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Click hereAll of you
in the tight circle
of familiarity are woven
like cloth I used to wrinkle
until you ironed me
out of the equation--
the birthday parties,
and Sunday dinners.
All of you
who paint me mad
as Mr. Rochester's wife,
hide me from any display
of your public approval,
but deem me safe enough
if a secret in the attic
of your morality
with its painted window
nailed shut.
Here is where it snows,
where days pass caught
between the faltering arms
of hope and the restless
desperation of escape,
which is never a possibility
if you carry ghosts
everywhere you go.
My past and present
polarities spin and weave--
the New Year's Eve we dressed
in gowns and tuxedos,
promising illusions of forever,
which is never a possibility,
and the snow that falls today,
and freezes and melts
as I watch from one window.
The pacing in this feels really odd to me. Right from the beginning I was being stopped at each line. There is an intensity in the words that isn't accompanied by the format, I think; as a result, I feel myself staggering, and then falling through several lines, before staggering again. It's an interesting effect, actually.
The second reading went smoother. I like your choice of words, the subtle imagery; a hidden violence in "iron out"; the hurt in the second stanza, the hopelessness in the third and fourth. Very nice.
is so real
if nothing else, it gives you the material for such incredible writing.
without that release, we might surely go mad . . .
It really hit's me like James Joyce's short story "The Dead"---the stifle atmosphere, the snow and especially carrying the ghost. Whether or not that was intentional the poem stands on its own and truly a work of art. Chilling.
well chosen words... nice rhythm ... somber yet poignant mood ...great title.
I started with this poem and very much look forward to reading the rest.
I have commented on this poem before, but Angeline, this is such a wonderful, emotionally pleasing work of yours. It is probably one of the best poems I have ever read in my life, and that is all inclusive. I am so proud of you!! and feel so blessed that I have had you in my life to teach me and help me with my own work. love you always sis
maria
Very nice. I especially appreciate the Jane eyre reference. Glad to see I'm not the only sappy romantic about.