More than clay

When memory's prick revives the sting of yesterday's thorn

and the scent of rot on today's breeze is born

breath deep sleep, that buries wool of shame shorn

pluck out the poisoned arrow fetid and worn

Open wounds past as a feathered scar will last

Birds of carrion footprints in cement cast

Bend the wind to your heels pinned a sail for your mast

Peel away body of clay your core is far more vast

Reviews

[Marie]

Memory never forgets the sting it experienced yesterday, yet that sting will have taught us something, perhaps a life lesson we needed to learn. There is nothing to be ashamed of by in being stung, but the poisoned arrow should really be pulled out there and then, not left in the wound where it will cause an emotional infection which may be difficult to heal.
The scars remain and the bird of prey may reopen them from time to time as you sail through life, but deep within the body of earth is our core and as you so rightly say, it is far more vast, dear Soren. That is the real us, the light wrapped in a blanket of flesh! Brilliant write! I enjoyed reading and thank you for sharing, Soren...

[Soren]

Thank you so much Marie for the review. I appreciate you comments

[Marie]

Most welcome always, Soren....

[carl]

Very well said. Four rhyming lines to a stanza reads with a continuous flow crying the thoughts and images one into the other, I like that. Sentiments expressed are chained together nicely. also nice use of alliteration. Closing line is an especially nice admonition. - carl

[Soren]

Your words mean a great deal Carl and are deeply appreciated

[Ken Simm.]

This hits where it tags a life. A very well written piece.

[Soren]

Thanks so much Ken your words are appreciated

[Tumi]

Wow, this poem is so deep! I love how you mix memories and feelings with nature. The way you describe pain as a "feathered scar" is really powerful. It makes me think about how we carry our past but can still find strength to move on. Great imagery and emotion throughout!

[Soren]

I thank you for your understanding of the meaning of this piece. Your kind comments are deeply appreciated

[jacob erin-cilberto]

I picture turkey vultures circling, waiting to peck at those open wounds of the past.

j.

[Soren]

I got it yea I'm the turkey. Thanks so much Jacob don't you just hate those people that take everything personal? I so appreciate your review and yes those open wounds and even scars from the past can be very tender.

[Fabian G. Franklin]

Wow, sometimes it seems and sounds like memory should just keep his prick to himself. (laughing) But yeah, I get it. The physical is just the shell of the egg. The life is within. Nicely wrought.

[Soren]

Thanks Fabian yea I'd like to wring his neck but that would just be masturbation.lol Thanks for the read and comment it is alway most appreciated.

[Fabian G. Franklin]

You are too cool to school, my brother, too cool to school. (Ha!) And anytime.

[Ern M. Yoshimoto]

the title and the last line work really well.
it is urgent that we look deep and find our souls.
i've been doing that lately. haven't found anything yet, but i'll keep digging.

[Soren]

Thank you so much Ern for the read and helpful comment. It's there you're just looking in the wrong place.

[Ern M. Yoshimoto]

i do find it. but i lose it the next day. it's an elsuive thing.

[Dave W.]

Great poem, boy do the stings of the past hurt sometimes like wounds reopened.....

[Soren]

Thanks Dave I so appreciate the review and comment