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Open Poetry #48
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JerryPat2
Member Laureate
since 2011-02-06
Posts 16975
South Louisiana

0 posted 2013-09-30 10:35 AM



dark outlines are taking shape
coming together
making me aware this is why I left
that intensely hot August day
I've no longer any use for Arkansas heat
and, as the shadows come to maturity
she stands in the middle of the room
switch in hand
but I no longer fear the switch
I look at the other shadowy image
my father
looking lost as he always looked
she speaks to him
he turns, start to walk away
stops
as though afraid to follow her instructions
he never gets her instructions right
there is always something wrong
always
something
wrong
he opens his mouth
shuts it
looking for all the world
like a man who had walked into the wrong house
I'd seen that look
so many, many times
I turn from the shadows and walk away
never to return
silly me
I do return
time and time again
attempting to make something
out of what never was there

©July 15, 2013 / Jerry Pat Bolton

~*~ I don't have to eat sarcasm to recognize the flavor. ~*~

© Copyright 2013 Jerry Pat Bolton - All Rights Reserved
Lori Grosser Rhoden
Member Patricius
since 2009-10-10
Posts 10202
Fair to middlin' of nowhere
1 posted 2013-09-30 01:40 PM


Breaks my heart to know the abuse you suffered and the other parent that was there to protect you didn't.  It happens all too often. And the way you tell it, it is all too real.  Hugs

~L

JerryPat2
Member Laureate
since 2011-02-06
Posts 16975
South Louisiana
2 posted 2013-09-30 01:52 PM


I guess I will always come back to this period in my life. Ida said above when she commented on Toerags poem that we need humor. I usually fail to write much humor.

~*~ I don't have to eat sarcasm to recognize the flavor. ~*~

Margherita
Member Seraphic
since 2003-02-08
Posts 22236
Eternity
3 posted 2013-09-30 04:34 PM


We are tied with double knots to our past experiences (especially those of childhood) and to free ourselves is very hard work.

Your well written poem shows that. The hurt is deeply felt.

Margherita

Kit McCallum
Administrator
Member Laureate
since 2000-04-30
Posts 14774
Ontario, Canada
4 posted 2013-09-30 05:10 PM


This is a very strong visual, Jerry. You have conveyed the pain and depth of this moment in a very tangible sense. Very well written.

Best wishes,
/Kit

JerryPat2
Member Laureate
since 2011-02-06
Posts 16975
South Louisiana
5 posted 2013-09-30 05:26 PM


Margherita, you have expressed the situation quite well. Thank you for your input into my trip back to "those" days.

~*~ I don't have to eat sarcasm to recognize the flavor. ~*~

JerryPat2
Member Laureate
since 2011-02-06
Posts 16975
South Louisiana
6 posted 2013-09-30 05:28 PM


Thank you very much, Kit, for stopping here today and saying such thoughtful comments, they are very much appreciated.

~*~ I don't have to eat sarcasm to recognize the flavor. ~*~

EmmaRose
Senior Member
since 2011-03-02
Posts 1376
Midwest
7 posted 2013-09-30 07:02 PM


this reaches across the miles to the reader who wants to turn the page off, but can't.
I am so sorry to know this was your life at one time and may visit you at times.  I do believe you have some inner strength and peace to get you through the darkness
Peace always
to you
Emmarose

JerryPat2
Member Laureate
since 2011-02-06
Posts 16975
South Louisiana
8 posted 2013-09-30 08:38 PM


Yes, I visit it from time to time, Emma, I can't seem to help going there every so often. I should have wrung all of it out of my thought process, but you know, sometimes . . . Thank you very much for your kind words.

~*~ I don't have to eat sarcasm to recognize the flavor. ~*~

ponderthepoetorrsx
Member
since 2011-06-25
Posts 284
U.S , Ca
9 posted 2013-09-30 10:58 PM


Its best to sweep the shadowy places lest they fester and

Get pests like spiders with venom and webs that cling

And stuff.

JerryPat2
Member Laureate
since 2011-02-06
Posts 16975
South Louisiana
10 posted 2013-10-01 07:58 AM


Yeah, you're probably right, ponderthepoetorrsx. Thanks.

~*~ I don't have to eat sarcasm to recognize the flavor. ~*~

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