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Hairless
| Open Poetry #25 |
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Hairless |
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Saxoness
since 1999-07-18
Posts 1102Texas 
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I. I am never naked enough for you, body never perfect. I strip down in the dark, and your fingers skip over the imperfect places that do not fit your polluted view of what I should feel like. My arms are not soft enough, my breasts too limp. You gain no pleasure from prickly legs or unwaxed places. You brace your clammy arms over me, close your eyes as you picture someone else: a magazine model, an ex girlfriend, or maybe the woman at work who is still a challenge to your ego. Afterwards, you put a pillow between us, tell me you’re too hot to hold me, too tired to talk, too much of a man to allow me comfort for not being the fantasy you envisioned. Before falling asleep, you remind me to lock the door on the way out. I refuse to cry until I step back into my own apartment. II. Today you told me your mother is not beautiful. We were talking of female beauty, and you gave your opinion freely as if you were an expert on the subject. Suddenly I missed my Mother. My Mother is beautiful, I said, and when you paused in your explanation of standards, I offered: your Mother is beautiful, too. You laughed then, a deep gut wrenching explosion that sounded like denial. "My Mother is not beautiful. Her teeth are yellow, she’s old and wrinkled, never wears makeup. Oh, maybe once when she was younger she was pretty, but not anymore. No. She is no longer beautiful." I cry for your mother. She is wholly woman, birthing you from her body, feeding you from her flesh, giving her youth to a hollow child. If she knew what sort of man you were, a plant rooted to nothing but topsoil, her womb would weep for it’s fruit gone sour. III. You think I am in love with you. This time when we argue, I demand you look at me. I will not sit quietly while you play like a child. I will not rub your back when you turn away from me. I will not sacrifice myself to your selfish desire for another caretaker. I will shout until God himself can hear me. In your room, words cultivate in conceited ears, and you expect me to listen as you tell me what I "really" think. The love I have for you grows like weeds, choking out the flowers until all that’s left is a heart full of briars. Has no one ever left you? IV. I stopped shaving seven days ago. I will not become hairless for you. I will no longer remove the parts of me you would prefer vacant. I know better than you do what makes me a woman. When you walk away, I will erase your footsteps, sweep over them with branches of cedar, and plant myself deeply into the earth. I will spread the message of womanhood to those who may fall into your path. I will rescue my sisters from being uprooted and implanted to fertilize your fantasies. I will comfort those who are weed-eaten, weak, and wasting away in your barren, soulless garden. I am perfection. My short legs and soft stomach were not created for you, my shoulders aren’t rounded to fit your hands, and the hair on my body grows thick and strong, keeping you away like a talisman. I am a woman. I am the earth. Rejoice in the flowering of my spirit. I will not wilt. "Glory remains unaware of my neglected dwelling where alone I sing my tearful song which has charms only for me." [This message has been edited by Saxoness (03-06-2003 03:12 AM).] |
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| © Copyright 2003 Angela Erin Burke - All Rights Reserved | |||
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sweetwater Member
since 2002-12-16
Posts 178Perth |
oh wow! this is amazing! At first I thought 'No, don't let him rule you' and then I saw the strength emerge, you truly are a woman, and a beautiful one at that! Thankyou.. loved it! Peace [This message has been edited by sweetwater (03-06-2003 08:45 AM).] |
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Temptress
Moderator
Member Rara Avis
since 1999-06-15
Posts 7136Mobile, AL |
You know. This is EXACTLY what I needed tonight, Bee! You have a wonderful poetic power. I think you know that.  Thank you for being an inspiration. This will be the first one in here so far I've voted on. Awesome. SARCASM BREEDS A BROKEN HEART, and I have enough cracks. Please stop breaking me! |
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1slick_lady Member Ascendant
since 2000-12-22
Posts 6088standing on a shadow's lace |
damnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnn this is so good...i feel as if i have bitten into a mint...WOW !!!...helen |
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KristieSue
since 2003-01-31
Posts 1460PA, US |
I have never read anything that affected me more at the moment... You said it wonderfull and have a beautiful edge on the view... any mother, no matter the age or the wear, is beautiful... Thank you for putting your feelings down here... |
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GG Member Elite
since 2002-12-03
Posts 3532Lost in thought |
wow, love this. left somewhat speechless, but love it. Always, Alyssa - And so it was that time stood still - |
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Cpat Hair
since 2001-06-05
Posts 11793 |
damned fine writing... and such an insight and commentary on so much... got my vote... geez..... I truly don't know how to respond to this without writing a book... best I have seen of yours and the honesty in it absolutely wonderful... |
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sweetwater Member
since 2002-12-16
Posts 178Perth |
I had to reply again so I could add this to my library  |
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Earth Angel Member Empyrean
since 2002-08-27
Posts 40215Realms of Light |
