A throat cut by a shadow's edge

sorenbarrett

Blood bleeds heavy from wounds of the betrayed watering embroidered flowers of guilt
In these beds many colors are bled under scented sheets and a patchwork quilt
To stay warm memories must deform stretched on a phantom dream
In drunken sleep we bury deep a muffled grave's scream

 

From an infected womb a hollow tomb where ghosts rise
The face of a friend a smile does bend with a tongue's lies
Maggots do breed where flies feed, soiling what one holds dear
Deceit's seeds grow as weeds no herbicide will clear

 

Out of a blind eye, rain from a cracked sky, poison drops on sterile ground
A silent cry, pain calls in echoes dry that stops where peril is found
Forgiveness prays in pious displays on the bent calloused knees of lies
With an operatic breath rage feigns its death, wearing a Marlon Brando disguise

Comments +

Comments10

  • nephilim56 ( Norman Dickson)

    much enjoyed my friend, great descriptions

  • Lorenz

    Hmm...Improvise a table -turning seance with Marlon Brando is a risky business...

    • sorenbarrett

      Thanks Lorenz the seance is not so bad until the poker game starts played with tarot cards.

    • Thomas W Case

      This poem feels dark and visceral, weaving betrayal and decay into imagery that refuses to soften its edges. There’s a heavy, almost suffocating intensity here, where guilt and deception take root and grow into something inescapable.

      • sorenbarrett

        Thank you so much Thomas I highly value your comment as it fits well the intent of the poem and gratifies me that this came through to you. Much appreciated my friend.

      • arqios

        Betrayal corrupts everything, memory, friendship, perception, etc. Forgiveness in that light becomes a performance that masks rage that never truly dies. Makes one wonder if we have become an angry culture.

        • sorenbarrett

          Thanks so much Cryptic so true it does corrupt indeed and I too ask if it has infected the culture with anger.

          • arqios

            And here I see that poetry is a great catalyst and equaliser 🙏🏻🕊️

            • sorenbarrett

              Let us hope my friend

            • orchidee

              Good write Marlon, erm, SB. lol.

              • sorenbarrett

                Thanks Orchi I was going to say that I wished I was Marlon but then I realized that I would be dead.

                • orchidee

                  A comedy film has someone saying to someone else 'How did you find out you were not dead?' And the reply was 'Well, I saw my picture in the paper!' lol.

                  • sorenbarrett

                    Willie Nelson said he woke up and saw his name in the paper saying he was dead after wrote I ain't dead yet. I some years ago went to apply for a credit card and was denied when I inquired why I was told that it was because I was deceased. Swear to God that is a true story and now that you reminded me of it I might have to make a poem out of it.

                  • Tristan Robert Lange

                    What a dark and visceral piece, Soren. The devastation reaches far beyond the original violation…affecting trust, recollection, and every hollow attempt at reconciliation afterward. I know that terrain all too well. Outstanding poem, my friend! 🌹🖤🙏🕯️🐦‍⬛

                    • sorenbarrett

                      Thank you my friend for the review and understanding comment it means a great deal and is most valued

                    • Paul Bell

                      Betrayal's a strange one and it always catches you on the hoof.
                      Enemies you expect and are ready for, but the one beside you who betrays you is ten times worse than your enemy.
                      Probably why we go through life seeking vengence.

                      • sorenbarrett

                        Thanks Paul for the read and comment your reasoning makes sense and is most appreciated

                      • Teddy.15

                        Life itself embroidered into poetry. Superb 🌹

                        • sorenbarrett

                          Thank you my friend it is most appreciated

                        • Kevin Hulme

                          Is that Brando the Man or one of his Characters?
                          On a different note: Someone on Television a few years back mentioned that since Peter Falk had a Glass Eye; did that mean the Character of Columbo had a Glass Eye? Was it mentioned?
                          As usual a Good Write.

                          • sorenbarrett

                            Thank you so much Kevin I appreciate the read and comment yes all the masks Brando wore and I believe it was a real glass eye

                            • Kevin Hulme

                              My Pleasure as always.

                            • Neville


                              Ouch' I know a damned good hit man who owes me a favour .. just shout if you need anything okay ..

                              • sorenbarrett

                                Thanks Neville for the review and compassion. Fortunately not all poems are about me but thanks for the offer.



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