Where Silk Binds to Rib


Stones are blind
but every bruise
formed from
sharp edges
holds a prayer
of freedom.

I walk so you can stand.
I cry so you can smile.

Look for me in the lotus
where silk binds to rib,
in thread where the butterfly
guides you to wings.

©Susie Clevenger 2018

Real Toads ~ Speaking In the Voice of Another

Comments

Jae Rose said…
Delicate and beautiful
Sanaa Rizvi said…
This is so incredibly raw and poignant, Susie!💜
Fireblossom said…
Those last two lines are unexpected in their composition and utterly lovely.
Kerry O'Connor said…
Exceptional - that final stanza is a masterpiece.
Sherry Blue Sky said…
Absolutely beautiful, every line. The prayer of freedom, the butterfly guiding her to wings. Wonderful, Susie.
Ellecee said…
I like these words very much, Susie, especially
" I walk so you can stand.
I cry so you can smile." a gift worth giving,
Vivian Zems said…
Very eloquent. I walk so.... I cry so.... I had to read them over and over.
tonispencer said…
I cry so you may smile...I wonder how many women have felt this in their hearts. The final stanza - exceptional. Perfection.
Alison H said…
It speaks of true unconditional love.
Anonymous said…
As already noted, that last stanza just brings such powerful, evocative closure to this piece - from the incredible power of the first stanza (even as it is a "quiet" spoken power/note) - this is elegant, poised, composed and speaks with a very quiet dignity.
Utterly beautiful. You haven't said so, but I read this as one of those letters to/from a laotang.
Gillena Cox said…
Luv the use of butterfly wings and lotus in this poem. Given breath by these symbols

Much🌼love




Anonymous said…
I agree this is so delicate and heart opening.
Other Mary said…
This is so touching and intimate. And for me it brings to mind the custom of foot binding, and how women must be each other's secret strength.