Wonderland*TATTOO

Some tattoos are on the skin... and some the soul…

Desolate*lithe*designs

with* marked *gossamer *stains

of *incandescent* rose blush*ink…

Shards *of *sunlit*shadowlands

soul’s *autograph* on *skin’s* fabric

imprint* in* Cheshire* effervescence…

Inked *Wonderland* mindscapes

a* smoked *symbol* panacea

in* a* world *with *no *maps…

Let *me* trace* your* skin

with* my* halcyon* fingers

drink* the* elixir* of *your *stained*lips…

 

Reviews

[Richard🖌]

A remarkable experience, Craig. : )

Surprising that I've not read you, having been onsite so long together.
Once-upon-a-time, I was here from 2005 to 2008 (I think it was) under the pen name Rascal (about when the site ate everyone's poems and reviews), about when you joined, perhaps? I quit then and returned in 2015, after assuring the site had become stable; but, I never again entrusted my poems without backup … lost over 600 that time.
Anyway, point being that I am pleased to "finally" read one of your pieces (actually, several) before reviewing.
The asterisks may have been intended to simply illustrate how confusing and complicated her tattoos are to read(?). Still, busy presentations lend a confusing read for one so literal-minded as myself. Several times through, trying to disregard the asterisks, I finally cleaned them off and read your excellent Free Verse. I can imagine you thinking, "Peasant!" … LOL! If I've missed the ambiguous emphasis of them, please, pardon my lack of refinement.

Desolate lithe designs
with marked gossamer stains
of incandescent rose blush ink…

Shards of sunlit shadowlands
soul’s autograph on skin’s fabric
imprint in Cheshire effervescence…
Inked Wonderland mindscapes
a smoked symbol panacea
in a world with no maps…

Let me trace your skin
with my halcyon fingers
drink the elixir of your stained lips…

The beautiful introductory artwork brought to mind Ray Bradbury's "Illustrated Man". The imagery and metaphor of your words brought it all to vivid life, and your windup warmed my incurable penchant for romance fervor.
And, who could resist such a luring title?
Your intro line stirred the mind's-eye and set a tone of what's to come, too … quite apropos.
After poring over a number of your pieces, it's remarkable, really, how originally creative your mind works.

I very much enjoyed this piece and the skill required to compose it.
Thank you most gratefully for such a rare experience, Sir! ⁓ Richard 🍃

[‘Thoughts In Time..]

Sjoeeee...what do we say ...what don’t we feel...true love upon a ferris wheel 🌹

[Kelly Scheppers]

Artistry and wordplay are your forte, Craig. Always leaving an impression!

[An owl on the moon]

Truly grateful for your presence here... happy autumn dear Kelly. :)

[Brilli B]

I really liked this write. It was meaningful and I loved the picture, very meaningful also.

[An owl on the moon]

Your words are so encouraging. Thanks for your kindness!

[Brilli B]

It seems like you like Alice in Wonderland so I think you would like my poem.

[Rye]

Such a wonderful write, so full of adjectives. This is really good, I like how you highlighted your words with with stars***

[An owl on the moon]

I really appreciate you stopping my, Rye! Thank you!

[Karmee]

WOW!! What a journey, Love the pic, it speaks by itself. This is a really good write

[Jade]

Wow! this is such a powerful write and amazing imagery.
You have captured the moment with the picture that you used.
Wonderful writing.

[Kenneth The Poet]

You really bring pictures to life, brother. I am in awe for sure.

[barleygirl]

Even tho I would never get a tat (I have fibromylgia & even my skin hurts all the time) . . . I love well done tats, love to watch televised programs that show masterful tattooing. I love the idea that tats go deeper than skin deep. This could be invisible scars from bad treatment or an underlying current of joy from tapping into the abundance of nature (for me). I enjoy your word play, showing your obvious fun with finding interesting words that sound good together. I love how your message urges us to honor whatever markings another person may have (((HUGS))) Fondly, Margie

[An owl on the moon]

Smiling in the joy of your company here, dear Margie. Thank you! And yes, though I have no tats yet, I could see it one day. But the tattoos of the soul... those are the ones poets bring to life so well. Have a beautiful, blessed week out there!

[Mrudula Rani]

" Let me trace your skin with my halcyon fingers ... " and let her grasp the serenity and equanimity that flows from your thoughts! Tattoos on skin supposedly boost a personality, tattoos on soul are drafts of a memory treasured? Your star studded composition is an emblem of artistry, Craig.
Oi querido, espero que tudo está ótimo com você. Está muito ocupado? Eu também um pouco, agora não tem tanta tempo para passar na WC. Tudo de bom para você meu lindo amigo.

[An owl on the moon]

I am so grateful for your moments here. Miss you, my dear friend. Wanting this week to be so filled with joy for you. Tão feliz por ter suas palavras. Sim, a vida ficou mais ocupada do que eu gostaria. Espero que você encontre uma linda paz em breve. Dando-lhe um grande abraço, querida amiga.

[Mrudula Rani]

Sempre uma grande prazer vê-lo você Querido. Tenha um semana cheia de alegria e amor. Abrações.