the paper mirror (versenator challenge #17)

this was lost in the great wc crash. i recently found it again.

he is shuffle and shadow

lost to midnight streets searching

for a bit of moon

pale like the parchment of his past

floating beyond reach of his influence

 

streets are drawn dark like curtains

but he still haunts his loneliness in

the spaces of the world

feeling the shiver of yesterday’s need

as winter tracks his footfalls

 

he catches his reflection in monotype

rustlings

a paper mirror in the arms of

the dark’s swift courier.

an atrophied arm rebels and grabs

the wind’s shoulder.

he stops at the shock of his muscles’

obedience

and faces himself below the snared headlines

as a sentinel beams its orange

light over his balding head.

 

sunken eyes carved by habitual squinting

flick with faint fire.

a beggar’s barrel fireplace in the center of

the island of each iris.

he remembers what he could have been

before the world crumpled him up

like the paper mirror

a piece of that pale moon

that now shuffles in his withered hands.

 

Reviews

[just is]

This is so wonderful, i can feel the words and what you are saying in my soul. God lives and by grace he will save us. This is so amazing, you sir know how to write.

he remembers what he could have been
before the world crumpled him up
like the paper mirror
a piece of that pale moon
that now shuffles in his withered hands.

There is so much said in these words here,
"Oh! The signs and images of what was and what now is.
Now the world is tarnished with sin."

I like this, you are very wise.

[Emily B]

oh, oh, oh

you are so awesome . . . I feel like I've won the lottery tonight . . . I love your words

[JelliFyshKissUs]

After reading this I now understand why there are not many viewers of this masterpiece that dared to review it. Your mastery of metaphors and word-weaving images is indescribably divine. How do I begin to dissect and commend portions of this magnificent poem? So many lines that stuck out to me as superb I would end up copying your entire poem. Just know that I found this melancholy piece sensational!

[JP thinks the WC is apt..]

This is beatifully unravelled, very lyrical, and intensely atmospheric. It made me think of a writer's lonely struggle - staring at blank pages, hoping they'll reflect you. It's melancholy and compelling. And very cinematic as well in a way, with a vaguely sci-fi flavour.

[April Child]

Beautifully written piece. Haunting and sad but so well articulated, I can see him, feel, I am him, at least while I read your words. Well done!

[Ed Hart]

there, but for the grace of god.... how well done! how sad!