Still Bleeding

How exactly does a broken heart feel? (ask me)

 

 

 

Still bleeding

 

 

Sadness bleeds the weeping heart

beyond the clouded penitentiary

where tombstones sit in lighted valleys

and songbirds fall from the skies

 

Wallowing on gallow’d heels

past lavender of the once scented

Scraping the white picket fence

till flakes of life rest scattered on the sun baked walk

 

Cracks in the concrete beckon,

whistling in the wind swept frowns

on a truthful Tuesday

that holds no meaning

 

At this gathering, the masses run

and banners wave a hasty lingering farewell

Popcorn vendors remove their striped clothing

of peppermint colors and butter stained collars

 

Trees leave and leaves wither

beneath this canopy of sorrow

painted in a language

that does not include love

 

A lone black cat zigs and zags its way,

searching for a soul it may affect,

as wingless butterflies squirm in rhythm

to “Born under a bad sign”

 

Dreams now sent afloat on aimless streams

of melting memories are softened by the heat

yet intensified by the arcade mirror

that skews the view formed before the mind

 

Carnivals use this day to guess your weight

for your age does not matter, you are dead anyway

In your right hand one half, in your left the other

two pieces…still bleeding 

 

Author's Note

Thank you for reading, even if you don't

Reviews

[Kristin Lee]

I saw you closed your profile. I hope you come back. I really appreciated all your help that you've given to me. I wouldn't have my two pieces being published in the upcoming months if it weren't for you :) Chin up friend. This piece is very sad. But beautiful as always.

[Melobldnfr]

This...this is one of those rare pieces in which, upon reading, one can actually insert themselves - feel the heat, see the paint, smell the sights; sense the weight of half a bleeding heart in the left hand while the other half gives weight to the right. It's like sand. It is gritty, warm, and raw, while natural and fleeting. I don't know what else to say, other than I am stricken. Thanks for sharing, and say hello to Texas for me. As you miss The Garden State, I miss The Lonestar.

[Jack...]

Thank you so very much for your kind words. I do appreciate you leaving such a wonderful review of my work. I told Texas you said hi and it said to tell you, "Howdy" :)> Thanks again so much.

[TL Boehm]

holy crap. did I write this? the lines that really stuck out for me were the first stanza and the bit about the squirming flightless butterflies that is brutal on a whole nother level. Well done. A broken heart can be grisly.

[Jack...]

Tammy, you somehow always make me laugh. Your reviews tickle me to no end. Thank you always for being my friend and reading my work.

[Baby Ricochet]

Heavy jack heavy but that's okay, It's a great poem. It's better than the garbage I've been writing lately.

[Jack...]

Oh come on my man. We all have our own style of writing and yours is right up there at the top. Thanks so much.

[jacob erin-cilberto]

like being in prison...like being dead and in a graveyard..like going to the gallows..

yes, it feels much like all of those. wow, that last stanza is something...

"carnivals guessing weight instead of age because we are dead anyway"

what you come up with for imagery and metaphor...astounding.

and even adding a little Cream into the mix...

i like your note...thanks for reading even if you don't---

jacob

[Jack...]

Thanks so much Jacob. I truly appreciate your kind words.

[jacob erin-cilberto]

i appreciate your talent!

my reviews are just honest reactions to what i read.

[Astro]

I felt like kicking a cat while reading this one Jack, it's a good thing there are none in my room. Seriously, this was a depressing mess, as well it should be and therefore is in essence a success. Not the kind we celebrate so much as honor. Cheers to a well described sadness which holds a weight that can only be guessed at except for by you.

[Frieda P]

Wow Jack, this left me with a heavy heart, the pain is palpable on the page....lots of creative symbolism here that smacks you right over the head, very affecting read my friend.

[Jack...]

Thank you so very much my sweet friend. A very good friend of mine was hurting, as I wrote this I tried to imagine her pain, hopefully I captured it.

[Petra Vlah]

This is so incredibly packed with metaphors (one greater than the next) that I don't even know where to begin. This one "till flakes of life rest scattered " is one that left me breathless. Will save it so I can read it again and the 100/100 rating is well deserved

[Jack...]

Thank you so very much Petra, I appreciate your very beautiful words to me. I am truly pleased you enjoyed it.

[Emerald Seas]

Reminds me of my poem Sheathed in Sorrow... not posted anymore, but the feeling you express is the same, raw, broken, and jagged pain. Felt it here, and I don't need to ask since I know that feeling all too well. Snuggled up with it for a long time! :)

[Jack...]

Well, you and I seem to have a few things in common. It is a shame this is one of them. Thank you my sweet friend. Your reviews are always appreciated in my world.

[Emerald Seas]

Old news for me,my friend. You have hope at least ;) I have closed that door on thinking a friendship can be salvaged for my situation. Very old news that will fade over time ( at least what I tell myself)
Always happy to read your work - you know that :)

[Jack...]

Write back to me after your second glass of wine, then let's see what you say. You are definitely in need of some smile syrup. :)

[Emerald Seas]

I skipped the wine and am trying vodka for a change! Lol
work phone calls tonight - it's gonna be a crazy ride for a while, my friend! All sooner than expected, but I think very good for me once the dust settles. I just hate the process in the mean time :)

[Jack...]

Take a deep breath my friend. Let the vodka perform its magic.

[Emerald Seas]

I need a month in Tahiti but that's not in the cards right now. Really good things, just pulled in about 6 different directions at the moment. :) enjoy your weekend. Isn't everyone coming for a party at your place this weekend?

[Jack...]

That's right and I have to work late tonight. The guest list has grown too...sheesh, I need to wake up early, that's for sure.

[Emerald Seas]

Grab that energy drink early and then enjoy yourself!

[Jack...]

It's beer tonight my freind. The doors are locked and paper work is being done for the end of the month.

[SyberRose]

Trees leave and leaves wither
beneath this canopy of sorrow
painted in a language
that does not include love


Nicely penned with quill of sadness and the well of sorrow...lots of dismal images here you
have created Jack...Enjoyed

[Jack...]

Thank you so much Rose for your kind words. I am happy you enjoyed it.