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Open Poetry #21
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Elizabeth Santos
Member Rara Avis
since 1999-11-08
Posts 9269
Pennsylvania

0 posted 2002-08-11 09:43 PM



The Wedding Reception

My essence slowly moved into the festival of dreams
Reception of a ceremony built on lover’s schemes
Not I, the focus of the crowd, but she adorned in white
Nobody there would recognize the bleakness of my plight

Forgotten was the masquerade I somehow left behind
I’d worn instead transparency to veil my troubled mind
But unaware was I that all my heartache was composed
Of lifeless eyes and shallow smile, explicitly exposed

Surrounded was my figure by a hundred gazing pairs
Of wide and blinking marbles fixed in unpretentious stares
Four painted walls, a sequined dress, the gown of flowing sheen
But spotlights dwelled instead on circumspection in between

Unable to contain another moment laced in fears
I floated to the haven of a ladies room of tears
And there within the looking glass, ‘twas I who was on stage
The crystal clearness of a life sketched with the hands of age

No image was reflected in the mirror’s glassy wall
Just invisible performer in a simple concert hall
A skeleton of time wrapped up in shiny cellophane
And visible to marbled eyes, the deepness of my pain

Pathetic was the comical rehearsal of a smile
A dozen tries until it seemed at least a vague beguile
Perhaps a look to entertain the wonderment of eyes
The marbles turning into studded diamonds from the skies

A second time I entered the reception hall of fame
Hoping no one noticed my facade of cellophane

Elizabeth Santos

© Copyright 2002 Elizabeth Santos - All Rights Reserved
devina
Member Elite
since 1999-10-28
Posts 3539
Cali
1 posted 2002-08-11 09:46 PM


Beautifully exposed Liz...cellophane and all!!

You have always had that knack of keeping me in suspense to see your ending take on things...and this was powerfully longing...

take care sweetie!!!

Open arms can be the most fragile in the world...



Magicmystery
Senior Member
since 2002-02-13
Posts 821
Windsor, Ontario, Canada
2 posted 2002-08-11 09:52 PM


Wow!!!

What an incredible tale!!! and was this really you.... I would be interested to hear the story behind this write..... although it sounds quite tragic.  Sometimes when we don't want to be seen, people seem to be looking right through you, at you... and the whispering when your back is turned is enough to make anyone paranoid.  
I may be right off in space here... but that's what I got from this piece... Well written!!!
Love, Light and Peace,
Sherry

Cherish the good memories past and look forward to the adventure called Tomorrow.
But above all... be kind to yourself today.

Mistletoe Angel
Deputy Moderator 10 ToursDeputy Moderator 10 ToursDeputy Moderator 5 Tours
Member Empyrean
since 2000-12-17
Posts 32816
Portland, Oregon
3 posted 2002-08-11 09:53 PM




(big hugggssssss) Oh Elizabeth, I'm sorry to feel the bereavement in this, sweet friend, I hope this is fictional to you though I understand how feeling forgotten when watching another be wed to one one knew must ache! (sigh) This is powerful and very cleverly written, sweet friend, your talent awlays amazes me, it is endless, we all love you so much! You have such a beautiful heart, sweet Elizabeth, thank you for sharing!



May love and light always shine upon you!

Love,
Noah Eaton

"Underneath your clothes there's an endless story..."

Shakira

Suetang
Member Ascendant
since 2001-03-07
Posts 5187
Melbourne, Australia
4 posted 2002-08-11 10:12 PM


Yet another stunning piece of writing from your magical pen Elizabeth.

Take care.....Sue

I am in motion
I am blue
Love is an ocean
I'm anchored in you
- Shawn Mullins

Mysteria
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Member Laureate
since 2001-03-07
Posts 18328
British Columbia, Canada
5 posted 2002-08-11 10:16 PM


To have heard you read this to me tugged my heart, but somehow now that I read it myself, away from your ears, my tears flow. I know you will be glad when it is over, so that you can get to a place to actually start the process of it being over.  (((hugs))) Lizzie, you need one!
Madame Chipmunk
Member Rara Avis
since 2001-12-05
Posts 8296
Michigan
6 posted 2002-08-11 11:35 PM


This got me so teared up, Liz...
I cannot believe how beautifully you can write your pain.
You are not invisible, nor is your pain...
This write is so impassioned that it even made a chipmunk cry.
~ hugs and tears

Lyra

copyright2002 Lyra Nesius

"poetry is life distilled"  Gwendolyn Brooks

Elizabeth Santos
Member Rara Avis
since 1999-11-08
Posts 9269
Pennsylvania
7 posted 2002-08-12 03:24 AM


Gevina, Thannk you , dear, for your warm wards of comfort

Shery, you read the poem as it was written.
I am very distressed over an upcoming court case. The more I have uncovered about my husbands death, the more unsettled my spirit, plus the fact that I walked into a reception hall alone, the only one without a spouse at our table (very close knit family)
and thus this poem. You hit the nail on the head.Thanks for your comments, much appreciated

Noah, Oh you are so right. WEddings can be very emotional anyway. It made me feel my generation has just moved up a notch. THat;s enough to bring a few tears , Thanks, dear for your remarks

Suetang, THank you! Nice comment!

Sharon, Thanks for the hug. You're right, I heeded it. I got lots last hight from Lucas, age one. Bryce was too busy watching his dinosaur show, so I watched it with him. Fun!
Great talking to you

Lyra, my dear, you truly have a very warm heart, to think you would shed a tear over my sadness. Thanks for being a friend

Hugs
Liz

serenity blaze
Member Empyrean
since 2000-02-02
Posts 27738

8 posted 2002-08-12 08:13 AM


Liz? I read this? and thought you described the bride at MY wedding...ssssh.?

you, lady are a braveheart and eloquent poet.

Enchantress
Member Empyrean
since 2001-08-14
Posts 35113
Canada eh.
9 posted 2002-08-12 08:43 AM


Elizabeth~What a remarkable person and writer you are!  Such grace and beauty.
Well done!
~Hugs~

Sunshine
Administrator
Member Empyrean
since 1999-06-25
Posts 63354
Listening to every heart
10 posted 2002-08-12 08:44 AM



You must quit eating pizza just before going to bed in the evening.  This was a lovely display of imagery...and the pain of time was etched ever so delicately upon the mirror's reflection...you know I wish you well upon the journies before you...they will be difficult, but never was someone so in the right that she will not prevail...


[This message has been edited by Sunshine (08-12-2002 08:46 AM).]

Kit McCallum
Administrator
Member Laureate
since 2000-04-30
Posts 14774
Ontario, Canada
11 posted 2002-08-12 08:48 AM


Liz, this is absolutely masterful. Not only is it serene perfection in cadence and rhyme, but the depth of internal review pondered throughout is simply engaging. I know this ponder well, my friend, and you've captured it magnificently.

Best wishes and hugs,
/Kit

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