Tuesday, February 19, 2013

The Worm


The Worm

These people
their habits and manner
the way their words gently
but persistently
slide underneath my skin
sink into my chest
and chisel away at my heart.
Hands that move
to shape
shift
mould
create
change.
Eyes that see me
that patiently
steadfastly
love me despite.

I am uncomfortable
even angry.
I want to shout, to puke.
I want to run.

Mercy makes me ache.
I squirm and fidget
beneath the weight of it,
writhing
fighting
like an unearthed worm
dug up from the cold dirt,
brought into the irresistible sun.
Give me what I deserve,
I scream.

You listen and wait
with warm space
and tender eyes.
You are not afraid of me.
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2 comments:

  1. Jack KingFebruary 26, 2013 at 3:39 PM

    Noelle,

    I enjoyed reading your post this morning on the Apostles' Blog and it was a nice to surprise to learn about your blog there. I'm even more impressed that you're writing poems here. I hear Lenten themes running through these lines. The line breaks you've chosen compliment the images and action of your poem. Well done and keep writing in verse!

    Two poems come to mind that remind me of yours: George Herbert's Love (III): http://www.luminarium.org/sevenlit/herbert/love3.htm

    Also Denise Levertov's To Live in the Mercy of God: http://www.poetryfoundation.org/poem/178452

    Jack King

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  2. UnknownFebruary 27, 2013 at 5:39 PM

    Dear Jack,

    Thank you so much for your encouragement and for the opportunity to blog for Apostles. I will certainly check out those poems - thank you for pointing me toward them. I will continue to write (and post!) poetry - in the meantime, if you think of any other poems you'd like to send my way, I'm always eager to read them.

    Thank you!
    Noelle

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