Naked?

Never let a friend stand alone... In response to Frieda's Dread of Night

 

 

 

Naked?

 

On an island

in the midst of the crowded street

Traffic lights blink

as colored tear drops hit the pavement

 

One way signs

all seem to point in your direction

casting aspersions,

via black and white arrows

 

Sidewalks filled

with throngs of gawking onlookers,

mouths wide open,

peering from the side of their faces

 

You hang your head,

chin against your unclothed chest

and you see

not one, but two shadows on the asphalt

 

Suddenly you are

draped in the finest cloth money can buy,

shielded from the audience

who now divert their attention elsewhere

 

Turning, you see a friend,

naked, as his clothing now adorns your body

waving to the crowd

proclaiming…I have faced the same fate

Author's Note

Thank you for reading

Reviews

[SHEEMA HUQ]

Where would we be without friendship, a fine write. Well done!

[Jack...]

Indeed, it is the essence of happiness. Thanks so much.

[SarahLin]

It's nice to know that we are not alone.

[Jack...]

There is always someone who longs to stand with you my friend. Thank you so much.

[TL Boehm]

... there is a part of me...I won't voice...
the rest of me - well she loves this poem. We all need a guardian no matter how badass we present ourselves.
Alone sucks.

[Jack...]

Thank you Tammy

[TL Boehm]

To be honest - this poem touched such a nerve with me. That is what great poets do. They get under your skin with their words and they find that weak spot - like an emotional debriding. I won't go into the whole story - but this poem reminded me - there is no one in my life who will face the monster on my behalf. I know this because I have asked, begged for an intercessor - and here I am....alone. And unfortunately it may be because I am not worth championing. Perhaps I am part monster myself. I'm certainly capable. But the more important thing and the thing that YOU deserve to hear as a poet and as the amazing person you are is - thank God for people like you who will fight those monsters, who will stand naked before the onslaught - it gives the rest of us something to aspire to. There is still good in the world. You're a light in a dark place friend Jack. I see it. Even a mean spirited troll like me can see it. that's the part I was so hesitant to voice yesterday.

[MsJewel]

You know how to be a good friend Jack. (I believe many don't). You are kind with a wonderful heart and your poetry shines!

:) Julie

[Jack...]

Thank you Julie, always for your sweet words to me.

[Angel]

Ahh, my Lord Knight Protector...you are one amazing man.
This literally brought tears to my eyes.
Frieda is so lucky to have a friend like you...

And so am I.

[Jack...]

Thank you so very much my sweet friend. It is I who am lucky to have friends like you and her.

[Angel]

Black lace and silk stockings and white robes and feathered wings...an unlikely duo!

[Jack...]

But it is my unlikely duo and I would have it no other way. :)

[Pryde Foltz]

A good man to have around, you are, Jack. So gallant.

[Jack...]

Thanks Pryde. Just swinging my sword and showing no fear.

[Pryde Foltz]

Smile........

[Mark]

Interesting poem. I like the dreamlike quality of it.

[Jack...]

Thanks so much Mark.

[An owl on the moon]

You fill this powerful work with magic and metaphors.. a wondrous glimpse into the depth of friendship and a knowledge that we can face our nightmares when we realize that we don't stand alone...

[Jack...]

Thanks so very much Craig for stopping by my poem today. I am thrilled you enjoyed this one.

[David Scott]

You show true friendship here.
I am touched beyond the proper words...
Maybe the artistic expressions are a way to sort of balance the scales?
Who knows... After all, we are all naked at some point.

[Jack...]

Thanks so much David

[s y e]

My gorgeous friend again, she always writes amazing poems doesn't she? And your responses always blow me away, this is lovely Jack.

[Jack...]

Thank you so much my sweet friend.