Breathless

Some memories

are sharp enough to cut

off my breath,

 

leaving me

gasping

like a fish

who just wants

her ocean

back.




Song Choice: Breaking Down by Florence + the Machine

Liner Notes for this Groove: I know I'm getting serious about a new writing project when I start writing poetry in the voices of my characters. Rina has a some serious inner demons to face (and several fae beings are just complicating the situation). But I'm deep into the super ugly rough first draft and enjoying getting to know her world.

This poem is linked to Poets and Storytellers United's Friday Writings prompt, Writing About Writing.

26 comments:

  1. Oh I love this... "like a fish / who just wants / her ocean / back - what a tremendous line.

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    1. Thanks! When my mind tripped across this image, it felt too perfect not to use.

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  2. Oh, that sounds so intriguing! Sounds like a book I'll be panting to read.

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  3. " ... a fish who just wants her ocean back" expresses what many have felt at one time or another. It's that life-changing twist in the road where a decision was made that for a time seems to cut off all air.

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    1. All air, and any notions of things ever being the same again, yes.

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  4. I can only imagine the wonderful goodness on the way .... Brava, Rommy!

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  5. So well said! Choked or choked up?

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    1. I think both could apply depending on the perspective, yes.

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  6. fish who just wants her ocean back - Love this

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  7. Your short poem left me gasping, such lovely lines & imagery.
    The first draft is always, rough! But it gotta start somewhere. :)

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    1. LOL, I keep reminding myself that the laughing out loud at torturously constructed sentences is part of the fun.

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  8. That sounds like an interesting book.

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  9. Always leave them gasping for more...it is only polite ;D XXX

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    1. LOL, there's always a bit of showmanship in good writing.

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  10. There is so much power in Rina's voice. The poem leaves me wanting to know more about her, much more. So, bring it on!

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  11. This kind of took my breath away with it's directness and perfect description of feeling. I had one like this last night, felt like a knife that woke me up.

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  12. Love the image of "a fish / who just wants / her ocean / back." The joy of first draft (and it's ugly rough) is writing, itself. Enjoy the process!

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  13. this poem leaves me breathless. Wonderful! (Sara McNulty)

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  14. Exactly captures the feeling of intense longing and the inability to change it.

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