i.
I know because you are me.
You came here afraid, chased by storms.
You huddle with spare, odd friends
who you doubt you can trust.
As the noise kicks up all around,
you hunker down, raise strong the barriers,
but they are cracked, indifferent.
I know, because you are me.
You curl up in a ball thinking
if you could just make yourself small,
you might not be seen, it might be easier
to stay safe; your thigh bones against
your chest make a stronger wall, you hope,
but your stomach churns with hunger –
I know because you are me –
you need rest, the cold air blows
and blows, and no one has given you
even a small piece of comfort,
though they talk around it plenty.
It is the least of all wonders
(I know because you are me)
that you chose less pain over more,
more certainty over less.
In a bag, black without marker
your body now will be returned
to the place you escaped,
which will have no need for it.
I know because you are me.
ii.
There is a prayer for the forgotten,
a sacred text first uttered centuries ago
along the front of a thunder storm.
She saw it all coming – you, the prayer,
the storm – and wrote down every phrase.
She stands ready and speaks it for you now.
You find yourself surprised
while the words shower over you, warming.
They pierce deep into your fear, awkward
lack of belonging, self-negation,
soften your surfaces and the crusty
edges scraping all around,
and hold you safe in her welcome.
The sun beams here, just for you.
Your name is written for always.
There is such a prayer, I know
because I am you.
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29 responses to “Your body is returned”
the first section surprised me with how i much i related to the persona’s views. the physicality of the images in stanzas two through four are powerful. the second section i honestly was not prepared to like, but i ended up liking it a lot. i have had those moments, as well, but your poem spoke them for me, allowing me to see them in a new way with better understanding.
Thank you for sticking with it! I always value you generous feedback. I have significant doubts about this poem because it does not feel ‘tight enough’ for me. Still struggling with the anger and negative emotion thing. So hard to work through in poetry while still bringing people along. Thanks again!
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The repeated variations of you are me, makes that separation all the more vivid.. to part with symbiosis to walk apart, you wonder what remains… love the form in which you present it.
Thank you for this feedback.
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Stunning in its honesty. Really well done.
Thank you for that.
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There is a prayer for the forgotten,
a sacred text first uttered centuries ago
along the front of a thunder storm.
…loved this poem..the form, the repetition..works beautifully.
Thank you. So kind of you.
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I love the different versions of you are me. I love the honesty, the repetition, the beauty of this poem.
Thank you.
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In your first stanza you speak of barriers, walls and creating safety…I can so relate and to this: “and no one has given you
even a small piece of comfort,
though they talk around it plenty.
It is the least of all wonders
(I know because you are me)
that you chose less pain over more,
more certainty over less.” And then the body bag and moving on from this realm.
Your second stanza presents a knowingness that is comforting and safe through a wondrous prayer.
I feel so clearly that you have much to say and if anger needs to come, let it fly! :~)
Thank you. Anger is so hart to write in poetry. Something I am working on. Thanks for seeing that.
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It reads like a prayer – a consoling as well. A promise of understanding and comfort.
Thanks very much.
what a wonderful thing to be able to see your self from that perspective. this is part of the larger story. thank you
Thank you.
An authentic poem, I hear so much in the hidden spaces.
Thanks so much!
I especially like these sections:
“You huddle with spare, odd friends”
“thigh bones against
your chest make a stronger wall, you hope,
but your stomach churns with hunger”
“you chose less pain over more”
Thank you!
I’m am you, you are me…. we do have so much in common, if we could only realize that there wouldn’t be the forgotten. Keep writing till it all makes sense to you. I for one want to read it.
Thank you. I appreciate that.
This is a rich wordfeast – a meal for the soul.
That is very generous of you. Thanks.
we are one
I love the sudden shifting of the rhythm and perspective into the second section–like the tightness, anxiety, fear has found its release, a breathing. The repetition, too, is so effective in the first part.
Thanks so much. I was uncertain of the irregular repetition. But I did not want to give it up.
A beautifully written poem and I admire the honesty ~ Apologies for being late ~
Thank you. So kind. And no problem for the delay! Very thankful that you take any time to read and comment on my work.