Performerd by Val Cole

POEM:

heeler
It cowers in the corner,
newly born.
I turn my spite-soaked back,
riddled with resentment
and pull the thin veil
to sink beneath its cover.
I will not watch it crawl,
but it breathes,
a shadow
at the edge of my own
threatening to merge.
It waits, as I do
for nothing
while I ignore its cries
and mine.
And I turn to stone
silently refusing
the darkness at my feet.
~
It screams
a piercing shrill
that grips my core.
It pokes and presses
every bruise,
clawing at my skin
with high-pitched scratches.
Enraged, I seize it.
A thunderous wrath
echoes within,
bubbling in the chambers
of my worn-out heart.
Relentless waves
crash with intent
to swallow
as a storm unleashes
its fury.
~
Fear consumes,
as the burning truth
nears the brink.
Boiling rage
simmers
to a helpless
desperation.
I plead for reprieve,
a momentary pause
in overwhelming pain.
Offering promises,
a compromise…
myself.
I wait
tossing pennies
into an overflowing well,
and watch
as my wishes spill.
~
Rain cascades
from hollow black eyes,
as its touch
pierces my chest.
And at last
the dam
breaks…
flooding the space
with the pent-up poison
that’s been swelling within.
I trade my veil
for a heavy blanket
of fog
as hope is smothered.
Color dulls to gray,
and I surrender
to the haze.
~
It holds me
in its evolving arms,
and strokes my dampened hair,
whispering comfort
as if to apologize
for its very existence.
It is mine,
born of a final breath
to dwell in my shadow,
and thrive inside a void.
I tend to it
as it tends to me,
embracing what remains,
just a fragment
of that final breath
to hold in my lungs.
And I succumb
as it rises
from the isolated corner
to walk beside me,
fully grown.

Get to know the poet:

1) What is the theme of your poem?

The theme of "Stages" revolves around grief and the stages of emotional turmoil. The poem metaphorically illustrates how grief or pain grows from an initially rejected presence (denial) to something inescapable, ultimately accepted and lived with (acceptance).

2) What motivated you to write this poem?

"Stages" was inspired by my own personal experience with significant loss and grief, particularly the impact of losing my little sister. Her death has left a lasting mark on me, and this poem reflects the emotional journey of grappling with that pain. I aimed to convey how grief evolves over time, from something resisted to something that becomes a part of you, growing alongside you.

3) How long have you been writing poetry?

I've been scribbling down my random thoughts and calling them poetry since I could hold a crayon, but I've recently committed to focusing on writing and honing my craft.

4) If you could have dinner with one person (dead or alive), who would that be?

That would be a tough choice between Silvia Plath or Chris Cornell! They have both influenced my writing with their shared ability to turn deep pain into something hauntingly beautiful.

5) What influenced you to submit to have your poetry performed by a professional actor?

The power of hearing poetry read aloud brings the emotion to life in a different way. I was very grateful to hear the layers of emotion in "Stages" read by a professional. She was able to amplify its impact.

6) Do you write other works? scripts? Short Stories? Etc..?

Yes, I primarily write poetry, but I have dabbled in short stories and narrative work. My writing often revolves around themes of internal battles and loss, but I also explore lighter themes such as humor, children's poems, etc. I have two little girls who are constant sources of inspiration!

7) What is your passion in life?

Other than being a mom, my passion is writing, particularly poetry. It serves as both a creative outlet and a way to process complex emotions, giving voice to experiences that are sometimes hard to articulate. It's my essential outlet and part of who I am.