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Open Poetry #21
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Elizabeth Cor
Senior Member
since 2000-10-13
Posts 879
Over the river and through the woods

0 posted 2002-06-16 07:18 PM


you fondle the walls with implicating whispers
and jump back bewildered
when they return the sighs

the clandestine
rummage
for beautiful creatures
in your
blue, crystalline underworld

flaunt every temptation
and yank back all liability

lick and recede
the sultry flames
of a parody devil


amazing
how in between the recycled lyrics
and self-pity for the wounded Prince
as he picks the scabs from his old affairs
we trust in what you believe yourself to be

but to careful ears
who have slept to the screeches of blood
glazed throats
and the panting infamous demons

your narratives
begin to wind;
a record forwards and backwards
layered in howls…
the speeches
suspiciously proverbial


I understand now:
it’s easier to see
with selective sight

tattoo us callous,
heartless sirens

as if, you fool, the tears spent on your shoulders
count for nothing
as if our own tolerance is somehow
less than yours…

the hypocritical testimony:

“I’m still here”

and amongst all the grief,
crashes, and chaos
could you ever doubt that I loved?

~that sharp laugh you abhor~

yet, you can self-righteously whimper --
after two years of such vicious battle --
that you were simply used and flung to the side

martyr idyllic and bruised…


another grate to your
vinyl groans,
another love lost :
taking blame, where it fits
but throwing fits of defense
when you might finally be judged

must polish that perfect impression
for this girl, the next
whine over the past that has failed you

bullet out that history
all the hearts and whores you’ve won

and assure your most recent
Pedestal Princess
that this time is different…

no struggles
no straggles
no broken heart

when what you wont admit
is the failed expectations
simply mean
there’s still work involved

and instead of departure,
you choose condemnation
to wallow in your disenchantment
waiting for the next angel out…


I wonder,
if you could strip
the choice elements
as parchment
  what made each of us
some holy possibility,
  one unreachable divine regret:
that singular facet lost

slice us like paper dolls
stitch it up and dye it blonde

the instant perfect girlfriend – just add water!

oh, god, I want to gag or guffaw


forgive me if I’m mistaken,
but I think I’ve performed this drama before:

the plane, the poetry, the promises

somehow strikes a chord familiar


~shaking head, more sorrow than resentment~


I remember everything about you
that made it worth it, to lie to myself

I’ve broken my own spirit
and my own promises

but I’d rather eat my words
than anymore of your bull~

so, thanks, that was fun
decided not to follow
my ambition to be your favorite ex-girlfriend

but I wanted to wish you luck in your new disappointment
I trust you’ll gain and lose all you hope for

well, it’ll make a good story
for next time, right?

[This message has been edited by Elizabeth Cor (06-16-2002 10:57 PM).]

© Copyright 2002 Megs - All Rights Reserved
Toad
Member
since 2002-06-16
Posts 161

1 posted 2002-06-16 07:30 PM



Ouch!

I’m glad I’ve never upset you (mental note to self: do not under any circumstances upset anyone at this site ESPECIALLY anyone whose name starts with an E and ends with lizabeth Cor).

You can generally tell good poetry, it’s got something tangible you feel you can almost touch or taste as you read it. This was very tangible.

Elizabeth Cor
Senior Member
since 2000-10-13
Posts 879
Over the river and through the woods
2 posted 2002-06-16 07:49 PM


~saddishsmirk~ Thanks, Toad. Tangible, sure. Good poetry? Heh. No.

I'm proud of this one... but not for its poetic aspects.

Toad
Member
since 2002-06-16
Posts 161

3 posted 2002-06-16 08:04 PM



I agree entirely with whatever you say (mental note to self RUN I think you upset her).

I think what I meant was that sometimes poets manufacture the feelings that the poems inspire, the best poets are so good at it you get the feelings without realizing they were consciously constructed. Occasionally the feelings, or the reasons for those feelings, are so strong they infuse the poem with that touchy tasty tangibility thing I was talking about, it could be argued that they actually create the poem, same feelings different reasons – both make good reading.

Anyhow, whatever the reason this had IT.

the_loner_23
Member Ascendant
since 2002-06-08
Posts 5479
Jacksonville, Florida, USA
4 posted 2002-06-16 08:05 PM


Speechless

Cold hands means a warm heart

Elizabeth Cor
Senior Member
since 2000-10-13
Posts 879
Over the river and through the woods
5 posted 2002-06-17 01:44 AM


~side-eyes to toad~ heh. thank you for your explanations of explanations... I'm not evil. no. really.

loner, thanks for stopping in.

Kethry
Member Rara Avis
since 2000-07-29
Posts 9082
Victoria Australia
6 posted 2002-06-17 08:24 AM


Elizabeth,
I agreed with Toad, your poetry has an indefinable and infinite ability to reach out and touch the spirit. Kudos
Kethry

Here in the midst of my lonely abyss, a single joy I find...your presence in my mind.  Unknown



Temptress
Moderator
Member Rara Avis
since 1999-06-15
Posts 7136
Mobile, AL
7 posted 2002-06-18 01:55 AM


Well

I really don't know what to say about this except that in the emotional state of mind I'm in I think it made me cry harder. Powerful to me..and..you may not be proud of it for its poetic aspects, but I am. Loved this and needed to read this I think.

