Tag Archives: Honesty

Voice

It started with a kiss
it was uncalled for

you called me out
who was I to dare lean in?

how dare I presume intimacy
your anger gave you voice

your voice at last had found you
you had plenty that you had to say

plenty more to come when that was said
generations of mothers spoke through you

what these mothers spoke was truth
previously subdued, suppressed

the suppressed at last free to express
it started with a kiss

~

n.b. NaPoWriMo 2022 Day Twenty-seven prompt: write a duplex.

This poem has a history, it is a history in a poem. I am ever grateful for what this kiss taught me, the voice it brought forth.

I hope that it is not too obscure for the general reader.

CLP 27/04/2022

on time / on Ukraine xix

the truth hurts, it burns
eats at our souls if we lie
something more than words

~

n.b. The truth will out. For Marina Ovsyannikova this was the time to stand up and speak her truth.

CLP 15/03/2022

on light

talk to me about
how you really feel. open
my eyes to your heart

~

n.b. Sometimes the evidence is ignored in hope of something different from the obvious. Seeing the light, speaking the truth, is all part and parcel of friendships, relationships and honest conversation.

~

CLP 02/02/2022

on water

I've walked out this far
each wave lifts me off my feet
dive in or retreat?

~

CLP 17/10/201

Me, Tarzan

come on then, come on
when you think you're ready
if you are sure you can
come on then, come on
gather your strength
you'll need it all
when you've mined enough courage
come on then, come on
deepest night, bright of day
you choose the time and weapons
I'm not running, I'm fully primed
come on then, come on
bare your teeth, beat your chest
sharpen your nails
bare your breasts
come on then, come on
I am waiting, I've no fear
drag me to the floor, take me down
it's not a fight, you can't lose
come on then, come on

~

CLP 15/09/2021

On Display

finally at rest

no need for further pretence

true colours revealed

~

CLP 14/07/2021

On Understanding

What relief there is

to know our confusion’s past.

For that I’m grateful.

~

n.b. In a complex world, establishing a little bit of peace, love and understanding is always a good thing, however long it takes to get there.

~

CLP 21/02/2021

On Friendship (continued)

We have all the time

required to be gentle.

Friendship will endure.

~

CLP 03/02/2021

Lockdown 3 (Day 25): Inside

A voice message. I hear the sadness, pain and anguish among the words, the breath, the hesitation and fluctuating voice. It is clear. My heart aches to hear it. There is no way to be there, to wrap arms around, to comfort.

A telephone conversation. I hear the deep breath before confession. I hear what I already thought was so. Apologies are unnecessary. I am grateful for the respect this honesty shows. Thank you for the courage you found to speak. I am relieved to find the story I built around lies can be re-constructed with truths.

A text. I see the angry confusion that comes from frustration; witness the retreat. I recognise the reaction, the wounded withdrawal to safety. This is not my family. It is not for me to intervene. My white charger is out to pasture, but I am here if needed.

~

CLP 30/01/2021

On Playing xix

Game of Truth or Dare!

Which is the most frightening?

Dare to be honest

~

CLP 30/01/2021