TSM 198 — Dark Flames


“Burning Love” Art by Diggie Vitt

Dark Flames

lithe, fragrant blossom
death’s head lures warm, willing hearts
ghosts wander and weep

lithe, fragrant blossom
in field of compulsion’s bait
sets morbid trap; waits

death’s head lures warm life
willing hearts burn bright
night hums with dark flames

ghosts wander and weep,
incomplete, their blood salt trails
regretful shadows

The more I looked at the picture the darker the image became.  Maybe it’s just my winter mood…
The form is a troiku, which is one I really like using to dig in with a concept.

Carrie is the host of The Sunday Muse.

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36 Comments Add yours

  1. Death’s head makes too enchanting of an impression

    Liked by 1 person

  2. Carrie V. H. says:

    I really love this form Lisa and your poem is dark and truly captivating!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. msjadeli says:

      Carrie thank you!

      Like

  3. memadtwo says:

    This is excellent–I can’t even pick a favorite line. I agree about the aura of darkness. (K)

    Liked by 1 person

    1. msjadeli says:

      Kerfe, thank you and I’m glad you see it.

      Liked by 1 person

  4. So lovely poem to read 🌷🙏♥️🌷happy weekend 👏😊

    Liked by 1 person

    1. msjadeli says:

      Thanks much, Thattamma 🙂

      Liked by 1 person

  5. Sadje says:

    Very well written Li.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. msjadeli says:

      Sadje, thank you.

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Sadje says:

        My pleasure Li

        Liked by 1 person

      2. fireblossom32 says:

        A moth’s gotta do what she’s gotta do, I say. You hit all the mothy notes to fine effect here.

        Liked by 1 person

        1. msjadeli says:

          Thank you, Shay.

          Like

  6. badfinger20 (Max) says:

    ghosts wander and weep,incomplete…. very well thought out Lisa.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. msjadeli says:

      Thank you. This is as close to dark as I’ve gotten for awhile. (3 times trying to type this and getting bounced away. grrrrrrr!)

      Liked by 1 person

      1. badfinger20 (Max) says:

        Well you captured it.

        Liked by 1 person

  7. Jim says:

    Pretty dark to make the ghosts shed tears. I wonder if they do?
    ..
    A note, I make a screen print and if I add brightness that often allows me to see what’s hiding in the dark. And pass it on.
    ..

    Liked by 1 person

    1. msjadeli says:

      Good question, Jim. I’m not sure what you mean by that second part? Are you having trouble reading my screen?

      Like

  8. I love this, Lisa – and that last stanza in particular! This was my second choice… I almost selected it!


    David

    Liked by 1 person

    1. msjadeli says:

      Thank you, David ❤

      Like

  9. qbit says:

    “their blood salt trails” — Ooh!

    Liked by 1 person

  10. wyndolynne says:

    This is gorgeous.

    Liked by 1 person

  11. Helen Dehner says:

    I am reminded of the long dark unbearable winters in your neighboring State of Minnesota … the moods produced were myriad, not always the best. This is a great form for your poem, your thoughts! Beautifully composed. Cheers! (Thanks for link to form.)

    Liked by 1 person

    1. msjadeli says:

      Helen, thank you for your kind and thoughtful comment My pleasure on the link ❤

      Like

  12. hedgewitch says:

    These alternating and repeating phrase are all jabs to the heart, as well as bright/dark images that crowd themselves into the mind. I especially love the ghosts that wander and weep, and the blood salt trailing. Evocative and mesmerizing form.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. msjadeli says:

      “jabs to the heart” is a good way of putting it. Thank you for reading.

      Like

  13. Sunra Rainz says:

    Your poem really echoes the mood of the image and gives it a ritualistic feel. It didn’t appear as dark to me at first but when I looked at it again, the symbolism of death is unmistakably there. Enjoyed this.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. msjadeli says:

      Thanks much, Sunra.

      Like

  14. Gillena Cox says:

    Deep sadness in those flames

    Much love…

    Liked by 1 person

    1. msjadeli says:

      for sure, Gillena 😦

      Like

  15. Regretful shadows is a great last line. I think there is a darkness to this image.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. msjadeli says:

      Thank you. I do also! The background and flowers being burned and the way she is looking at them are all dark to me.

      Like

  16. You used the troiku form so well, Lisa. I see her s a dark force.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. msjadeli says:

      Thank you, Sara. Me too!

      Like

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