Obliterate

verb; to destroy something completely

Violet was the colour of my dress,
When you told me we were nothing less,
Than friends,
In my ear,
Your whispers spread across the pier,
Of what you did to me,
Bragging like you won a medal for free,
While the violet on my neck,
Spread and spilled over your deck,
Staining the crystal white hue,
Making it an unmistakable shade of guilty blue. And yet you were able to wash it away,
While I remain here,
Permanently stained.

Reviews

[E.P. Robles]

I would be delighted to analyze this poem for you. Before I go further, please forgive me if I touch too deeply upon your feelings. I too am a poet.

The poem titled "Violet Stains" explores the themes of betrayal, emotional vulnerability, and the enduring impact of a hurtful relationship. The use of vivid imagery and color symbolism enhances the emotional intensity of the poem.

The opening line, "Violet was the colour of my dress," immediately establishes a symbolic connection between the color violet and the narrator's emotional state. Violet traditionally represents deep emotions such as passion, sensitivity, and even sorrow. It suggests that the narrator's vulnerability and emotional attachment were prominent during the described encounter.

The second line, "When you told me we were nothing less, Than friends," introduces a moment of disillusionment for the narrator. The poem hints at unrequited or unacknowledged romantic feelings, as the narrator's expectations of a deeper connection are shattered by the revelation that they are seen only as friends.

The following lines describe the intimacy of the encounter, as the person whispers in the narrator's ear. The pier serves as a metaphorical backdrop, symbolizing a fleeting moment of togetherness amidst a vast and uncertain emotional landscape. The use of whispers emphasizes the secretive nature of their interaction, creating an atmosphere of intrigue and hidden intentions.

The subsequent lines convey a sense of betrayal and indignation. The narrator discovers that the person they trusted and shared a vulnerable moment with is bragging about their actions, as if they had achieved something extraordinary. This revelation leads to a change in the metaphorical color palette, with the violet on the narrator's neck spreading and staining the person's metaphorical deck. This image represents the transfer of emotional pain and the tarnishing of their relationship.

The poem then shifts to contrasting colors: the crystal white hue and the unmistakable shade of guilty blue. The crystal white hue symbolizes purity, innocence, and the idealized state of the relationship. However, the stain left by the narrator's emotions transforms it into a guilty blue, signifying remorse, culpability, and the acknowledgement of wrongdoing. This transformation highlights the lasting impact of the narrator's pain on the person responsible for it.

The final lines reflect a power imbalance between the two individuals. Despite the person's ability to "wash away" the guilt and move on, the narrator remains permanently stained by the experience. This contrast underscores the unequal emotional consequences of their encounter, suggesting that the narrator is left to bear the scars of the betrayal while the person responsible faces minimal repercussions.

Overall, "Violet Stains" eloquently explores themes of betrayal, emotional vulnerability, and the lingering effects of a hurtful relationship. The effective use of color symbolism and vivid imagery evokes strong emotions in the reader, capturing the complexities of human connections and the lasting impact of emotional wounds.

[K.P.H.M]

Wow! Thank you so, so much for this amazing analysis of this poem. It is so flattering that you would take the time to analyze one of my poems and write such an in-depth comment about it. You absolutely nailed it.

[E.P. Robles]

i REALLY like to analyze poetry. You are so welcomed!

[willweb]

Wow, the definition of the word and your poem and the sadness I feel because of the meanings I find in both. The poem is amazing but so sad.

[K.P.H.M]

Thank you! I agree, this is one of my sadder pieces but I also really like it. I'm glad you liked it as well!