Watermark

That hidden meaning in the background

Watermark

In shadows cast from lonely rhymes
You came for me a second time
Took me far across the sea
A new world waiting just for me

A bold adventure in the night
A twist between the dark and light
Where billows rose and sails unfurled
And streams of mist in colors swirled

I sought my faith and without fear
My place among the pioneers
More than freedom or God above
I craved the shackles your love

I was both a willing slave
A silent mourner at your grave
The one a woman loved and blessed
The other wandering without rest

Why are promises easily spoken
Oh, how they cut when they are broken
Perhaps we met on distant shores
But I do not love you anymore

-Zoe Richardson

Author's Note

Just when you think it's going one way, this poem jumps up and snatches you baldheaded.

Reviews

[Ken Simm.]

Many visual artists did this. Put a code or a meaning hiding in plain sight. But not many did it as well. Layers of romance and meaning in a lanscape or in this case seascape. Words of enagelism and love mixed in a way that not many, if any , could manage never mind do as well.

[Lorry]

Yep! I doubt I can sum it up better than your authors note, but I'll do my best.
Bizarrely, the first thought I had on reading this complete, was a picturesque setting through the countryside, where the day is clear and the scenery seems specially painted for you, as you and another enjoy a countryside drive, with laughter and smiles aplenty.....
And then it cuts to the scene not too much later, where the light isn't quite as bright, as afternoon turns to evening, but that's okay because the lights from the emergency vehicles now illuminate the happy day out that has now become a mangled wreck of a once pride and joy and its now two inhabitants, one dead and one barely clinging to life.
Which just about sums up how fickle life can be and how instantly the scene can change within our own once cozy little worlds.
And sometimes it doesn't even have to be that dramatic, but it is always as devastating!
Very well penned, with great rhyme and structure and that's without mentioning the twist that even Hitchcok would be proud of.

[Zoe Richardson]

There is darkness lurking here. And a total shipwreck. Someone did die, and someone was barely clinging to life. Though not quite in the dramatic picture you envisioned. Death by a thousand paper cuts can be just as traumatic as, say, a loved one's death from a lifelong battle with diabetes. I am glad you offered your insight. It is ddeply appreciated!

[Arundass TP]

Beautiful poem. Enjoyed reading 🙂

[Zoe Richardson]

Awww! Thank you. I really needed to hear something nice today and this made me feel so much better!

[Tom]

Bittersweet indeed, penned in delightful rhyme, rhythm and verse, yes, sadly love doesn't always go to plan it's then feelings get hurt and heart's get broken 💔

[Zoe Richardson]

Oh, those pesky feelings. They seem to rise up when you need and want them least. I think that is why we are poets. We must express how we feel somehow or we'd need bail money!

[1809 Black Plague Decem..]

Awww, great prose, it bites,
love the flow, ----Maynard

[Zoe Richardson]

Thank you! I struggled with this one and had to put it aside for a time. When I picked it back up, all the threads came together. I love writing poetry that people enjoy!

[emmajoygreen]

Your writing is so finely laid, words used, meter followed, not a pause, not a stutter. There is however, a seemingly felt emotional charge running throughout. Whether true, partially true or otherwise the entire post is incredibly potent, Zoe.

[Zoe Richardson]

Thank you so much! There is a charge. A wistfulness as well as a bit of rage. You have to weave the two to understand them!

[emmajoygreen]

Will weave and see what you mean, how you reel, Zoe.

[Betty Hermelee]

this is beautifully written and shows us that relationships have many problems; in particular promises broken... this can tear two people apart, even though they try to mend; sometimes it doesn't happen...no one wants to feel like a slave in a relationship for sure....and thus a rift, death and reason.
Well done!
Warmly, B

[Zoe Richardson]

Your kind words and praise warm my heart! The problem with being a slave is you are disposable. I wish I'd known this beforehand. Still, I got to write some very therapeutic poetry and that's something!