the Woman
a poem about the version of myself that I want to leave behind
I am the kind of
dangerous
that sees shadows
in the dark
and welcomes them
into bed. A natural
phenomenon; the
self-hating narcissist.
I like to test
my limits. Hold on to
the effigy. Burn you
into my brain.
People always tell me that
I’m locked, and even now
I’m still looking for the key.
Desperate. I didn’t know
I could take matters
into my own hands:
pull a hair-pin and pick
the lock. Practice the skill.
Intricate and intimate art.
Open myself.
About the Creator
Sarah Clif
She/her
Queer writer and poet, based in London
Using writing to discuss issues often sidelined by mainstream media as well as to reflect on my own personal life, experiences and relationships.
Ig : @sarahclif
Reader insights
Outstanding
Excellent work. Looking forward to reading more!
Top insights
Heartfelt and relatable
The story invoked strong personal emotions
Compelling and original writing
Creative use of language & vocab
Excellent storytelling
Original narrative & well developed characters
Masterful proofreading
Zero grammar & spelling mistakes
On-point and relevant
Writing reflected the title & theme
Eye opening
Niche topic & fresh perspectives
Easy to read and follow
Well-structured & engaging content
Keep reading
More stories from Sarah Clif and writers in Poets and other communities.
Muses & Musings
Welcome to my new series, a weekly blog on what’s inspiring me. I spent much of last week in bed with a stomach bug. I’ll spare you the details of that—but in addition to the grotesque physical symptoms, I had some fever dreams I won’t soon forget. Imagine my surprise to see Vocal’s newest challenge: Write a fiction story about a recurring dream or nightmare.
By Davina Zinn McKee7 days ago in Journal
Comments (20)
Hi Sarah - I would love to see you publish once again. your eclectic presentations are just marvelous and interesting. I'm just a retired highly scrutinized legal writer morphed into a self described 'Goof Writer'...Nothing more. Not into contests or rewards but so enjoy 'original' stories such as yours among the many snippers within our vm village - with sharp scissors these days. *I've subscribed with pleasure - I would look forward to seeing other offerings from you. 'J' in L.A. Jay Kantor, Chatsworth, California 'Senior' Vocal Author - Vocal Village Community
nicely writtten
Powerful! Well done.
this is beautifully written. Very well done.
The language of this poem is so raw and intense. When the speaker describes the act of picking the lock as an "intricate and intimate art", it adds a sense of complexity and nuance to the poem. Great job!
oh my such an amazing and inspiring piece!
Good one ! Loved it.
I like the manner you wrote it📝 ❤️💯🎯Great Job👍🌹CongratulationsOn Top Story🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉
Very evocative!
This was excellent! And congratulations on your well-deserved top story
Hellarious
Unique one ✍️👏🤍
Raw and real. Fantastic.
Very nice to read. Very honest, I'm honored.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Wow
Outstanding poem💚
Nice writing!!I loved the hair pin key
Beautifully done. Thank you for sharing this ❤️
Well done. Paced and emotive imagery 🥰. Congrats.