Self-Portrait with Bruise
Some damages announce, others conceal.
How else may we continue
despite our best
inattentions? And which treasure
do we truly hold
closer, the blood orange
or the blade
that parts its segments? At
thirty I would have chosen
one. At forty, the other. Now,
options spread like branches among the cedars.
Ruptured vessels reveal our lapses.
***
“Self-Portrait with Bruise” first appeared in Shadowtrain in August 2015.
O at the Edges 
This is just excellent writing and emotion used:
“Now,
options spread like branches among the cedars.
Ruptured vessels reveal our lapses.”
A great poem, Robert!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, Tre. Some bruises are more painful than others…
LikeLiked by 1 person
You’re very much welcome and that’s so true!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Great post 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks very much!
LikeLike
Wonderful images Robert – a living purple heart!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, Jim. I bear my bruises with pride!
LikeLike
Profound imagery.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, Vanessa!
LikeLiked by 1 person
You’re welcome!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Not all bruises are seen on the surface
Not all surfaces can be bruised
Pain and rain still permeate
LikeLiked by 2 people
So true, Ivor!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I came by via Ivor’s site! He mentioned your site.
I can relate to your words in your poem AND to the emotions in the words.
Thank you for sharing this today! It is very meaningful to me! It reminds me that we all have outer and INNER bruises, scars, etc. I try to wear all of mine as a badge of honor…they say I’ve lived, loved, survived and thrived! 🙂
HUGS,
Carolyn 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks very much, Carolyn! I agree – our bruises help define us!
LikeLiked by 1 person