Thanks Delta, I was trying real hard to describe a mirage. So pleased it works for you!
Thanks Delta, I was trying real hard to describe a mirage. So pleased it works for you!
"But do you really, seriously, Major Scobie," Dr. Sykes asked, "believe in hell?"
"In flames and torment?""Oh, yes, I do."
"That sort of hell wouldn't worry me," Fellowes said."Perhaps not quite that. They tell us it may be a permanent sense of loss."
"Perhaps you've never lost anything of importance," Scobie said.
need professional help
I don't want to impose
but the screen won't
fit back into the window
after a very bad winter
there's a slow gas leak
I know it because
my head was just
inside the oven
I would open the window
but I need the screen
to keep the flesh flies out
if you don't mind
it's leaning over there
please watch your step
around the carrion
he is still my child
Last edited by Haunted; 03-31-2012 at 02:08 PM.
"But do you really, seriously, Major Scobie," Dr. Sykes asked, "believe in hell?"
"In flames and torment?""Oh, yes, I do."
"That sort of hell wouldn't worry me," Fellowes said."Perhaps not quite that. They tell us it may be a permanent sense of loss."
"Perhaps you've never lost anything of importance," Scobie said.
That's pretty bleak Haunted, but the last line's a killer. I would be inclined to change "dosen't" for "Won't" in S1, It's not essential but I think it would read better. I'd also drop a "very" from the fourth line. the emphasis of the repetition is at odds with the air of detachment which flavours the rest of the poem. I think I'd be inclined to put a stanza break after the gas leek line, and also after "carrion" in S4, to give it more punch.
S3: "Some" doesn't work here. Replace it with the: changing windows to window won't work because you've only asked the other to replace one screen. In S4 you don't need to mention the screen again, "it's" is quite sufficient. Good poem.
Live and be well - H
The last line is indeed a knockout. Short line length adds to the air of detachment you've so successfully evoked. And talking of success, when don't you succeed in writing a poem in your own unique way? Love you, love your works. X
P.S.- The head in the oven is reminiscent of Sylvia Plath.
I must create a system, or be enslaved by another man's. ~ William Blake
Captivity is consciousness,
So's liberty. ~ Emily Dickinson
Hawk, as always thanks for your keen eye and kind words. I totally missed the redundancy of "screen" in S4, there was a stanza before it that I took out but forgot to proof it again afterwards, it was a difficult poem to write, even harder to read back. Thanks for helping and appreciating.
AG, you and your beautiful words, such rarity. Stay the lovely self that you are. Love you too. xoxo
"But do you really, seriously, Major Scobie," Dr. Sykes asked, "believe in hell?"
"In flames and torment?""Oh, yes, I do."
"That sort of hell wouldn't worry me," Fellowes said."Perhaps not quite that. They tell us it may be a permanent sense of loss."
"Perhaps you've never lost anything of importance," Scobie said.
I'm still stunned and almost wordless. You created a whole, bleak, hopeless world out of so few & simple words! Great poem that moved me no end…
"Im Arm der Liebe schliefen wir selig ein…" ("Liebesode" - Otto Erich Hartleben)
New poetry collection available (Kindle and paperback)
Are you reading Plath? but no, it's so much you, Haunted, your poetry is that ongoing Scream Munch's brush has released long ago. A very good, powerful poem indeed, hugs from me.
Dieter, even when it's minimalist, there are moments I wondered if I overwrote, so thanks for your comment!
Bar, no Plath, just coincidence. Much appreciated your comment, makes it all worthwhile. Hugs back.
"But do you really, seriously, Major Scobie," Dr. Sykes asked, "believe in hell?"
"In flames and torment?""Oh, yes, I do."
"That sort of hell wouldn't worry me," Fellowes said."Perhaps not quite that. They tell us it may be a permanent sense of loss."
"Perhaps you've never lost anything of importance," Scobie said.
homecoming
the heels would have
caused echoes like crazy
so I left them out
at the stone cold entry
I pretend it isn't
broken porcelain
and I wasn't stepping
in my own blood
from cuts I can't feel
against my own will
I look around and round
but I know exactly
where to find you
I thought you might
reach out and
stroke my cheek
through the glass
of the photo frame
Last edited by Haunted; 10-11-2012 at 03:33 PM.
"But do you really, seriously, Major Scobie," Dr. Sykes asked, "believe in hell?"
"In flames and torment?""Oh, yes, I do."
"That sort of hell wouldn't worry me," Fellowes said."Perhaps not quite that. They tell us it may be a permanent sense of loss."
"Perhaps you've never lost anything of importance," Scobie said.
You are back, Dear Haunted! this is great, welcome back!
Your poem, your very self.... poignant as yours are so often, delicately allusive, containing worlds of sorrow, the emptiness...
The last stanza is a great close of the suspense the previous have built.
Powerful, minimalistic work, Haunted, I read it several times and will return.
Stay here for a while, please.
Worth coming back for. I can say no more.
H
FINALLY. Even Hill (the recluse on behalf of his unsightly knees and justified despise of certain contributors) welcomed you back. I will second Hills comment. It is always a wise move. This place is better for your prescence and your writing.
For those who believe,
no explanation is necessary.
For those who do not,
none will suffice.
Bar, always so sweet, I'm really moved!
OMG Hill you are back! So good to hear from you, you had no idea!!!
Jerrrrrr!!!!
Oh really good to be back, but not without you guys!!!
"But do you really, seriously, Major Scobie," Dr. Sykes asked, "believe in hell?"
"In flames and torment?""Oh, yes, I do."
"That sort of hell wouldn't worry me," Fellowes said."Perhaps not quite that. They tell us it may be a permanent sense of loss."
"Perhaps you've never lost anything of importance," Scobie said.
English my native language and have characterizes of dyslexia.
Copyright (C) 2011, Zoolane
I have pass by English Exam.
"I thought you might
reach out and
stroke my cheek
through the glass
of the photo frame."
Wow. Stunning. An elegant idea, so simply yet effectively put.