Friday 18 February 2011

On This Occasion

It was the kind of occasion

that called for handshakes.

The smile you pasted upon

your perfectly powdered,

rouged and lipsticked face,

made me blink in disbelief.

Why would you pretend?

When your soul was melting

and dripping through the gaps

in your tightly woven fingers.

Some things are best left unsaid,

but not this, no, please, not this.

Petals, perfume, claustrophobia,

no space, the elephant in the room

is using up all of the oxygen.

Polite chatter covers the fissures

opening up in the solid ground

beneath our slick stilettoed heels.

You just make it to the exit door,

moments before your slipping mask

says everything that you won't.



I have transferred this over from my Panopticulated blog.
It was written using the prompt words - Blink, Kind, Occasion.

Shared with The Poetry Pantry

8 comments:

Fireblossom said...

Maybe these formalities are important...having something that seems normal, if forced, when things are not normal.

Sherry Blue Sky said...

Wow, this is a powerful write, Susannah. I love the question "why would you pretend when your soul is melting?" Terrific! Isnt this so often the case, the cheery superficialities, while the truth sits like an elephant we step around? Wonderful write!

Mary said...

Oh, Susanah, I know about elephants in the room....and polite chatter. This is a strong poem with a lot of depth.

Anonymous said...

A beautifully written poem that speaks worlds. The celebratory occasion, the elephant in the room, the called-for facade barely kept together - you've made it all so real... and heartbreakingly sad.

madhumakhi said...

Ah! I can totally relate to this poem. The elephant in the room is the stiffness that comes with stupid rules of manners and standards set by society. After all, what is the point of going to a social do when you're wrapped up in your discomfort.
You totally captured it. I loved this poem.

signed...bkm said...

I like this slipping mask...hard to someone you are not at special events...on ocasion...I like to stay home...bkm

Susannah said...

Thanks everyone, I really appreciate you taking the time to read and comment. :-)

Good to see you all
Susannah x

Judy Roney said...

Powerful poem! I love <> I know that feeling!
http://judyidliketosay.blogspot.com/2011/02/my-grandparents-live-in-elongated.html

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