Smashed Glass

All I longed for was a glass
it didn't have to be half full or empty,
it just had to have  potential.

I'd have settled for a jelly jar
for all I cared and you
could never understand why.

I found one and hid it but not well enough,
you punished me and you smashed that glass
scattering shards that sparkled across the tile.

I laughed when I saw it glittering
in the sunlight, it mesmerized me, so you took a hammer
and you pulverized it all into fine glass sand.

Carefully scooping up the tiny sand I held it
in barely bleeding hands and let
it run between my fingers and puddle of the floor.

You gave me a gift without knowing
because beauty was something you only
understood when you owned it.

I understood something too, It was I who was the glass
and I could be melted and reformed and my delicate being
would overflow with life for I would never be contained again.

Reviews

[Stonz P.]

I did not see that twist coming in the end. Your metaphor is both moving and strengthening. This is again a carefully crafted piece of yours I have come to admire... I could imagine this painting; I would hope you paint :P

"I laughed when I saw it glittering
in the sunlight, it mesmerized me, so you took a hammer
and you pulverized it all into fine glass sand."

Thank you for sharing, Ma'am.

[icelandicblue]

Thank you for your kind comment. I do appreciate it.

[Rita L. Sev]

it didn't have to be half full or empty,
it just had to have potential...

I understood something too, It was I who was the glass

Perfectly crafted metaphor here, Blue. There is beauty in the shards, and yes, potential still...

[icelandicblue]

Thank you Rita. You are right shards sparkle too.

[willweb]

Icelandicblue, this poem just took me away. I am so moved by your words here. Yes, a gift, because I see the beauty in everything and I am beautiful. I loved this poem today. I am saving this one to my favorites.

[icelandicblue]

Thank you so much will. You are always so kind.

[The Rock And Roll Cowbo..]

When a so called loved one has no respect for what we love then they are not worth loving… I love the metaphoric use you use in this poem.

[icelandicblue]

Thanks so much Dale. It is a pervasive problem in our society.

[David Scott]

I wonder about remaking a broken soul...?
I really like the freedom your voice finds in the last stanza. Nobody should be "contained" by another persons control over them.
Powerful voice here!

[icelandicblue]

Thank you David for your thoughts.

[Lyn Anderson]

For me, this is about being abused and coming to accept oneself and realizing that the abuser cannot destroy you or your beauty. It might not be about that, but that's what it is for me.

[icelandicblue]

That is exactly what I was writing about. We are simpatico on that. Thanks so much.

[AprilRN1210]

I can relate to this one on several levels and that only added to the power of your beautifully moving words.. this one hit deep.. sharing such simple truths that I am finally realizing after having left that situation.. there is beauty in flaws, there is beauty where others try to contain, darken, dampen, and hide away.. no matter what change you go through, there is still that shining spirit there that no one can take away.. this is a brilliant metaphor and told so eloquently.. this one you can FEEL.... one of my new favorites of yours.. I love everything about this.. the imagery, the message, and the hopeful, resilient tone.. awesome work..

[icelandicblue]

It is a trap and for many there is no escape. Thank you so much for reading April. It's always nice to read your reviews and you are always so insightful and kind.

[AprilRN1210]

you're welcome ma'am, it is always a pleasure. as I said, this is one of my new favorites:)

[TL Boehm]

beauty from pain - this is a POWERFUL metaphor - that our souls - that which makes us us can be re purposed - reformed in the destruction and the fire into something prismatic and beautiful that will reflect light and overflow. WOW.

[icelandicblue]

We walk through the fire but we don't always turn to ash. Thanks so much.

[Pryde Foltz]

You gave me a gift without knowing
because beauty was something you only
understood when you owned it.

Great metaphor work. Beware those who must possess,hey? I have been fortunate to have an internal radar for these types. Oddly they seem to be unaware of themselves.

[icelandicblue]

Thank you Pryde for your thoughts.

[Rene Salinas]

Vessels are delicate things and if we get to the point were we can identify with any museum we would be careful enough not to trample on anything as we don't want to break that which has been achieved by effort. On the other hand we can't be that careful either as to reject everything that puts us at risk and be an empty vessel. But how about the intricacy of this writing? How about when the other person turns you into one of them precious objects, and puts you in a pedestal for showing.


Clever writing


Thankyou

[icelandicblue]

I like the journey you have mapped out here. You have a unique eye and I always find out something new when I read your reviews. Thank you.