NaPoWriMo 2013 Day 15 ~ Swallowing Stones


She scrubbed her words
until they were polished
with the shine of acceptance.

Playing normal was harder than she expected.
It was like burlap chafing her skin.

Just a few days of one act plays
and the season of faux persona
would end with goodbye.

Silently she choked on the stones
she swallowed to keep the peace.



©Susie Clevenger 2013

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Comments

Kerry O'Connor said…
Wow! Your final image is so startling. I went back and reread the poem, to trace the subtle changes you introduced. Fine work, Susie.
April 15, 2013 at 1:18 PM
Janine Bollée said…
You touch a nerve.
In many cases we behave as we think others expect us to behave. You put so much into so few words.
April 15, 2013 at 2:08 PM
Kay L. Davies said…
Oh, Susie, I know it's terribly difficult for you, but if it helps to be told this is a very fine write, it is.
K
April 15, 2013 at 2:39 PM
Kay L. Davies said…
Oh, Susie, such a fine write under extremely difficult circumstances.
K
April 15, 2013 at 2:40 PM
Laura said…
that final line is so powerful.
April 15, 2013 at 4:37 PM
Adura Ojo said…
Wow! So deep. A fine write indeed. Kudos!
April 15, 2013 at 4:58 PM
Susie Swanson said…
I went back and reread it over several times.. You are an amazing woman, so talented.. You write so beautifully with all the hurt your heart holds.. I'm thinking of you and sending prayers .. I've been there and it's so hard.. Hugs to you.
April 15, 2013 at 6:35 PM
Helen said…
Sending love your way ....
April 15, 2013 at 7:04 PM
Margaret said…
This is obviously about struggle and biding time... I'm not sure what is going on in your life, but from the comments I gather there is.... Hang on, keep writing - your last few poems have been very deep.
April 15, 2013 at 7:40 PM
Jim said…
Nice write, Susie ~~ Halfway through and you are going strong.

I could read this also with a word change, the last one. Try reading it with (because the end is nearing, after choking on the stones) she swallowed to keep the pace.

Don't we do this same hectic routine time permitting when writing our poems (more so yet with your doing the NaPo)? I like to let them simmer over night and then help their flow the next day.
..
April 15, 2013 at 7:52 PM
Ellecee said…
So painful to be somewhere that we can't be ourselves, it takes a while for the choking feeling to subside. Thank goodness there are places where we can feel free, at least I hope there are,,,an emotional write,,,
April 15, 2013 at 8:18 PM
Anonymous said…
There's a wee bit of Crane in the beginning and end (and it's the good Crane), and there's nothing in particular wrong with the middle, either.
April 15, 2013 at 9:49 PM
J Cosmo Newbery said…
Everyone else has said it before me. Nicely done.
April 16, 2013 at 3:11 AM
Abin Chakraborty said…
awesome stuff.fabulously done.such powerful images.the acts we put up to delude ourselves!
April 16, 2013 at 6:09 AM
Unknown said…
One of the best pieces of writing I have read today, Susie. After reading so many pieces of expression that fail to reach literary standards despite message, effort or intent, I fell in love with this finely honed piece.
April 16, 2013 at 8:30 AM
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