Rivers of Red

War… yes, we are at war. But the enemy found in this river of red is thy self.

The intricate carving

Of such tender flesh

Burns so sweet

Even Aries would be obsessed.

 

This silver dagger

Dripping with blood

Creates the most beautiful scars

Tattoos deigned to honor

The war raging within.

 

These rivers of red

Sire long and woeful cries

Each masterful stroke

Born from this mighty blade

Leaching life from the canvass

It scratches into.

 

With false love and lack of grace

Darkness will convince you to absently trace

The self righteous justifications

For all of your deepest and darkest sins.

 

Oh yes

The intricate carving

Of such sweet and delicate flesh

Burns with delirious deliciousness

Even Aries would be obsessed.

Author's Note

Thanks for reading. Reviews are welcome

Reviews

[jacob erin-cilberto]

this does depict rage at oneself...anger...and i love the alliteration..and the oxymoron of "beautiful scars"

that is cool...

a very intense write...thought about what john said...and that to me could go two ways..about the last stanza..

i probably could be left out and the previous stanza is a zinger of an ending...but i also like the bookends effect...so it is a tough call...

jacob.

[Kristin Lee]

Thank you :) it was a tough call. I like how clean it looks with the same begining and end. But I agree that previous stanza is a zinger...

[s y e]

I loved your alliteration in this write and the oxymoron of "beautiful scars" You honestly have such a vivid, honest way with words. The write was so intense it was gripping! Had me in the edge of my seat for the whole read.

~ Sye

[Cool Handless Luke]

Very nicely crafted Kristin. Dark and deep!

[Jack...]

Kristin, you've taken me to the dark side again, only this time the dark side seems to be eternal. Very cool.

[Kristin Lee]

Thank you :) I'm working on a series of dark poems for that chap book :)

[John Alexander McFadyen]

This provokes images of self-harm and the rage and confusion within which is only released by cutting. Personally I would have left out the last stanza as the poem ends naturally with the penultimate one.

[Kristin Lee]

It was a tough call, I love that stanza, but I wanted more continuity and closure...definitly something to think about.

[B-poet]

This is a very witty, intriguing, and passionate poem all at the same time. A Great write in its own unique way. :)

[Kristin Lee]

Thank you

[Astro]

I imagine Jack the Ripper's mind raging with obsession after a kill trying to justify his method of madness as he cleans himself and his blade in a washbasin, casting his reflection over a living crimson mirror.

[Kristin Lee]

I know right?!

[Astro]

Maybe I'm just a little warped, lol.

[Kristin Lee]

Ah if you're a little warped then what does that make me? lol

[Astro]

Hell bent?