I saw you in the marketplace
with swollen eyes and fallen face,
and marked the absence of your ring.
One does not probe that sort of thing.
But others are inclined to delve
(and then congratulate themselves
on avoiding such a dismal fate).
Alas, you found out far too late,
once he'd been under another's spell,
and since she'd left his heart a shell,
and revenge on women overdue,
he thought he'd do the same to you.
With “Gee, I'm sorry for this mess.
Perhaps you can return the dress.”
He couldn't forget the girl he'd wed,
so hung you, her effigy, instead.
Anathema: 1. anything laid up or suspended; hence, anything laid up in a temple or set apart as sacred. (As used in the Greek New Testament).
2. someone or something intensely disliked or loathed (Merriam-Webster)
Wonderful start to the challenge and an excellent read. Good luck with the rest of the challenge.
ReplyDeleteYvonne,
This was beautifully done Li! Looking forward to B :)
ReplyDeleteThat was stunning! I won't be forgetting this post in a hurry.
ReplyDeleteEllie Garratt
I'm glad there are poets in the house today. I've never been very good at poetry so its fun to visit sites with good poetry. Thanks!
ReplyDeleteLoved it, can't wait to see what you come up with tomorrow :D
ReplyDeleteFabulous start to the challenge. I love the new words :)
ReplyDeleteJules @ Trying To Get Over The Rainbow
A is for Awesome...and this is an awesome start to the challenge! :)
ReplyDeleteI'm your newest follower. *waves*
Off to try and make my rounds through the huge list.
Happy weekend,
Lola
Very poetic and interesting. Love it! Good wAy to start the dAy! :) You are very eloquent.
ReplyDeleteI love poetry and this is beautiful.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful poem! I started reading flash fiction stories last year, and I recently began writing my own pieces. It's challenging but fun! So I'm glad to have stumbled across your blog. :) Happy writing & blogging!
ReplyDeleteLove this. It's a great way to kick off the challenge!
ReplyDeleteWonderfully done! I'm happy to meet you as we start this challenge. And isn't this fitting since today is the first day of National Poetry Month? Thank you!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful poem!
ReplyDeleteGreat way to start the A-Z Challenge. :)
Gorgeous Li! That one keeps you thinking...
ReplyDeleteSee you tomorrow
Lx
Most excellent and refreshing. Great to meet you on our mutual Challenge!
ReplyDeleteAloha
Toby
http://www.tobyneal.net/
This is really good Li. Made me think, which was a nice surprise. Runaway Groom, instead of runaway bride.
ReplyDeleteHave you ever seen the movie "The Bride Wore Black"? French movie by Truffaut, excellent (classic) thriller. Very Hitchcock.
Marcus
What a great way to kick-off the Challenge. Of course your words are deep, thought provoking and moving as always. I enjoyed learning a new word too!
ReplyDeleteWonderfully put. My potluck: http://verseinanutshell.wordpress.com/2011/05/16/protect/
ReplyDeleteWow, intense and painful piece.
ReplyDeleteread a few poems today but this is the first one that I thought deserved a comment...nicely written.
ReplyDeleteStory woven with a dialogue. Great work!
ReplyDeletevery nice flow on this..
ReplyDeletewonderful story-telling
ReplyDeletepoetic and compelling, you rock.
ReplyDeleteGreetings:
How have you been?
I have been sick last week, sorry for missing some of your potluck entries.
Hope to see you join our poetry potluck week 36 today!
Week 36 Theme is sketches, images, and impressions,
But you are NOT required to submit theme fitting pieces, old poems or poems unrelated to our theme are all welcome…
Looking forward to reading you again.
xoxox