Starlight Eyes Are Blind


I am supposed
to carry a ring
that will shape-shift
me into a shadow.

Two little girls
who vowed nothing
could separate them
are now two women
divided by a veil.

Her soon to be husband
smiles with liar’s teeth,
and drips honey from
a wolf’s tongue.

I spoke truth to her,
but starlight eyes are blind.
The choice is a stone
with the weight of gold.

How can I watch her leap
when it will be my heart
that can’t bear the fall?

 ©Susie Clevenger 2015

Real Toads ~ Bits of Inspiration ~ Capturing Thoughts



Comments

Anonymous said…
I remember my wife's sister whispering to me after the elopement, "I'll kill you if you hurt her." How much she lost with that veil. That angst is captured perfectly here.
November 13, 2015 at 3:16 AM
hedgewitch said…
Very eloquent and unexpected, Susie. You have imagined an entire novel here--or encapsulated a bit of a biography, whose characters come to life for us in these archetypal poses--very much suits the picture you chose as well--I love both your title phrase and that first stanza especially.
November 13, 2015 at 7:21 AM
Kerry O'Connor said…
The choice is a stone
with the weight of gold.

This so perfectly sums up the way one may be blinded by outer appearances. This is an intriguing narrative, unexpected (as Hedge notes).
November 13, 2015 at 8:10 AM
Maude Lynn said…
This is so beautifully done, Susie!
November 13, 2015 at 9:14 AM
kaykuala said…
How can I watch her leap
when it will be my heart
that can’t bear the fall?

How often one is caught flat-footed in such a situation? Sadly one may be helpless to do anything to counter it! Great lines Susie!

Hank
November 13, 2015 at 9:14 AM
Anonymous said…
much insights here,
well done.
November 13, 2015 at 11:57 AM
Ella said…
Heavy hearts bare the burden of those honey dripping fangs~ Oh, you brought this painting alive~ Well Done
November 13, 2015 at 12:15 PM
Sherry Blue Sky said…
Oh my goodness, I am living your poem this very minute...."how can I watch her leap when..my heart....cant bear the fall?"
November 13, 2015 at 2:46 PM
Hannah said…
To me this speaks of sister's love and a bond so strong...so many amazing lines and a powerful story you've created, Susie! Thank you, for the challenge!!
November 13, 2015 at 3:13 PM
Sara McNulty said…
Well done, Susie. You made this painting speak, and the reader feel.
November 13, 2015 at 10:55 PM
Jim said…
Sisters are special. I doubt the ring and veil will separate them for long, not even the dripping drooling monster will. That's the way sisters do.
My first read was that these were two little girls now grown and getting married to each other (as observed and told or felt by the bridesmaid).
..
November 14, 2015 at 2:41 PM
Rommy said…
It's an awful feeling, knowing someone you care about is being deceived. I've been in that position with a friend and it's hard. You've really captured the steadfast love and sorrow perfectly here.
November 15, 2015 at 12:32 PM
Outlawyer said…
Hey Susie--you have imagined a novel here--it is a story that is particular to your poem but also archetypal--it works so well--almost Browningesque in the sense of monologue--Agh. One knows the story but still wants to know how it works out!

Thanks for the very cool prompt.

Also, I just realized today that you had read Nice and posted a review. Thank you so much! That is so very kind of you; I cannot tell you how deeply I appreciate it. Thanks again.

k.
November 15, 2015 at 5:13 PM
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