And when she tore out of there
she forced her eyes open but
shouldered the dream--
wait! was she waking or
was this the dwam
before sleep?
She couldn't tell...
But it was right there,
with her in
the darkened room.
The warm sensation of a
beefy hand cuffing her wrist
tightened so hard-- her pulse, louder
than the grandfather clock's tock,
deafened her. But the hand-- she wished
she'd left a chink in the curtains so
she could check and recount whose it was.
One could choke from such a *stranglehold.
The thought gave rise to choking, so
she opened wide her mouth to
the uneven cadence
of double breathing. It pumped out
her chest: up and down, up and down
as if she'd been crying.
By the time she'd slid off
bed to pull curtains, the hand had
ceased its grip and her breath steadied.
But it was raining-- no! a new urgency:
she'd forgotten to fetch Tigo's riding boots.
Now she was over-breathing,
Now she was dazed.
Steadying herself afresh,
she realized
she was alone
in her room,
and no,
she hadn't left any boots
outdoors. Tigo was dead.
So entwined were her days and nights,
so anxious was she awake, as
in sleep, that she couldn't
tell the difference at times.
***
© 2022 selmamartin.com
Day Twenty-Six
on APRIL 26, 2022
Wow! just five days left to go! NaPoWriMo, you’ve tired me out, but I’m happy I’ve stuck
around. Thanks so much for these fantastic prompts. And thanks so much to everyone
who’s been reading and sharing encouragement. You guys are the best!
I’m not sure I got this Homeric simile to work, but this is the best I can do. And as far as
the word order goes, I’m thrilled with where the challenge landed me: For once, I completed the poem early, but struggled to find a good title. What I really want to
asphyxiate is the anxiety that grips her when she’s most vulnerable.
Overall, the challenge pointed me to how much I still do not know. Wowed.
My poor protag: her name’s Angela, so flawed and yet so beautiful; she’s a character in
my unpublished novel– I took a scene and rewrote it into this poem… Perhaps one day
I’ll have the novel polished for you to read. A big dream I have.
*stranglehold is an exaggeration, especially since it’s around the wrist *smile*
Today, I’d like to challenge you to write a poem that contains at least one of a different kind of simile – an epic simile. Also known as Homeric similes, these are basically extended similes that develop over multiple lines. PLEASE CLICK ON THE LINK FOR EXAMPLES, BETTER EXPLANATION + more. LOVELY!
Banner and Buttons, Maureen Thorson.
Thanks so much for reading and commenting. xoxo
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- Clasp The Hands and Know: A Poem by John Masefield - November 7, 2024
- Wordless Wednesday - November 6, 2024
Well done, friend. The poem reminded me of a dream, or waking from a nightmare with my husband shaking me out of the scary place my mind had taken me.
Nightmares are scary occurrences indeed. I shiver knowing you were reminded. Dream happy dreams, dear Kathryn. *wink* I bless you… xoxo
Wel, well, well. If this poem is any indication of what can be looked forward to with your novel. It will be a sure hit! Carry on, Selma!!!
Annette, this comment made me smile big. Gosh, you’re a gem. Thanks so very much. I will talk to the muse and carry on as best I can… I bless you.
You follow that big dream! Powerful stuff here, Selma. Love it 💕🙂
I bestow you with the best cheerleader award, Harmony. Thanks xoxo
Dear Selma do follow that big dream of yours and bless us with your amazing novel, even a small glimpse of it here has already made me restless to read the whole book. ❤️🙂
Hey, Daphny, I’m sure I have lots of catching up to do. I will get there… Thanks for the vote of confidence. Blessings going your way. XO
Take your time Selma, no rush at all. You’re most welcome, I am very sure you will. Sending you lots of love and hugs. xoxo
Fascinating piece, Selma – I want to know more!
I want to know more… those lines are music. Thank you. I will contact you when I’m ready. ExperimentsInFiction Label Please. xoxo *wink*
😉
Oh my Selma. This broke my heart. But such is the nature of loss and grief. Taken up something along the same lines today.
Thanks, Sonia. I’m trying to catch up some today. So forgive the tardy response. I bless you. Will see you later tonight…
Oh my Selma. This broke my heart. Such is the nature of loss/grief.
Sweet girl, you commented twice… We’re all tired here. hahaha… xoxo
I got caught up in her anxiety! Well written.
As you know, that’s the biggest compliment– you got caught up in the vortex of my words. Tremendous. Thanks for being this sweet. I bless you because you’re a gem. How are the birds? xoxo
I think stranglehold was perfect. It was as gripping as I imagined the hand would be 😊
stranglehold. Yes, I was going for something gripping like that. So happy you liked it. Thanks for saying. xoxo
These opening lines have to be a new favorite of your writing! I love the power in them and the startling imagery that bursts into being: “And when she tore out of there
she forced her eyes open but
shouldered the dream . . .” Lovely!
Jaya, thanks so much. Makes me happy and gives me confidence to know this. Be well, stay sweet. Forgive if I haven’t been as supportive with you, I will catch up… xoxo
A gripping piece, Selma.
Pulled from spam. Sorry for the late response, dear Gloria. I’m glad to receive your lovely thoughts. Blessings. xo
Wow, this poem really captures the feeling of waking from a bad dream but not feeling any relief.
Appreciative for your lovely comment. So glad that came through for you. Thanks for the visit and comment. Blessings and Miracles be with you.
Selma, the anxiety was palpable! Such a fascinating write.
May your blessings abound, sweet P.
intriguing, gripping .. all of the elements for a great READ* and keeping us engaged Selma. Great job! 💖💖👏
You bless me with such a comment, lady. Thanks. I bless you back. Stay sweet. xoxo
I could feel her. Well done. I hope you release your novel one day as well. Today and two more days!
Manja, so happy to have gone through this with you here cheerleading me on. You are a tremendous inspiration for me. Love your style and your big heart. Stay sweet… xoxo (glad that Post Card is ‘closer’ to you now) I bless you. xoxo My first one going to your area. So happy for the Mail Service today. xoxo I bless you.
That was Homeric, all right! *applause*