Like a Man

Aislinn Wilson

She swallows her bile like a man

Hands over her mouth

Golden phlegm

 

Slashing her gut like a soldier

Droplets of viscera travel

Entrails at foot

 

She laps at bloody palms

Like a dog

Like a saint

 

Removing her sandals

The prophet, she speaks

The ramble of the bramble tongue

 

Pins pressed to pupils

Like a king

She gouges and scrapes

 

She stands unrepentant

She lies awake

Like her father she breathes, “More weight.”

 

  • Author: Aislinn Wilson (Offline Offline)
  • Published: April 11th, 2018 07:24
  • Comment from author about the poem: WARNING: This could be considered graphically violent or disturbing imagery. I'd really appreciate constructive criticism on this one. I consider it unfinished. I'd like to know what isn't working here and what is.
  • Category: Unclassified
  • Views: 66
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Comments3

  • orchidee

    Ohhh I've had a sheltered life. Please excuse me, I've just been sick. Not that I'm sick of the poem! lol.
    Is she having a bad hair-day?! She does not seem to be having one of her happiest days - under-statement of the year?!

  • orchidee

    Bit more seriously - I don't know. I'm not really into 'dark' poems. I don't find it helpful to encourage others in 'dark' poems either.

    • Aislinn Wilson

      I didn't really consider this dark at the time of writing or posting this, but I suppose it does cross into that category. A lot of imagery was intended to evoke real historical occurrences or pre-existing conventions in mythology.

      Perhaps next time I should offer some form of warning. It's unfortunate to hear you had such a visceral reaction.

      • orchidee

        Oops I joked a bit. I was not sick really. Oh I see, it's partly to do with mythology.

      • Sunshinefalling

        I like it. I take it to mean the woman who must be incrediably strong. To act as a man. To be a warrior - one of her true natures. Well written really. Lovely.

        • Aislinn Wilson

          That's an interesting take. Thank you much.



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