by Brook Blander
Stupid
(from now that I’m here; lyrics from the mud to the sun)
…is what they call her.
Without regard to her name
She is introduced by her circumstances.
Blood vessels color the whites of her eyes
They look so deep into her mirrors
. that they bypass their own reflections.
Survivor Child
(from Personal; Intimate Comforts of Reflection)
The things that I have seen
And should not have seen
Paint a picture of what makes my backbone
Both straight
. and twisted
Up against thin walls
Hit with fists
. that missed
. faces.
Behind the broken vessels of bloodshot eyes
Beneath matted hair of sweat and juices
From mounting each stair with heads
Knocking out hope
. No more hope.
. Hope is gone.
Even the little bit tucked away in small eyes
That have seen it all.
_______________________________________________________
Brook Blander is the author and poet of six works of non-fiction, literary fiction, and poetry collections, including her most recent collection entitled “now that I’m here; lyrics from the mud to the sun“. Her first novel, The Secrets of Mercy, a historical fiction work about the story of four women and their search for what freedom truly means to each of them, is slated for release Summer 2013 in honor of the 150th anniversary of Emancipation.
Blander currently lives in Texas with her family and a spoiled little dog, a Lhasa Apso named Cocoa LaBear.
This is great work. The story/picture being verbally painted is crystal clear and was felt by this reader. Thanks for sharing your gift with us.
Thanks Angela for your comment and taking the time to read and enjoy! You are appreciated!
Survivor Child is a sad and too ubiquitous “real” story of children across the world. Within so few words, we are made to feel deeply and see so many frightening things – and more, imagine ourselves. A remarkable piece of poetry.
Thank you so much for your response to the pieces. I appreciate your time and feedback!
While both poems are short, they are dense with emotions and fantastically illustrate the pain of an indigenous breed of damaged beings; abused humans left unhealed. Wonderfully written. I hope to see more from this amazing poet soon!
I really enjoyed reading both poems. Each is revelatory. The poet did a magnificent job relaying a large amount of pain and describing a horrible misfortune. More from this poet, please!