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.
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!
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Thank you, Tre. Some bruises are more painful than others…
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You’re very much welcome and that’s so true!
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Great post 🙂
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Thanks very much!
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Wonderful images Robert – a living purple heart!
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Thank you, Jim. I bear my bruises with pride!
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Profound imagery.
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Thank you, Vanessa!
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You’re welcome!
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Not all bruises are seen on the surface
Not all surfaces can be bruised
Pain and rain still permeate
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So true, Ivor!
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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 🙂
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Thanks very much, Carolyn! I agree – our bruises help define us!
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