Other daughters' mothers die.
Other women's husbands lie
and cheat
for thirteen years.
But, I don't fear
I'm like the others.
Other mothers' children hurt.
Other mothers' children learn
too soon
that life is pain.
That doesn't keep me awake
like the others.
Others live in other places.
Other names, other faces.
Not me, not mine.
I'm safe if I stay blind
and never find
I'm like the others.
A Magpie Tale
Submitted to Open Link Monday at Real Toads
28 comments:
Oh, yes, if I were blind!! Terrific, MZ!
Sylvia
I really like the way this reads. It's so orderly, so rhythmic, it's like a slightly too-well oiled machine of denial.
There is something really repellent about that picture and the alienation in it--your poem fills its emptiness with emotion and pain, and also reveals how empty it really is at the same time. Another excellent piece, diffuse yet extremely structured, too.
love the flow of this, turning away is an easy out for many
Love the 'others' approach ~~ the art suggests just that. Not me, never me.
what's that very trite saying, "Denial isn't just a river in Egypt". Love the structure and feel of this, MZ
These are words to strike to the heart of every woman - these are things thought on, but seldom put into words as spot on as the ones you have chosen.
The repetition of form gives the impression that these thoughts plague the thinker.
unfortunately i find even the blind, and maybe more oftem them, find that they are bitten just as bad by realities rabid dog
Dear MamaZen: It is always "The Others" isn't it. Easy to place the scapegoat blame-game on other's shoulders I suppose. "Not me!" Excellent food for thought!
Mama Zen,
Things happen! A strong resolve pays off. Your poem says so! Great!
Hank
I'm telling you ... this painting has spawned some the very best poems that I have read here in a few days. And yours is no different ... just excellent!
I often argue victimhood takes two. Things happen, which makes a casualty. Victimhood is how we react to that. We CAN rise above it.
I think your poem brought this out perfectly.
Nice work...If I don't look, I won't see..denial is such a destructive force...
a striking take on the prompt! i can hear the denial in the rhythm. really amazing! ♥
Very creative.. though that "blindness" can be a metaphor in itself.. not looking and accepting reality...enjoyed this ~
Oh, I love this. You have captured the mysteriousness of the photo perfectly, MZ!
Interesting take. The final stanza is a real clincher.
Too many people wear such social blinders, just staring straight ahead, totally detached from others.
So many actually live this way.
Between the photo and the words, there is a haunting sense of the vacancy that purposeful ignorance brings.
How poignant, this rendering of the classic "it could never happen to me".
I really liked this one. It feels like me. Orderly, succinct, and nothing like those others. :)
I like your interpretation of the prompt and the thoughtful poem you have made of it. Thank you.
Well written, and powerfully stated! Love the ending, the choice to be blind.
loved how you spoke the distance into being...
Great take on the picture, kiddo. I love the "others, not me" as she tries to stay safe, "if I stay blind". wowzers. Good one!
One of my favorites this week as you got to the heart of the painting, I believe. If they don't see "it", "it" isn't there. blind denial is a foolish thing...
To stand in other's shoes is to see the world ... well written poem
Superb Magpie!
Anna :o]
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