Bumping..

How grave is my condition, for I cannot find the words to say, I need you so.
~Sarah MacLachlan~

woodtic
Member
since 2002-01-06
Posts 87

8 posted 2002-06-18 02:13 AM


Smokin good write of a tangled tale. Love in the loss always prevails, on the bitter sences reactions so deep. From off of your page the feelings do seep. Literaly leap right into your heart. I feel pain at the place that causes the art.
Tiersdin
Member Elite
since 2000-11-17
Posts 2364
east coast
9 posted 2002-06-18 11:51 AM


Well said...

bravo!

~R.T.

"I shall never bond again, as I have bonded with you..."

Sunshine
Administrator
Member Empyrean
since 1999-06-25
Posts 63354
Listening to every heart
10 posted 2002-06-18 11:57 AM



Right...
fodder for the foolish...
another story, another time...

Well done, Elizabeth!

Goodknight
Member Elite
since 2002-06-15
Posts 2386
Ohio, USA
11 posted 2002-06-18 12:12 PM


well said - wonderful words and well constructed - Paul
Sven
Deputy Moderator 1 TourDeputy Moderator 1 Tour
Member Laureate
since 1999-11-23
Posts 14937
East Lansing, MI USA
12 posted 2002-06-18 04:21 PM


toad hit the nail on the head. . .

I'm not sure where this came from, but. . . I know that it's a place better left. . .

-----------------------------------------------------------

To the world, you may only be one person. But to one person, you may be the world.

Poet deVine
Administrator
Member Seraphic
since 1999-05-26
Posts 22612
Hurricane Alley
13 posted 2002-06-18 08:30 PM


I've read this several times since you posted it. Each time I feel YOU get stronger and stronger in your words. It's better to let it all out than hold it in....and I'm glad you don't get mad at ME! This is a wonderful poem (I understand).
Elizabeth Cor
Senior Member
since 2000-10-13
Posts 879
Over the river and through the woods
14 posted 2002-06-19 01:07 AM


everyone, thank you...

special notes to Temptress and deVine:

WISH someone had written something like this awhile ago... had I come across it, might have made my best recent decisions much sooner... and for that reason, I am SO glad to sate you, Jen, hope everything works out...

Sharon: your reply means a terrible amount to me, for reasons I hope you (again) understand ~smile~.

Poet deVine
Administrator
Member Seraphic
since 1999-05-26
Posts 22612
Hurricane Alley
15 posted 2002-06-19 05:17 AM


Yes, my dear.
ethome
Member Patricius
since 2000-05-14
Posts 11858
New Brunswick Canada
16 posted 2002-06-19 05:32 AM


Dear God you scare me...

                "amazing
                 how in between the recycled lyrics
                 and self-pity for the wounded Prince
                 as he picks the scabs from his old affairs
                 we trust in what you believe yourself to be"

            "yet, you can self-righteously whimper --
             after two years of such vicious battle --
             that you were simply used and flung to the side

             martyr idyllic and bruised…

"but I wanted to wish you luck in your new disappointment
             I trust you’ll gain and lose all you hope for

             well, it’ll make a good story
             for next time, right?"

I promise....I'll try and love you. I do know how it goes.....and maybe just maybe you'll see in me something that will revive the love you lost. If it doesn't work out then I will treat you with respect.  Honestly, I'm speaking for many men that are innocent!

One of the most emotionally filled poems I've read in quite a while!


             another grate to your
             vinyl groans,
             another love lost :
             taking blame, where it fits
             but throwing fits of defense
             when you might finally be judged

             must polish that perfect impression
             for this girl, the next
             whine over the past that has failed you

             bullet out that history
             all the hearts and whores you’ve won

             and assure your most recent
             Pedestal Princess
             that this time is different…

             no struggles
             no straggles
             no broken heart

             when what you wont admit
             is the failed expectations
             simply mean
             there’s still work involved

             and instead of departure,
             you choose condemnation
             to wallow in your disenchantment"

Pilgrimage
Member Elite
since 2001-12-04
Posts 3945
Texas, USA
17 posted 2002-06-19 10:24 AM


Hey! I know this guy -I was married to him for eight horrible years. This exact guy! You described him to a 'T'.

