the night bursts
a tinderbox on my hands -
what was closed, dilated
&
leaned forward
defying lines & customary ex-
change of words
rain seeps
a dark splinter in my bones -
what was keyed up, flayed
&
struck, firebolt
dripping down my thighs, turning everything
fresh wound
Posted for Imaginary Garden for Real Toads - Word List from M (grapeling): fresh, burst, defy, chain, struck, forward, exchange, customary, prefer, close
& Poets United - Keys
Ah, 'a tinderbox in my hand,' the rain, and the firebolt -- you really gave a vivid picture of a summer storm, Grace! Nicely crafted.
ReplyDeleteI too love the opening images...sounds like a very good storm to be wrapped up in
ReplyDeleteA storm of a different kind, with a bare behind haha
ReplyDeleteoh my...this ends with a bit of heat...and fresh take on key as well using it as a verb...i also like the tinderbox of the heart in the opening...nice energy in this one grace....
ReplyDeletehappy wednesday
Oh My. Where to begin? I used to love those summer storms where rain mingled with sweat and other moisture whenever that tinderbox found my hands ... so you bring back memories with a smile rather than an ache, turning the pressure of the present into a pleasant storm indeed. And, as you write in extremes, let me admit that pleasantness isn't a beginning but a bi-product that makes me want to visit your poems again and again. Love the "dark splinter in my bones" and "fresh wound" and "defying lines & customary ex- / change of words." I suppose all these words together should make me think of more violent violations, but it took lots of thought to bring them to that edge and to distress after such a memory burst and such a photograph.
ReplyDelete"a dark splinter in my bones" made me shiver. So visual, palpable and deep...
ReplyDeleteIt's now what you meant it to be, but this describes exactly what is going on in le Tour on the cobblestones in Belgium in the rain and mud and frantic effort it is like WW1 out there. Riders are falling all over the place with many a dark splinter. Favourites dropping out, wounded and defeated.
ReplyDeleteA very vivid picture painted by your words... Amazing!!
ReplyDeleteThe words you expertly chose here give this poem a stiletto-like edge, dark, sharp, piercing. Fine writing, Grace.
ReplyDeleteThe night bursts a tinderbox on my hands." Great use of tension, build up and energy in this poem, Grace.
ReplyDeleteThe build-up is amazing!
ReplyDeletelove the opening lines..and the closing ones too..you have crafted this nicely..
ReplyDeleteOh my. And Wow!!! Another (??) fun to read sensuous poem from your keyboard.
ReplyDeleteVery nice, Grace. Clever too, I could never have thought of a "fresh dripping wound" in this context.
..
Oh my the visions within engulf my heart and soul. A very moving piece!
ReplyDeleteyou definitely turned things up with this one. some intense images here.
ReplyDeleteFrom your first image to the last, your poem is captivating.
ReplyDeleteI couldn't agree more.
DeleteGrace,
ReplyDeleteYou have woven these words from a list into a very sensual storm...
love this burst of energy and the sensual imagery Grace..
ReplyDeletewhoosh... seamless, sexy, and a bit scary, Heaven. thank you for joining in ~ M
ReplyDeleteyour poems always contain some kind of physical pain, dear... Shouldn't love be soothing?
ReplyDeleteafter rain, the sun will come out and everything will be fine!
ReplyDeletethis just sizzles, all the way through. "the night bursts a tinderbox on my hands" is such an incredible, indelible image.
ReplyDeletewith the accompanying image, I pictured romance during a storm in the showers. how sensual and eye-opening. it's truly a key.
ReplyDeleteJamztoma
Jamztoma.blogspot.com
Grace! Late to the game, but wow. Here's my interpretation: PMS into menstruation. That is how it hit me, from the woman's point of view. Either way, simply grand poem, my dear. Amy
ReplyDeletethe opening line is captivating… and the whole poem works itself up and - no happily ever after here.
ReplyDeleteMy oh my .. this touches every inch of me! I love how you make sensuous sizzle.
ReplyDeleteBreath taking...
ReplyDeletesplinters, fresh wounds, a thin line between pleasure and pain? that's what i get from this. and also strength and defiance.
ReplyDeleterain seeps
ReplyDeletea dark splinter in my bones -
what was keyed up, flayed
A lot of goings-on and can be seen in many layers. A lovers quarrel for one can be most intriguing. Relevant for other situations where emotions are invoked. Wonderful write Grace!
Hank
This feels simultaneously sensual and subtle. Plenty to unpack with so few words. Great read.
ReplyDeleteThis is alive!! Beautiful, Grace!
ReplyDeleteWonderfully crafted imagery Grace!
ReplyDelete