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Bend and Bleed

Posted by jennifer on January 5, 2011 - 22:16
from the ABC set The Ugly Truth (2011)

Bend and Bleed (5th January, 2011)

It might be too late
for apologies
and gives, not takes;
truth disguised
by my vowels
and your consonants,
these bones of mine
you bend and break.

What happened to
the promised lands
of your hands
when they were gentle?
Eyes full of fear,
lost things
that I can’t gather here,
mercurial.

I watch you sleep
and keep my distance.
Where do we earn the right
to bend, make bleed?
At what price is lust sold to
lovers? Who made Gods
of mortal men, then left the
armour on to rust?

Intoxication and whispered
prayers, I hear
you stagger on the stairs
and brace my heart.
Love is an art of balance,
walking lines
that cross too many cares,
ungallant.

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Comments

MistakenMagic | January 6, 2011 - 12:00

Love the short-line structure! That first stanza is out of this world - well done :)

Magic xxx

Cavalcaderl | January 6, 2011 - 20:45

new jennifer
Really good and true
all stanzas great.
I like the last best.
Intoxication and whispered
prayers,I hear
you stagger on the stairs
and brace my heart
Love is an art of balance,
walking lines
that cross to many cares
ungallant.

happy new year
julie xx

jennifer | January 6, 2011 - 21:22

Thank you, Magic!

Thank you, Julie!

This one's YET another domestic violence one, think it's a bit of an odd obsession but the muse just won't let up!

J x

Larkin Williamson | January 6, 2011 - 23:20

"Who made Gods
of mortal men, then left the
armor on to rust?"

My favorite part of this wonderful poem.

It is strange that time either weakens or strengthens love. Maybe love has to be so powerful in the beginning that even the rains of living can't erode it?
Very fine work Jennifer.

fatboy74 | January 7, 2011 - 17:42

I love this poem, you use rhyme as a way to move the poem forward - not as a bludgeon. Really well done. :-)

jennifer | January 8, 2011 - 18:01

Thank you, Larkin, that's my favourite line, too! Glad it spoke to you! Love is un-understandable, isn't it? Thank you.

Fatboy, thank you so much, yes, when I'm not trying to rhyme, I always do it better and much more naturally, thank you for the compliment!

J x

Cavalcaderl | January 10, 2011 - 22:36

new Jennifer
Thank you for sharing this memory
Well came from big family always like that
but nothing was done,till spills outside.I was
told. Pop would say at least you know what to exspect.He did like his drink 8 of us when in Navy.
And two of the brother's makes one aware so much rows.Still goes on to-day trying to interact each other,when nothing is quite right aye!
julie xx

Silver Spun Sand | January 12, 2011 - 19:18

I must have missed this before, Jennifer. I am sorry;-)

It is beautiful; poetry at its best.

These four lines especially, are inspired:-

"What happened to
the promised lands
of your hands
when they were gentle?"

T x