Don’t blame the sinner.
The pleas all catch in
her throat like
words, ashes
on the tips of their tongues,
all disappeared in
cupped mouths now,
in curious noise,
in sheets like
tangled ribbon.
She is
broken glass,
a vorticose tunnel
of sweet rhythms
and soft hands,
a queen of pawns.
Sinning is easy when
there is no focus
in her eyes.
Don’t hold the sinner when she
wears that black veil
like some golden crown,
like sanctity above
warm shoulders,
worn lips,
’cause while sweat still crawls down
spines
she is turning down the lights
in the marriage bed.
********
This is my response to this week’s Speakeasy over at Yeah Write. The prompt requires writers to include “Don’t blame the sinner” as the first line of a fiction or poetry piece of 750 words or less; writers must also make some sort of reference to the above painting. Hope you enjoyed my contribution!
This is a great piece Nicole. Stunning imagery.
Caught you on TMS by the way. What a killer experience that must have been.
Keep Inspiring
John
John,
Thank you so much. 🙂 And so awesome you saw me!! I was amazed at how many times I saw my face, haha!
As much as I wish they would have filmed in the Bay Area (my home and arguably the birthplace of thrash) It is good to see those guys back home in their own stomping grounds. Was happy to see you there and glad it rocked.
Even Matt Nathanson seemed to know his way around metal which was pretty cool. I know a lot of people were in an uproar because he was going to be on the show.
Yeah that was a bit strange but cool in it’s own way. Kinda validates that metal goes beyond it’s own genre and touches other musicians and fans.
I knew I’d love it as soon as I saw you posted it! I love how you choose your words so carefully. They seem very well thought out.
Thank you, Deanna!!! 🙂
really nice…..
I could visualize the sweat crawling down her spine. It is a wonderful poem.
Thank you, ranu 🙂
Awesome! Wonderful writing… I loved all of it, but ‘worn lips’ is so excellent!
Thank you, aisha!!
The imagery was so vivid I almost got goosebumps for I felt it was so real! Thanks for sharing !
Thank you for reading, and for your kind words, nabanita!
How you paint such vivid pictures and evoke gut-punch feelings with so few words is beyond me. (Can you sense the poet-envy?!?!)
Loved it, Nicole.
Your comments always make me smile, ahhh I am so flattered, lady! Thank you xoxo
Wonderful poem – I especially like the last stanza with the black veil 🙂
Beautifully written! Great imagery and awesome mood. The second stanza is fantastic and those last two lines are perfect. Thanks for joining us at the speakeasy! 🙂
Thank you so much, Suzanne! Love the writing challenges, I’ll be joining again next week! 🙂
Powerful emotions in here!Loved the lines,”Don’t hold the sinner when she
wears that black veil
like some golden crown,
like sanctity above
warm shoulders,” 🙂
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