I am literally speechless! You knocked the wind "write" out of me! You ARE a WOMAN and we heard you R-O-A-R! He may not realize it yet, but the day you left was the worst day of his life! To every woman, you are a sister! To every mother, you are a daughter! To every female, you are a friend! You, my Dear One are VERY special and I am glad that you are finally waking up to that fact! You now own your personal power---and there ain't nothing that can stop you now! You rock, sister! I suppose you might gather that I liked this phenomenal write---well, you'd actually be underestimating my feelings regarding your poetic expose! I absolutely LOVE it---and the heart of its creator!!! Biggest, hugest hugs for a real woman who has come into her own, Earth Angel [This message has been edited by Earth Angel (03-06-2003 09:02 AM).] |
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gemjop Member Elite
since 2002-11-18
Posts 2587Pencilveinia, USA |
i didnt want that to end. write some moooore! beautiful wise lady, yer great! an inspirational uplifting poem.  its in my library. xxxxxxxx learning each day, for you and i, our paths have met, i've already learnt that you are love. |
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Sunkissed Senior Member
since 2002-12-03
Posts 610 |
Whoa... sorry that I didn't vote for this earlier. This one is a keeper! Fantastic. Sunkissed."I have to hurry past the moon...to Jupiter..." |
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Mistletoe Angel 
since 2000-12-17
Posts 32816Portland, Oregon |
 YAY!!! YOU GO GIRL!!! (big hugggsssssss) NEVER...EVER...let anyone make you believe that you are ugly, for you are beautiful because you are you and that is all that matters, always hold Maya Angelou's words "Phenominal Woman" close to your heart, because true beauty is inside of you and I think those failed to recognize that! (smiles) God Bless You, sweet friend, this wonderful piece MUST to be in the book, I proudly vote for this and wish I could do so three times or more, we all love you so much! You have such a beautiful heart, sweet Angela, thank you for sharing!  May love and light always shine upon you! Love, Noah Eaton "Underneath your clothes there's an endless story..." |
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garysgirl
since 2002-09-29
Posts 19237Florida, USA |
Goodness, this is good...it says what every other woman on earth should want to say....Wish I had read it earlier..... You go, girl!!!!!! Hugs, Ethel |
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BlueEyes Member
since 2002-08-30
Posts 152TX, USA |
this has got to be the most amazing piece of work that I have ever read. And I'm not just saying that because I am a woman and am also tired of forcing myself to be what men think is beautiful. Excellent write, and I, too, wished it would've lasted longer! BlueEyes |
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Susan Caldwell Member Rara Avis
since 2002-12-27
Posts 8348Florida |
There are not words to express the power behind this write. Truly brilliant. You have moved me. Susan |
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wandering glider Senior Member
since 2001-04-04
Posts 501aloft |
REAL, strikingly REAL! good work |
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Pilgrimage Member Elite
since 2001-12-04
Posts 3945Texas, USA |
Absolutely! You said it all right here! Nan (Pilgrim variety) |
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Nan
Administrator
Member Seraphic
since 1999-05-20
Posts 21191Cape Cod Massachusetts USA |
I like your spirit, Angela... Believe in YOU... You're worth it...  |
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Marshalzu
since 2001-02-15
Posts 2681Lurking |
Wow, this is such a powerful poem, I had two or three reads of it and it still hit me, thank you for sharing this with us |
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Enchantress Member Empyrean
since 2001-08-14
Posts 35113Canada eh. |
OMG!!! This just blew me away!! Excellent write here Angela... and believe me...YOU are worth it! ~A Hugs and a Vote~ ~ Trace my body with your words.. |
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nakdthoughts Member Laureate
since 2000-10-29
Posts 19200Between the Lines |
an exceptional write...one I wish I could have written. *s M |
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Sunshine
Administrator
Member Empyrean
since 1999-06-25
Posts 63354Listening to every heart |
A BTTT for you, my girl... |
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Martie
Moderator
Member Empyrean
since 1999-09-21
Posts 28049California |
Powerful and real...and a vote! |
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bsquirrel
since 2000-01-03
Posts 7855 |
Time for a break-up, I believe. Loved this. |
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Susan Caldwell Member Rara Avis
since 2002-12-27
Posts 8348Florida |
Back up!! |
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Moonlight Romeo
since 2001-09-10
Posts 982The heart of you |
This reminds me of Plath or Sexton at their best. Profound and from the soul. Well done. Thank you. What light through yon window breaks? It is the east, and Juliet is the sun. |
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diphycue New Member
since 2002-10-28
Posts 8Rolla, Missouri, USA |
Very good poem, touching. Of course I have a feeling I know who this was written about, and in a way I pity him. One way because of how you see him, and another because he obviously doesn't appreciate you enough, or at least doesn't allow you to see it. I would like to hear his reply to this though, see how the jerk defends himself. |
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BloomingRose Member Elite
since 2000-08-09
Posts 3092Florida |
This is remarkable, and so are you. Deb |
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littlewing Member Rara Avis
since 2003-03-02
Posts 9655New York |
Good Lord - this is THE best thing I have read in a long time - amen to that - quite amazing and geez I have the chills over here - Excellent!!!! xxoo |