Nan

Nicole
Senior Member
since 1999-06-23
Posts 1835
Florida
18 posted 2002-06-19 04:25 PM


It's hard for me to understand how people can see hateful, lashing-out, 'scary' emotions in this - I see pain, and resolution - and blissfully wonderful honesty.  Too many people would like to cover things up with pretty words instead of hear the brutal truth.  Maybe that's where the fear lies?  There is love, and compassion in this poem - and the pain and hurt when it is misused.  So many facets, so many layers.  I loved being able to see the first draft of this, and then watch as you tightened and perfected.  Like an artist, carving wood to life.     Some lines I found particularly poignant:

as he picks the scabs from his old affairs
we trust in what you believe yourself to be

as if, you fool, the tears spent on your shoulders
count for nothing
as if our own tolerance is somehow
less than yours…

and instead of departure,
you choose condemnation
to wallow in your disenchantment
waiting for the next angel out…


I'll just start pasting the whole poem back down again, but you get the idea...I really liked this.  I loved seeing it worked out, and how well the final turned out.  This is not a shallow puddle-like evil poem, this is well thought out and much deeper than it appears.  

shh dahling

Christopher
Moderator
Member Rara Avis
since 1999-08-02
Posts 8296
Purgatorial Incarceration
19 posted 2002-06-20 03:54 AM


i agree that it is deeper than some might be allowing it - i disagree on it not being a lashing-out poem. i understand the emotions behind it as well as anyone could - we know this - however, it seems somewhat irresponsible to paint a picture without using all the colors. you can still end up with a really nice painting, but what it represents isn't reality... instead, as with much good artwork, it shows the artist's perception of... whatever. that's good. in this case, what i see is a woman who's been hurt and is lashing out. i see her taking the pain and filling it in with the colors she chooses, while foregoing the others that would put it into the context of reality.

for the most part, i think it's a good poem, though i'd like to see that saddish smile remember the other grins it's put on, and the words you don't see here in this poem... instead of the words taken out of context and twisted around. with that change, it might be a good release poem instead of what seems to me a one-sided rant.

Skyfyre
Senior Member
since 1999-08-15
Posts 1906
Sitting in Michael's Lap
20 posted 2002-06-20 07:35 AM


*chuckle*

Well ... uhm ... ?

No ambiguity here.  I wouldn't quite call it a lashing-out ... but I'm pretty sure the release felt good nonetheless.  I believe it is, as Nicole said, a healing poem.

On the content, there are always times when we, as flawed beings, insist on idealizing things.  Not surprisingly, we are almost always disappointed.  Some of us just make a career out of it ...

Your image of the paper dolls was quite apt, although the "instant girlfriend - just add water" detracted from the image (sorry, it was funny, but broke the flow).

On your comment about "I wish someone had written something like this earlier ..."  -- do you really think it would have mattered?  

*hugs*

Glad to know you're still among the living.  Drop me a line sometime.

~Moi

Elizabeth Cor
Senior Member
since 2000-10-13
Posts 879
Over the river and through the woods
21 posted 2002-06-20 01:37 PM


'nother smile to Sharon.

ethome & Pilgrimage, thank you!


Nic, sigh. can I just say thank you and have you know the full of what your reply means? Grateful for your interpretation, for seeing this exactly as it was intended… ~smile~ and for helping to get this OUT by allowing me to be honest with myself through consent, tolerance, and understanding, and most importantly, through example.

Can I have my lollipop now?

~~~

“i agree that it is deeper than some might be allowing it … i understand the emotions behind it as well as anyone could - we know this - however, it seems somewhat irresponsible to paint a picture without using all the colors. you can still end up with a really nice painting, but what it represents isn't reality…”

Chris, you’ve nailed it! Exactly what the author was describing: a person who chooses to “paint” one side using only flattering shades instead of simply acknowledging reality. Which is irresponsible not only to himself and his own well-being, but to all those around him whom it harms. Excellent interpretation!

However it’s not a poem written out of grief, a woman “lashing out” in anger, or agony… instead, she’s past the pain… and shaking her head at all the pretty colors she once swallowed and tried -- against all her better instincts -- to believe in.

Thanks for your input!

~~~

Linda,

“On the content, there are always times when we, as flawed beings, insist on idealizing things.  Not surprisingly, we are almost always disappointed.  Some of us just make a career out of it ...”

ROFTLMAO!

about the “just add water”
yeah, yeah, I know… again, wasn’t trying for award winning poetry… just trying to make a point with something that wasn’t nauseating to the viewers… healing, yes, with a sense of triumph… and you know what? You’re right… I had to come to this conclusion myself, this late, and it was under my nose the whole damn time… someone else’s poetry wouldn’t have made a whole hell of a lot of difference.

Thank you so much for replying, I needed that chuckle myself.

and dropping a line. er, yeah. I can do that. ~sheepish glance~

Temptress
Moderator
Member Rara Avis
since 1999-06-15
Posts 7136
Mobile, AL
22 posted 2002-06-28 03:26 PM


okies...I'm putting you in my library so I can read you since you don't post that often, and because I'm annoyed that the last post you made dropped again somehow and I think its needs to be read more.
My way of searching for it. jenn finished with long explanation...

How grave is my condition, for I cannot find the words to say, I need you so.
~Sarah MacLachlan~

Elizabeth Cor
Senior Member
since 2000-10-13
Posts 879
Over the river and through the woods
23 posted 2002-06-28 06:12 PM


wow. jenn, thank you so much. i'm grateful and extremely flattered. brightened my day, you did.
serenity blaze
Member Empyrean
since 2000-02-02
Posts 27738

24 posted 2002-06-29 09:56 AM


well, it’ll make a good story
for next time, right?


remember?

smile...

"life, well lived, should be good writing material..." K.Hood--grin? sigh...

loveyou

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