Married addiction
adopted denial
settled for basics
Espoused spirituality
ignored infidelity,
pulled down the blinds.
Believed compassion
could compensate
for indifference.
Limited my outlook
to windows, too insecure
to de-smudge the pane.
Missed the gaping doorways,
the blatant rudeness
of belligerent disrespect
Till withdrawal prompted
accountability, commanded
ownership, changed the lock.
(Image from personal collection.)
I am sculptor,
shapeshifter –
carve persona
from cold rock –
a master illusionist
elude sharp corners
molded in mist –
pray reputation
does not pursue me.
I trace the fibre
of each of your lies,
note the intricacy
of their overlapping –
marvel at the depths
of your scheming,
still suffering aftershock
of deception’s braid.
(Tuesdays I borrow from my Twitter poetry. Visit me @Vjknutson. Image from personal collection.)
Novice, a word that negates
experience, knowledge, merit –
capability under suspicion.
I novice myself frequently,
as if vulnerability is a sideline
and humility commands denigration.
A tired and weary state –
yes, this is me, new and willing
to learn, but I am not novice.
So before you judge, adjust
your professional spectacles,
snub my potential, hear this:
Value is immeasurable –
unique contributions
enhance collective offerings.
(Reena’s Exploration challenge this week is based on “The Story of An Hour” which challenges us to examine our life and limitations. I dream over and over again that I have returned to teaching only to find that the years I have put in have been negated by my absence and I have to begin again. Starting over is not a new theme in my life, but my attitude about is finally changing, as represented in the poem. Image from personal collection.)
Cocooned, I am
enclosed, secure
shut down
Ignore initial
stirring –
like a skipped
heartbeat
Convinced
this retreat
is cemented
Have had enough
life too harsh
soul too sensitive
and yet, there it is
again – gathering
momentum uninvited
sensations, emotions
morphing into words
commanding expression
growing wings,
battering my barriers
flocking towards light
poems emerge
and I am stripped naked
exposed once again.
(Inspired by the prompts of Ragtag Community: stir, and Reena’s Exploration Challenge who provided the featured image.)
I am Eve
living with accusations
storage full
Commissioned to clear
the backlash of parked myths –
vessels in need of repair
The path is uneven
littered with stones thrown,
still I proceed, plan
Patriarchy stands by
smugly vilifying
I am the snake
Deceit my foe
control my folly
battling a lost cause
Till rebirth redefines
innocence, grabs
serpent by the tail.
(Image from personal collection.)
In darkness, eyes open
search for light –
touch fear
find faith
In darkness, I stumble
lose my way,
stop, pray,
listen anew
In darkness, vulnerability
strength emerges
priorities engage
soul mends.
(For Reena’s Exploration challenge – prompt is title of this piece; and Ragtag Community’s – mend. Â Image from personal collection.)
Across the miles, our words convene, threads of our lives intertwining to form a tapestry. Stories of sorrow and kindness, humanity restored – of observation and empathy of inspiration through resonance of brilliance and artistry. Each thread as colourful as another, delicately added, thoughtful musings. Of generations and legacies, misunderstandings contributing to […]
via Together a Tapestry – V.J. Knutson — FREE VERSE REVOLUTION
Like Mary Quant
sister had the look –
groomed in etiquette,
poise and fine dining
while my boyish antics
merited mixology prep
one destined for the catwalk
the other a life of servitude
She was swank,
I was bistro.
(Image from personal collection)
My memory of you –
distorted by childish exuberance –
distant and disinterested
Translated vacant eyes
through the lens of my needs
child that I was.
Failed to notice
the aura of defeat,
the battered heart
the robotic responses
masking unbelievable sorrow
missed it all
till death knocked
and I saw you anew –
adult lenses now fully secured.
wonder at the fortitude
that kept you upright,
the love that served us both.
No fault here –
on either side –
just a bittersweet understanding.
(Life, in retrospect, offers new revelations. Â Poem inspired by Reena’s Exploration challenge – image as prompt.)
One Woman's Quest 