“fractious fractals”
Streetlamp fracture —
a hand lifts into stone.
Shadow pressed flat,
pavement swallows the gesture.
Petal of asphalt,
rain glosses its edge.
Wall breaks light,
a bird pivots mid‑air.
Faces blur,
glass aperture holds them.
Train breath,
shadow slides across tile.
Tongue of rain,
syllables scatter on tin.
Chalk petals,
erased by a passing shoe.
Stone cools,
light fractures its edge.
.
.
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Author:
crypticbard (Pseudonym) (
Offline) - Published: December 11th, 2025 05:00
- Comment from author about the poem: Footnote: This poem is composed in a prototype form called the Ban‑Cycle Stanza. Each stanza operates under a rotating ban‑list: certain motifs are forbidden in one stanza, then required in the next, while new bans are introduced. The cycle creates tension through absence and renewal through return, making constraint itself the generative engine of the poem.
- Category: Unclassified
- Views: 54
- Users favorite of this poem: sorenbarrett, Tristan Robert Lange
Offline)
Comments6
A fave for the introduction of a new style to me. You taught me something today and that is worth a great deal. The poem itself is alluring in that its mystery of meaning keeps the mind working. The title to the first line seem evident then it becomes fractals indeed leaving me to find the pattern. You have grown quite complex my friend.
Only with the interaction of friends like you. As they say, ‘as iron sharpens iron…’ else I would be too timid to launch out into the deep. Than you so much, Soren. 🕊️🙏🏻
Believe me you have nothing to be timid about as one of the best poets on this or any other site
Now steady on, says Fido to me. The title - A F-F-F-Fine write A! I came across a word, not all dictionaries have it - anfractuosity (twisting, winding, curving, etc).
I dunno if I'm coming or going, what with bans and forbiddings. Fido says it's too much for me with only my 3 brain cells. heehee.
Thanks O, just a bit of fun 🤩
Did you know my X-rated poem? The first verse is:
Ohhh, F, F, F, and F
And furthermore F, F, F, and F
Even F, F, F, and F
Ever ans always - F, F, F, and F!
Steady on Orchi, says Fido - me ears are burning now! lol.
Just imagine putting that to song. Oh wait, some folk had already one that. And I thought (rather naively, now it seems) that They would never have the gall to allow them to be aired!
You have fractious fractals, me...spacious specters! 🤣 All jokes aside, this is beautifully crafted…the streetlamp fracture, the rain-slick petals of asphalt, the shadows slipping along tile. Each fragment catches light just long enough to change shape. Loved this piece, dear friend. 🌹🖤🙏🕯️🐦⬛
Waves and waves of light, washing over everything under the sun!
A new one on me this . Interesting and a good Write.
It’s quite fun actually. Thanks, Kevin🕊️🙏🏻
Things are often changing in our lives Rik.
Andy
And quite a lot if changes they are! Thanks, Andy 🙏🏻🕊️
I didn't get it, then I did.
I think I seen a shadow.
And shadows move and play!🕊️🙏🏻
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