The stones believed me when I told them
how I felt about you.
They will expect me to keep my promises,
but I know they will keep my secret.
Don't expect me
to drip sugar from my mouth,
begging you to change who you are.
You would not be you
without your frustrating idealism,
rushing off to do battle
while forgetting there are holes in your armor.
I don't want you not to be you.
But I will never be anything but myself.
I am not demure.
I do nothing half-way.
That includes standing by you,
using all my power to shield
the vulnerable parts you overlooked
and keep safe all the things you love,
while I keep true to the words
that, for now, I will only speak to the stones.
Song Choice: America's Sweetheart by Elle King
This poem is linked to the Tuesday Platform over at Imaginary Gardens With Real Toads and Poets United, Poetry Pantry 420. If you are a longtime reader of the blog you may have had a flash of recognition at some of the tags. This is a poem from the point of view of Cordelia, a character I have written about on this blog before.
Featuring poetic beats, lyrical storytelling, and other assorted jazz.
Wonderful whisperings and story telling
ReplyDeleteThanks Jae
DeleteA fascinating character, from this showing alone. Then it was nice to follow the link and find out more.
ReplyDeleteI'm glad that you both enjoyed the poem and the story :)
DeleteYou don't stop loving someone despite them doing foolish things but it hurts and there is no one to tell except your notebook as you write this poem (and the stones of course).
ReplyDeleteVery true. Love often takes foolishness in stride.
DeleteYou had me at the opening lines💞 Love the strength in "Don't expect me to drip sugar from my mouth".. when it comes to relationships we mustn't allow another to keep us from being ourselves.💞
ReplyDeleteYes, because no one is served when that happens.
DeleteSo much wisdom here so much beauty!
ReplyDeleteGlad you enjoyed it
DeleteWe should all have partners so willing to love all of are parts, to shield our vulnerable spots. I really like this!
ReplyDeleteThat would be a wonderful thing
Deletelove certainly is shielding the other's vulnerabilities... true!
ReplyDeleteYes indeed
DeleteI loved this, very powerful.
ReplyDeleteGlad you enjoyed it
DeleteSounds like Shakespeare's Cordelia in modern English, all right.
ReplyDeleteI hadn't thought of that - but cool!
DeleteShe's saving herself until he says the magic words and repeats the coveted vows. Wonderful!
ReplyDelete..
LOL, I guess I can see that aspect
DeleteThis has to be one of my favorite poems by you.. the opening lines are fantastic, and I'm glad that you tied it back to them in the end... the going to battle with holes in the armor is also an excellent description.
ReplyDeleteThank you! I am delighted at the high praise.
DeleteThere's magic in those stones, Rommy and in your poem, an honest, earthy poem. I think these lines could apply to most of the men I've been involved with:
ReplyDelete'You would not be you
without your frustrating idealism,
rushing off to do battle
while forgetting there are holes in your armor'.
*giggle* I imagined that part might feel familiar to many people.
DeleteI can see Cordelia's face as she recites the words, her conviction fighting with the wildness of her nature and winning in the name of true friendship. She won't change, that is true... but she will always find ways to make who she is work perfectly for what he needs. This is awesome.
ReplyDeleteThanks! It was an interesting exercise writing in her voice. She really has become a joy to write about.
DeleteFor me this poem has a real sense of maturity and self worth, Rommy
ReplyDelete"Don't expect me
to drip sugar from my mouth," is especially strong, I think.
Thanks Scott
DeleteAh,we must be true to ourselves above all. I like the strength of your message. We MUST be who we are!
ReplyDeleteI quite agree Mary
Delete"I don't want you not to be you./But I will never be anything but myself."
ReplyDeleteYes, accepting one's own individuality as well as that of others is the steppingstone for a successful relationship. It is significant to express your self as it is. A wonderful message well expressed in your words.
-HA
Glad you liked it
DeleteStrong and beautiful link of the stones with the narrator's own determination. The contrasts work so well.
ReplyDeleteIt was an aspect of the story that was too perfect not to use in the poem.
DeleteA lovely description of unconditional love!
ReplyDeleteThanks!
DeleteThis is an interesting character portrait. She stands strong, and true to herself. Awesome!
ReplyDeleteCordelia very is very much herself, always
DeleteStones are great as listeners. Nice piece.
ReplyDeleteZQ
Thanks!
DeleteA wonderful expression of honesty in a relationship. It is easier to keep promises, when we begin with that.
ReplyDeleteOh my, yes!
DeleteStrong message. we must be true to ourselves.
ReplyDeleteToo true.
Delete