dVerse — Tuesday Poetics — Sea Rose

gothic rose

Sea Rose

Colors here aren’t the same.
Neither that of Spring,
Nor Summer, nor Fall.
Close to Winter,
chalk of long-stripped bones,
dark grey of wet stone,
salt of churning sea.
Only when moon greens
with limelight, in morning
or dusky mist, might
you see my liquid breath.

Passed into my nether
with stab and twist,
life ebbed, left with tide,
after which my love sought
new flesh to groom.

Yet don’t underestimate
my influence. A final act
in this tragedy before
departing bow;
to teach blade
terror’s dance with beauty.

It turns against his will
upon new lover’s guileless skin.
Her ebbing spills,
to rise on thorned stem.

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Merril is today’s host for dVerse’ Tuesday Poetics. Merril says:
the theme(s) for today—harvest and haunting. These themes are not October-specific, so it doesn’t matter where you live or what season it is. You may choose to combine the themes as Carl Sandburg does in Under the Harvest Moon. Or you may choose to write about one or the other.

33 Comments Add yours

    1. Lisa or Li's avatar msjadeli says:

      It’s what you might call a tragedy all of the way around. Imagining smelling the rose, knowing it is an end point to all of it.

      Like

  1. This is wonderful, Lisa.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Lisa or Li's avatar msjadeli says:

      Robbie, thank you.

      Like

  2. Sensational, Lisa.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Lisa or Li's avatar msjadeli says:

      Miriam, thank you.

      Liked by 1 person

      1. You’re welcome, Lisa.

        Liked by 1 person

  3. The final act of the rose, that bared thorn impaling and cutting the skin… so haunting at the end of fall.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Lisa or Li's avatar msjadeli says:

      Thanks much, Bjorn. It’s been a very busy couple of days. Looking forward to reading on this prompt’s poetry trail soon.

      Like

  4. There is nothing more lethal than the beauty of a rose and to rise on thorn stems…that’s strength! Wonderful writing!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Lisa or Li's avatar msjadeli says:

      Di, thank you so much, for your kind words and for showing a new perspective on it.

      Like

  5. Sadje's avatar Sadje says:

    This is such a unique take Li. Bravo to your imagination

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Lisa or Li's avatar msjadeli says:

      Thanks much, Sadje :)

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Sadje's avatar Sadje says:

        You’re most welcome 🤗

        Liked by 1 person

  6. Unknown's avatar Anonymous says:

    This is the story of the primal goddess. Look upon my beauty and despair!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Lisa or Li's avatar msjadeli says:

      Love the comment, Someone. Thank you!

      Like

  7. merrildsmith's avatar merrildsmith says:

    Fascinating poem, Li! Such evocative imagery. 🌹

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Lisa or Li's avatar msjadeli says:

      Thanks much, Merril.

      Liked by 1 person

      1. merrildsmith's avatar merrildsmith says:

        You’re welcome, Li!

        Liked by 1 person

  8. kim881's avatar kim881 says:

    I love the use of colour in your ‘Sea Rose’ poem, Lisa, and the evocative description of the season, especially in the lines:

    ‘chalk of long-stripped bones,
    dark grey of wet stone,
    salt of churning sea.’

    The idea of teaching a ‘blade terror’s dance with beauty’ is chilling.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Lisa or Li's avatar msjadeli says:

      Kim I appreciate the feedback. Thank you.

      Liked by 1 person

      1. kim881's avatar kim881 says:

        My pleasure, Lisa.

        Liked by 1 person

  9. Great lines!!!
    💕
    ” A final act
    in this tragedy before
    departing bow;
    to teach blade
    terror’s dance with beauty.”

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Lisa or Li's avatar msjadeli says:

      Cindy, thank you very much.

      Liked by 1 person

      1. You’re so very welcome💕

        Liked by 1 person

  10. Wow! Kudos for this fascinating perspective, Li!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Lisa or Li's avatar msjadeli says:

      I tried to capture a haunting of the worst kind. Thank you.

      Liked by 1 person

      1. You did it pretty well. You are welcome, Li.

        Liked by 1 person

  11. Carol anne's avatar Carol anne says:

    I like what you did here Lisa :-) very good! Well done!

    Like

    1. Lisa or Li's avatar msjadeli says:

      Thanks much, Carol Anne.

      Like

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