Ritual


from the ABC set The Poet Who Fell in Love

First, the anger.
Fingernails scrape lightning
on a blackened sky.

Next, the tearing
of the photographs
into tears
like snowdrops
in January.

Then comes
the thrusting of flowers,
face-first,
into welcoming arms
of the bin.

Then,
then the silence.
So quiet you can hear
the gasp
of your heart
as it breaks ...

Discuss this piece in the abctales forum


Comments

Nathan Bednarek | December 6, 2008 - 20:00

I absolutely love this poem Magic. Each line, each word is heartbreaking. This poem is so emotional, it's like it lives the words, as if this sad ritual really happened. I hope it didn't, because this piece emits volumes of pain. You truly understand the emotional side of relationships, but I think what makes your love poems so effective is that you have a realistic approach towards love- you don't write fairytales, yet the poems are very magical. This is amazing work and many would envy your talent.

Love, Nathan.

MistakenMagic | December 6, 2008 - 20:40

Thank you Nathan. I'm sorry to tell you that me and my boyfriend split up two weeks ago, so all the poetry you read from me in the near future will be true. This poem was written spontaneously, three hours after he dumped me. So every single word is the truth.

Magic xxx

Nathan Bednarek | December 6, 2008 - 21:09

Well then I think you should be applauded for your amazing honesty and courage dear Rebecca. To share something as personal as this requires something else, and this poem shows that even though you must be very hurt you are managing to deal with it and that you're holding your head up. Whatever comes your way now just remember that some experiences, though painful, will result in something better and more valuable in the future. Plus you have the upper hand- your poetry ;-)

Your friend, Nathan.

Silver Spun Sand | December 7, 2008 - 08:59

Dear Magic, Nathan has said it all, really and I can only 'ditto' his words.

It is only a shame, that something as beautiful as this, had to be born of sadness.

Tina xx

MistakenMagic | December 7, 2008 - 10:26

Thank you so much for you kind words Nathan! And yes, I'm sure my poetry will see me through this.

Thanks again Tina for all your help with the editing of this poem. It's nice to know I have friends on ABC ;)

Magic xxx

tamara (not verified) | December 11, 2008 - 21:19

You're an angel,with words that you write,you keep the heart beating.....xx