How was I to know the dark fire within me
i am here
![](https://res.cloudinary.com/jerrick/image/upload/d_642250b563292b35f27461a7.png,f_jpg,fl_progressive,q_auto,w_1024/6578269a2645dc001c640181.jpg)
How was I to know the dark fire within me
had permission to come out and play
with permissive, sanctified toys
set aside by silent, torn tribunal
judging for not indulging in subjugation
in tearing apart pretty, breathing dolls —
.
Dolled up same as them,
branded heretic and heathen
by a culture not my own;
unable to be either or
— expected to be dead.
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Read some of my other, loosely related works — also poetry:
![](https://res.cloudinary.com/jerrick/image/upload/d_642250b563292b35f27461a7.png,f_jpg,q_auto,w_720/65780944f9a851001cb7884d.jpg)
Heed Dorian Gray: a faustian bargain
Excerpt:
Whose face is it she sees — hers or the Other which lurks between?
Of too many mirrors in too many rooms, this one shows decay:
grey skin so thin the remaining muscle and sinew migrate through,
hollows slipping into the abyss pressing in from behind.
Synchronized, their hands slide across the smooth surface,
ignoring edge’s chips which drip, stench growing day by day.
![](https://res.cloudinary.com/jerrick/image/upload/d_642250b563292b35f27461a7.png,f_jpg,q_auto,w_720/65780a34504330001e9b615f.jpg)
Excerpt:
Cetacean’s sun bleached bones beached on exposed intertidal’s floor,
waiting to be washed whence it came; invoking old lore and old tales.
Polymer rope, bright and yellow toxic, wrapping cervical vertebrate
belying the image of untouched wilds, despoiled coasts
—our hubris, mistakes, fatigue, neglect quietly on display.
About the Creator
Chaia Levi
like if Nabokov had a brain injury
artist, writer, photographer
instagram, tiktok, tumblr: @chaialevi
Reader insights
Outstanding
Excellent work. Looking forward to reading more!
Top insights
Compelling and original writing
Creative use of language & vocab
Easy to read and follow
Well-structured & engaging content
Heartfelt and relatable
The story invoked strong personal emotions
Comments (1)
Oooo, this was so dark, intense and powerful! Loved your poem so much!