecture on my part, but I deeply appreciate you're thinking of me in that way. How wonderful you are! Thank you.

[Robert Trakofler]

oh good that is best form of abuse non existent

[AllenS]

"sequestering the inventory of a stare."
Love your phrasing! Describing the brutality and futility of jealousy.

[Kelly Scheppers]

I'm pretty proud of that one, too. Thanks so much, Allen!

[AllenS]

Wife and I read you with great understanding and appreeciation.

[Ted Kniffen]

A good one, Kelly. I have been on both sides of the equation...not particularly proud of that fact...but I was so much younger then and I understand now those failings.
I do like the way you treat this subject...gracefully describing the basest emotion...jealousy.

A good write indeed.

[Kelly Scheppers]

Thank you, Ted. I am always glad to have your presence here!

[Pete]

so tightly woven with intricate threads of emotion packed words and imagery. could be taken a couple of ways - either he loves her so deeply that he acts and thinks jealously or is controlling and has issues of his own. this had quite an impact and left me pondering. the closing is priceless and really drives it home. powerful write ... :)

[Kelly Scheppers]

Your observations always bring light to my day, Pete. Thank you!

[R.E. Ray]

Kelly, your poem is rich with images and emotion. We see men and women who play both roles. So often the jealousy seems to stem from past trauma, and while tragic, it also an indicator of something bad to come. Interesting twist at the end, too, with the religious aspect. I think some, men in particular, often insist on the dominant role and struggle when the roles are reversed.

[Kelly Scheppers]

A point well made, Robert. I think the role reversal may well be the cause and affect here. Thank you so much!

[Lydia Shutter]

Jealously like that is manic and while it can be dangerous, it is also somehow ultra-romantic. Unfortunately, the woman in this relationship will soon feel caged. I think you may have posted this one way back when...because I remember a few of the wonderful lines. Kelly, your style is terrific...and I am always happy to read it. Lydi**

[Kelly Scheppers]

I am flattered you remember it, Lydia. I breathed a little more life into it by adding a little more depth, after the photo I initially posted with it had been deleted. I'm always tweaking something. Thanks again!

[Lydia Shutter]

Of course I remembered, Kelly. Your words are memorable!

[John Alexander McFadyen]

Pathological jealousy set down in another wonderfully penned freeverse that drips in futility and sadness and an inevitable end.

[Kelly Scheppers]

I appreciate the kindness of your words, John. Thank you!

[Dr. YumnaKay]

Being possessive in a relationship - I can relate, as I am too, up to an extreme extent, I'd say. Sometimes, it's seemingly harmless things which makes one feel jealous. Your second verse really is what I feel close to.
Lovely to read this one, Kelly.

[Kelly Scheppers]

Thank you, Yumna. It was a dark side I traversed upon, but only in thought. Good to see you!

[Neville]

This is just so damned good.. it must rank very near, the very top of a very long list of poems I bloomin well wish I had beat ya to and first to pen... Neville

[Kelly Scheppers]

Now that's quite the compliment, my friend. Thank you, Nev. What a sweetheart!

[Neville]

my sincere pleasure & every word meant and true...