A Haggard Crone
With bloodless fist
The rheumy eye
And tottering list
Her argent hair
Bleached white and dry
Her wavering voice
Her silent cry
A shambling walk
A sideways glance
A familiar gait
St Vitus Dance
A stalk in a sea
Of swaying reeds
A raft of want
And screaming needs
Towers above
Blind walls around
Pass by her peers
Look to the ground
Time’s rigid embrace
To speed the way
A blurry moment
Each passing day
And so it ends
The curtains drop
A brief applause
Bother not to stop
Many are they
Ghosts of the Night
Dried up husks
Leeched bones of white
Carmen Cilliers
Wow Mark – simply awsome! So this is what comes out of you when you find long lost family?
Mark German
Thanks, Carmen.
This is what comes out in my ‘down’ cycle – which unfortunately quickly follows my ‘up’ cycle …
MissKristy
Mark…beautifully written. Quite haunting words.
This will stick in my mind for a long time;
‘A stalk in a sea
Of swaying reeds
A raft of want
And screaming needs’
xox
Carmen Cilliers
Well it’s beautifully written, I love it. Down and up cycles… do you also have bipolar?
demon
Exo writing Mark….me likes this
Bruce Watson
Evocative piece, Mark. It reminded me vaguely of the bard’s: ’....The actor struts and frets his hour upon the stage etc…...’. (So consider yourself in exalted company!) Another string to your bow, to be sure. And Carmen, just because you have ups and downs don’t mean you’re bi-polar…...which is kinda like: ‘just because you’re paranoid doesn’t mean they’re not out to get you.’
Carmen Cilliers
Bruce, that’s not what I am saying! I know lots of people on this site with it ok, and I was just asking, which if you don’t mind, Mark can comment on. Actually Mark, delete my comment – it will make Bruce happy, and respectfully I apologise for asking you an inappropriate question.
Mark German
It’s ok, Carmen, and thanks Bruce :)
I don’t believe I have that illness.
I am not sure, but I do not believe so.
Lisa Jewell
I’ve read this piece several times and each time, I read more and see more….
Exceptional writing, Mark…
Christina Martin
WOW! such meaning Mark! Well done!
Suzanne German
A stunning piece Mark – love it! – absolutely!
mick8585
Nice imagery mate. Well chosen words.
Jen Whyte
Incredible word painting!
Luckyvegetable
Brilliant, rhythmic, percussive. All that good stuff. I know you don’t care either way, but I thought I’d write it down anyway ;)
clarkey
This has everything I look for in poetry – a rolling rhythm, and rhyme. It tells an evocative story. of loneliness and, perhaps, misery. Beautifully written, Mark.