Whispers to a Stone

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.




44 comments:

  1. Wonderful whisperings and story telling

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  2. A fascinating character, from this showing alone. Then it was nice to follow the link and find out more.

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    1. I'm glad that you both enjoyed the poem and the story :)

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  3. You 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).

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    1. Very true. Love often takes foolishness in stride.

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  4. You had me at the opening lines๐Ÿ’ž 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.๐Ÿ’ž

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    1. Yes, because no one is served when that happens.

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  5. We should all have partners so willing to love all of are parts, to shield our vulnerable spots. I really like this!

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  6. love certainly is shielding the other's vulnerabilities... true!

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  7. Sounds like Shakespeare's Cordelia in modern English, all right.

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  8. She's saving herself until he says the magic words and repeats the coveted vows. Wonderful!
    ..

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  9. This 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.

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    1. Thank you! I am delighted at the high praise.

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  10. There'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:
    'You would not be you
    without your frustrating idealism,
    rushing off to do battle
    while forgetting there are holes in your armor'.

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    1. *giggle* I imagined that part might feel familiar to many people.

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  11. I 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.

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    1. Thanks! It was an interesting exercise writing in her voice. She really has become a joy to write about.

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  12. For me this poem has a real sense of maturity and self worth, Rommy
    "Don't expect me
    to drip sugar from my mouth," is especially strong, I think.

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  13. Ah,we must be true to ourselves above all. I like the strength of your message. We MUST be who we are!

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  14. "I don't want you not to be you./But I will never be anything but myself."

    Yes, 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

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  15. Strong and beautiful link of the stones with the narrator's own determination. The contrasts work so well.

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    1. It was an aspect of the story that was too perfect not to use in the poem.

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  16. A lovely description of unconditional love!

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  17. This is an interesting character portrait. She stands strong, and true to herself. Awesome!

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  18. Stones are great as listeners. Nice piece.
    ZQ

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  19. A wonderful expression of honesty in a relationship. It is easier to keep promises, when we begin with that.

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  20. Strong message. we must be true to ourselves.

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