drown
a poem about healing and finding your voice again after abuse
with the deluge way my ancestors shout
i’m Jonah swallowed by the big fish and i’m scared
when i finally open my mouth a sea will swell out.
⠀
words a ground-shaking geyser spout
that followed Big Dipper and stripped the moon bared
with the deluge way my ancestors shout.
⠀
heart a ribcaged hummingbird and voice burnt out
crying the stars in the sky and i’m scared
when i finally open my mouth a sea will swell out
⠀
no matter how they ravage Mother Earth, she’s all about.
give it to her. holding it within is a poison; release, share
with the deluge way my ancestors shout
⠀
spirit rekindling like fire, strength comes in bouts
cupped hands around a flame, blown by gentle breath—aired
when i finally open my mouth a sea will swell out
⠀
And you, who tore me to nothingness and doubt,
baptized me with miasma, to you I dare
with the deluge way my ancestors shout
when I finally open my mouth a sea will swell out
⠀
Inspired by my poem:
About the Creator
R.C. Taylor
Part-time daydreamer. Full-time dork.
Follow along for stories about a little bit of everything (i.e. adventure, nostalgia, and other affairs of the heart, and anything else I want to honor and hold space for).
Reader insights
Outstanding
Excellent work. Looking forward to reading more!
Top insight
Heartfelt and relatable
The story invoked strong personal emotions
Comments (3)
Great job congratulations
Nice work and good challenge entry
I loved how you compared the heart to a ribcaged hummingbird. Your Villanelle was so poignant and emotional!