Sunday, August 27, 2017

Compass

I offered the tender of my heart
to suborn the hag of life’s kisses.
And I have stood in winter
against a morn dreadful and vicious. 

Warped as a cinder,
burned alive,
unshriven and unshorn,
I have stood and given
until the blade is worn.

Do the bones of my smiles
not show the bruises?
Wear I not the blisters
of weary miles?

Is there a scream
I have not loosed?
Is there a blood
I have not shed?
Why do you think 
I dream in red?

But at the gate between hawk
and dove,
on all the roads that scars chalk,
still I seek a compass that points to love.


16 comments:

the walking man said...

Now that the gates of hell have become clearly visible and the hounds running not only heard but their bite felt across every man above the dirt I do not know for certain beyond my own mind if there is love left to point to.

Charles in your own imagery you are full of might at conveying what others can not, will not, do not, give voice to. Stay safe.

Blogoratti said...

Wonderfully written and such a delight to read. Vivid and haunting.

Charles Gramlich said...

Mark, Thanks, man. sometimes the compass spins wildly. That's for sure


Blogoratti, I'm very glad you enjoyed.

Cloudia said...

Wow, that is something. a new direction?

Charles Gramlich said...

Cloudia, something that came to me recently.

Gina Gao said...

This is so wonderfully written! Thanks for sharing.


www.ficklemillennial.com

Charles Gramlich said...

Gina, thank you.

pattinase (abbott) said...

Very thought-provoking.

Charles Gramlich said...

Patti, thankee

Charles Gramlich said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
David Cranmer said...

You always remind me, and this is a compliment, of a man from another time. Your language, prose belonging to an age long ago still appreciated by those in the know.

Charles Gramlich said...

David, Thanks, man. Much appreciated.

Erik Donald France said...

Oh yeah ~ I dig it, Charles! Lovely flow (like blood and lava) . . .

Charles Gramlich said...

Erik, thanks, man

Sarah Hina said...

Sorry so late with this, Charles, but I loved this!

Got chills with the line "Do the bones of my smile not show the bruises?"

And I agree with David above.

UplayOnline said...

This is so wonderfully written! Thanks for sharing.


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