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passing shadows Member Empyrean
since 1999-08-26
Posts 45577displaced |
enjoyed this... |
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sea_of_okc Senior Member
since 1999-06-15
Posts 568Oklahoma City, OK, USA |
Excellent! If one cannot see the very apparent beauty in you then they do not deserve you. Truly you are woman! ROARRRRRRRRRR with pride lady! |
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JamesMichael Member Empyrean
since 1999-11-16
Posts 33336Kapolei, Hawaii, USA |
A fabulous expression of who you are...one of your best...James |
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diphycue New Member
since 2002-10-28
Posts 8Rolla, Missouri, USA |
back up to the top where it belongs I'd rather have a bottle in front of me than a frontal lobotomy. |
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hoot_owl_rn Member Patricius
since 1999-07-05
Posts 10750Glen Hope, PA USA |
An absolutely amazing write  |
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Poet deVine
Administrator
Member Seraphic
since 1999-05-26
Posts 22612Hurricane Alley |
Amazing write. I truly hope this makes it into the book.  |
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Sandpiper Senior Member
since 2002-06-15
Posts 738land of flora and fauna |
BRAVO...STANDING OVATION!!!!! "And it was at that age...Poetry arrived in search of me...And something started in my soul." |
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RSWells Member Elite
since 2001-06-17
Posts 2533 |
You are indeed beautiful and this is one of the best poems I've read in ages. I know how long it must have taken and what it must have taken for it to be composed and I, for one am awed. |
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catalinamoon
since 2000-06-03
Posts 9543The Shores of Alone |
Amazing. I am speechless. Sandra |
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Mysteria
since 2001-03-07
Posts 18328British Columbia, Canada |
This is truly what every woman should say or would wish to say and I do applaud you in this writing, I hope it gets into the book. |
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regards2you Member Elite
since 2002-10-01
Posts 3940California |
I have not seen much of your poetry but I do remember one you wrote with the title of something Black/Blue (?) I loved it, and this is even better were that possible. I enjoy the spirit in this! Hurray for you... Both poems should be up for the book and I would definitely vote for each. You've a unique talent which I thoroughly enjoy and I am going to search for other poetry of yours. It will be a treat, no doubt. Thank you, enjoyed greatly, Hugs, Pat ..without surrender, be on good terms with all persons.. |
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WhiteRose Member Elite
since 2002-07-23
Posts 3208somebody's dungeon |
This is just amazing. I'm literally speechless. Just please know, this is simply excellent!! |
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kaile
since 2000-02-06
Posts 5146singapore |
i want to vote! |
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paladin
since 2001-08-05
Posts 930Pensacola,Fl. |
I love these poems that reveal the mystery that is woman. paladin |
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suthern
since 1999-07-29
Posts 20723Louisiana |
I don't know what I expected from the title... but I know I didn't expect to be completely blown away and left in jaw-dropped admiration... this is powerful... it's perfect... it takes us from wondering why we put up with the little abuses that eat away at our soul to applauding the strength shown at the end. If I could vote over and over again, I would! WOW!! |
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Eromyna Member
since 2002-11-29
Posts 306Pheonix, AZ, USA |
*grinning broadly* You tell 'em! You're my hero for the day. "I don't need to scream for you to deem me aggravation." |
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kayjay Member Elite
since 2002-06-24
Posts 2015Oregon |
I can only add my applause to the cogent comments phrased above. This is a strong and beautiful write; may you alway stand so strongly for yourself as a woman and a human. Ken J Through rubble and trouble and dark of night |
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Lost Dreamer Member Elite
since 1999-06-20
Posts 2464Somewhere near the Rainbow |
This is absolutely fabulous writing, you penned emotions with such power. You send a message loud and clear, that beauty lies within the soul, not on the surface of anyone. I loved this poem, and I pray it makes it into reflections. Sometimes we have to follow a stronger voice, even if it's silent. |
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kaile
since 2000-02-06
Posts 5146singapore |
this needs more votes! |
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Chanson Senior Member
since 2000-08-19
Posts 1559Up Creek w/Out Paddle |
"too much of a man to allow me comfort for not being the fantasy you envisioned." Wow. Too bad he doesn't realize that the reality of the tangible is always better than the our overly-expectant fantasies. This is a fabulous phrase and it's ensconced in an equally fabulous poem, Saxoness. When you think you have heard it all, |
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JP Senior Member
since 1999-05-25
Posts 1343Loomis, CA |
Sorry I missed the vote on this. Glad it made it in the book, it is well worth it. Yesterday is ash, tomorrow is smoke; only today does the fire burn. |
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Jason Lyle Senior Member
since 2003-02-07
Posts 1438With my darkling |
Wish this was a book submission, and as a man, I could only hope to find this kind of strength in a woman.Nice, very nice. Jason |
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Jason Lyle Senior Member
since 2003-02-07
Posts 1438With my darkling |
Guess it is!, very glad this one is in the book. Jason |
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