She hugs his pillow –
desperate for company,
after what they term
drastic surgery. Dressings
removed a week since,
her fingers track the curve
of a mutilated cheek –
scarred from ear to chin –
a severed facial nerve.
A benign blue light
from the TV reflects
in her eyes. People talk;
blurb that babbles on and on
about trivialities. Everything’s
trivial now, except this;
husband’s out on the piss,
mourning his loss.
A minute to midnight...
studies her image
in the mirror; tries
to smile; a distorted
grimace leers back
at a stranger it fails
to recognise. ‘Her face –
her fortune’, so they said
at school when she lagged
behind in ‘the three Rs’.
Rereads a ‘get well’ card
from a friend, received
a week ago; how
desperately she wished.
Thinks about the mask –
custom designed,
she’ll wear every day
for the next six weeks...
And the rest of her life.
Comments
insertponceyfre... | January 8, 2010 - 13:59
Tina, this is really good. I like the way you have done the mixture of all her thoughts
Silver Spun Sand | January 8, 2010 - 14:23
I really do appreciate your comment;-) Obviously, it was a difficult poem for me to write - such a lot I wanted to convey and I am encouraged that you got what was intended from it. My thanks again.
Tina
shoe | January 8, 2010 - 18:05
Tina, you take the indescribable and describe it, I admire your courage, and your skill with words,
Shirley
Silver Spun Sand | January 8, 2010 - 18:26
Shirley, your words left me speechless and I thank you for your gift too.
Tina
luigi_pagano | January 8, 2010 - 18:33
"...............‘Her face –
her fortune’, so they said
at school when she lagged
behind in ‘the three Rs’."
A very poignant situation described in a delicate and stylish manner, dear Tina. The skill you employ never ceases to fascinate me. Another deserved cherry.
Luigi xxx
Silver Spun Sand | January 8, 2010 - 18:55
Luigi - thank you, my friend.
Tina xxx
Nathan Bednarek | January 8, 2010 - 20:58
Another gem. Enjoyed. Well done one the cherry.
Nathan xox
Silver Spun Sand | January 8, 2010 - 22:21
Nathan - great to hear from you.
Forgive me for saying, but I'm not getting encouraging vibes on the 'job front' your end, so to speak. Hope everything is OK.;-)
Tina xox
threeleafshamrock | January 9, 2010 - 03:42
Something ugly made beautiful by way of explanation; yet another delve into what is - for most us, thank God - the unknown, to make it known and so, help us take our heads out of the sand.
For those of us, who have been there; much welcomed empathy.
Great write Tina, in so many ways.
Chris XXXX
Silver Spun Sand | January 9, 2010 - 09:59
Chris - what else can I say but thank you for reading, for your words and for caring.
Tina XXXX
MistakenMagic | January 9, 2010 - 23:13
Sorry I'm so late in commenting Tina! But what a beautiful, moving poem this is! I love that the poem is almost a dramatic monologue. Very well-deserving of a cherry ;)
Magic xxx
Silver Spun Sand | January 9, 2010 - 23:45
Magic - thank you. Your words and thoughts, mean much.
Tina xxx
Beeme | January 10, 2010 - 15:00
I'm sorry that I am late commenting, Tina. Such a beautiful and moving poem. You should be so proud of this one, you've described a difficult situation with delicate images and grace.
Love Beeme xx
Silver Spun Sand | January 10, 2010 - 16:36
Beeme - no apology necessary. It is for me to thank you for your reading and for your empathy and understanding.
Love Tina xx
misha | January 15, 2010 - 19:46
Wow! So much packed into this poem. Very skillfully done. The last line in particular is haunting,
Misha.
Silver Spun Sand | January 15, 2010 - 20:01
Misha - your comment is extremely appreciated. Thank you so very much, not only for reading, but for taking the time and trouble to let me know your feelings on this one. A very special poem for me, for many reasons.
Tina