Anything

[DieterM]

I’d slice my wrists and let
Red teardrops stain the perfect snow
In front of our cottage where we
Used to build our snowmen
Or stab myself right through the heart
With your favourite kitchen knife
If it helped

I’d buy a gun and shoot
Old Mrs Flannagan or dear Mr O’Hara
On their way to the grocery store
Or learn how to make and plant
A plastic bomb on Main Street
Or cut the throat of Larry’s beagle
Then gut and skin it
If it helped

I’d even call your bastard brother
And reconcile with him
Like you’d have loved me to
I’d donate all my riches
I’d sent food and clothes to the poor
I’d claw out my eyes, tear off my ears,
Cut my tongue and nose
If it helped

Anything, anything, anything—
You hear me?—
Only to hold you
Breathe you, smell you,
Have you
One last time

[AuntShecky]

A plethora of violent images lately on the NitLet. Where's it all coming from?

[Haunted]

This seems out of character D. The last stanza is written in a way that's a bit predictable for someone with your skill. A good experiment, but your strongest is still in your other works.

[DieterM]

@auntie, can't answer for my fellow LetNitters ;-) My own violent images come from my imagination only. The closest I've come to (my own, personal) violence is a smashed-to-pieces ashtray. Never was very much of a fighter.
@Haunted, I hear you, I hear you. And rather agree without being ashamed. Let's just say that good poetry needs bad poetry to shine more brilliantly? This is my example ;-) I won't erase this poem, though, and leave it here as a personal reminder to never get conceited. Well, not too much. Well, not more than I already am. xoxo ;-)

[Hawkman]

Sorry Dieter, I overlooked this one in the comment department. apart from a couple of typos, (S1L4 and S2 L4 build, You might want to replace one of these with 'make', and S3L6, where you've attacked your ears twice) this is solidly written. However, one is reminded of Joachim Phoenix (as Commodus) declaring, with heartfelt passion, to the late, great Richard Harris (as Marcus Aurelius) that he'd cheerfully, "...butcher the whole world, if you would only love me." Therefore, the theme of anger and self-loathing stemming from rejection, is a valid trope, even if it's a little worn. The tragedy is, of course, that such behaviour would be unlikely to secure the affections of anyone, save for the likes of Jack the Ripper (who wouldn't be my first choice as a life partner). The other tragedy, is that to declare how adorable you would be, by detailing a catalogue of the good works you'd perform—in order to secure the other's affections and willing compliance in an orgy of sexual gratification—wouldn't be very dramatic. :D

Here's a little ditty from "the prophet" in the film Operation Petticote.

"You can't win, my friend, you can't win,
You can't win, so don't even try.
If you're lucky enough to live through today,
Tomorrow you will die."

Please don't take this literally ;)

Live and be well - H

[DieterM]

Oh my goodness, Hawkman, I think those typos are due to advance ageing and alcohol excesses ;-) Edited them, even though that won't make this poem better :-) Thanks for commenting and lending a helping hand!

[Haunted]

Let's just say that good poetry needs bad poetry to shine more brilliantly? This is my example ;-)

Good one D, suits me just as well. I should remember it for my own sake xo

[Delta40]

You're not quite in the class of McGonagall although I do have a soft spot for him! You also make a very good point about good poetry needs bad poetry to shine more brilliantly. The last verse reminded me of that song by Bread, Everything I own. Probably because of your poem's title Anything.

[DieterM]

Jeez, Delta40, you will think I'm a total idiot: the only McGonagall I know is called Minerva McGonagall. Yes, absolutely, the one from—do it, laugh out loud, I don't mind— "Harry Potter". *face colouring nicely in crimson shades*
Wikipediaed the last name, and okay, it's soooo NOT Minerva but William, apparently. But what can I do? I just luuuv Maggie Smith. And have big gaps in my knowledge re. the poetry section. ;-)

[Delta40]

Lol. I have his complete works. His play Jack O' the Cudgel is pure gold!