SHADOWS
Was it love, my dear...
your words of criticism?
If so,
why do they still torment?
Like a faithful companion,
your declarations
envelope me.
Hateful and mean.
Destructive and debilitating.
Unshakable - everlasting.
No matter how I try
to shake their hold
they follow and pounce.
In sadness and gloom
I commiserate.
You’ve cast your words of love
in an ever-oppressing haze
where secretly I wallow.
For the world must never know
the true depth of your hate.
Or that you killed my essence
and left
just a shadow.
Yolanda Renée (C) 2020
Ouch.
ReplyDeleteWhoever it was who said that sticks and stones will break my bones but words will never hurt me was a complete stranger to the truth.
So true, Sue. So true!
DeleteYes, words can really hurt. Actions too.
ReplyDeleteExactly!
DeleteMesmerising. You've made hate a shadow of love. Unlike sticks and stones words cannot break bones. Yet, words are not lame and they can do harm. They can break relationships.
ReplyDeleteYes, exactly. Thanks, Sanhita!
DeletePowerful!
ReplyDeleteWords wrapped within emotions and abuse cause so much harm.
Very true, Jemi. Most of the time bullying is just that!
DeleteThis hit a nerve - sometimes you don't realise what is happening until you look back. Great writing.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Sally!
DeleteThis really touched me, Renee! Loved the imagery and it was perfect for the theme this month.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Lee, appreciate that!
DeleteWords surpass the weight possessed by stones. Well done, Yolanda.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Christopher!
DeleteOuch. Sometimes people forget that words are mightier than weapons.
ReplyDeleteYes, they do. Thanks, Bernadette!
DeleteOh, that's so sad. Sometimes, critique coming from the people we love and trust can be debilitating.
ReplyDeleteIt sure is, especially when said over and over again!
DeleteThat's really sad. ... and I'd be repeating other people's comments, so I'll stop there.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Jemima!
DeleteWow! Powerful, and painfully close to a nerve. Great writing!
ReplyDeleteExtremely close, thank you, Donna!
DeleteThis is a haunting and powerful poem! It's sad how many people can relate to this. Words can cut far deeper than many realize.
ReplyDeleteYes, it's very sad. Thanks, Laura!
DeleteI've been in that kind of relationship. This resonates with me all too well.
ReplyDeleteNaughty Netherworld Press
I'm sorry you suffered so. Thanks, Ornery Owl!
DeleteThis was heartbreaking and beautiful at the same time. How these shadows of subtle abuse never leave us. Very well brought out.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Sonia for your kind words!
DeleteWords can be sharp knives, their cuts take a longer time to heal than those inflicted by steel ones. Brilliant!
ReplyDeleteSometimes the don't heal, but remain open wounds that weep and destroy a life. Thanks, Nila!
DeleteHi,
ReplyDeleteI like this. It shows the shadow of a woman who has lost the reason to live.
Wonderfully portrayed.
Shalom aleichem,
Pat Garcia
Thank you, Pat, she is a very wounded creature!
DeleteThe layers within a poisonous relationship powerfully portrayed by your poem.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Kalpana!
DeleteThanks Yolanda. Poetry is the answer this month. Happy WEP week.
ReplyDeletePoetry should be the answer any time. Thanks, Susan!
DeleteRenee, this is so powerful. I LOVE IT! Hurt can bring out the best writing, not that that's much consolation. Those last two stanzas, wow.
ReplyDelete'For the world must never know
the true depth of your hate.
Or that you killed my essence
and left
just a shadow.'
If this person killed your essence...reclaim it with serious intent. No one should mess with our essence, although it does cast a long shadow.
Thank you, Denise that means a lot. Some wounds refuse to heal, especially when the person keeps rubbing those wounds raw!
DeleteYour capture is incredible, and your words and quest does deserve high credits and an answer!
ReplyDeleteThank you!
DeleteGreat take on the prompt. I feel the imagery, the shadow of what should have been love, all harsh words turned into hate. Nicely done. Powerful.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Toi, that means a lot!
DeleteBrilliant. In German, the word for slander is „Rufmord“ = character assassination, or, literally, „reputation-murder“. Here the murder is devastatingly clear. Painful to read but very well done.
ReplyDeleteThank you, that's interesting information!
DeletePowerful! Love it.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Jamie!
DeleteHi Yolanda - you've certainly captured the cruelty of abuse - and now there must be so much going on ... and I thought the way you described the way she felt, and her loss of herself as very powerful ...
ReplyDelete"Or that you killed my essence
and left
just a shadow."
I hope many can get through this era - I know some have managed to escape in the past ... but the shadow will always be there ...
You certainly gave us uncomfortable food for thought ... control by others is not welcome - take care and all the best to you - Hilary
Thank you, Hilary, appreciate your words and understanding!
DeleteA story well told, yet
ReplyDeleteshadows hide deep within
What one thought was love
should have never been
The love that was destroyed
it is truly a sin
for if they break free
few will love again
Thank you, your words always amaze!
ReplyDelete