The Real LJ Idol * Season 11 * Week 22: Hiraeth
I once sunk deep
into plush moss,
their supple hands
gently packed the
dirt all around
me, whispering.
I was brought back
from the rich soil
by strong fingers
which carried me
to the river,
loving arms
sunk me deep
into the cold
water, singing.
I was swaddled
in thick wool,
walked down the
pine needle path
to the hearth
burning bright
with holly and
laid bare on
the fire-warmed
stone, humming.
there I shed
precious naïveté
like a snake
itchy from skin
that is too tight,
hemming in
the space we
were meant
to take up in the
world, growing.
There I was fed
milk and honey
to take away the
bitter bite of the
potent herbs which
Would awaken me
to the truth of
things, aching.
My heart rended
Slowly, slowly...
over long days and
endless nights,
opening up to
the pain of losing
which I thought was
mine that never was,
yearning
that pulled taut
every nerve,
frayed every fiber
until
I thought I would come
apart at the seams,
at the joints,
at the synapses,
to become
A floating cloud of
loose particles rising
like mist from the
low valleys, which
hold the echoes of
hopes and wild wishes
in the cupped bowl of
the earth’s palms,
where I would stay,
haunting.
***
We made it to the top 20! If you liked this poem and would like to vote for it, please head to the poll: https://therealljidol.livejournal.com where you can then peruse other fantastic entries. The poll closes Thursday, May 21st at 8pm EST
into plush moss,
their supple hands
gently packed the
dirt all around
me, whispering.
I was brought back
from the rich soil
by strong fingers
which carried me
to the river,
loving arms
sunk me deep
into the cold
water, singing.
I was swaddled
in thick wool,
walked down the
pine needle path
to the hearth
burning bright
with holly and
laid bare on
the fire-warmed
stone, humming.
there I shed
precious naïveté
like a snake
itchy from skin
that is too tight,
hemming in
the space we
were meant
to take up in the
world, growing.
There I was fed
milk and honey
to take away the
bitter bite of the
potent herbs which
Would awaken me
to the truth of
things, aching.
My heart rended
Slowly, slowly...
over long days and
endless nights,
opening up to
the pain of losing
which I thought was
mine that never was,
yearning
that pulled taut
every nerve,
frayed every fiber
until
I thought I would come
apart at the seams,
at the joints,
at the synapses,
to become
A floating cloud of
loose particles rising
like mist from the
low valleys, which
hold the echoes of
hopes and wild wishes
in the cupped bowl of
the earth’s palms,
where I would stay,
haunting.
***
We made it to the top 20! If you liked this poem and would like to vote for it, please head to the poll: https://therealljidol.livejournal.com where you can then peruse other fantastic entries. The poll closes Thursday, May 21st at 8pm EST