Do not reach inside me.
Do not plunder the spoils of our internecine warfare.
Do not do that.
We have bludgeoned until naught is left
save blood and an ocean of our tears,
– the only remnants of (what used to be) us that mingle now.
We pace in silent circles, keeping each in the other’s line of sight.
We have learned well.
No, do not reach inside of me.
Not any more.
For there is nothing left.
Tonight is the third night of the dVerse 5th anniversary celebrations, and we are treated to an interview with Laurie Kolp, who used to be a host back in the day. Today, we are hosted by Walt, a fine poet and a great host.
We are invited to write a poem in response to the following quote:
I am cold, even though the heat of early summer is adequate. I am cold because I cannot find my heart.
Sebastian Barry from A long long way
I hope you enjoy my offering, and of course, the offerings of the vibrant, talented dVerse community. If you are new to dVerse, do, do, do take part. The drinks in the pub are cold and long, the seats are comfy and the chat is inspirational. Come one, come all!
Freya Writes... 
This is so cold… this is sad, just like that wonderful lonely platform… great way to play with images and words.
Thank you, Bjorn. Ironically, I wrote it on the train home, where I was anything but feeling cold in our mini heatwave!
Oh Freya, this is soo beautiful and poignant both at the same time ❤
Lots of love,
Sanaa
Thank you, Sanaa.
Praise upon fine poetics, as you inhabit & dwell within the microcosm of a poet’s realm, where black holes are negotiable & no subject is beyond reach or comment.
Thank you, Glenn!
This is stunning, Freya. I particularly love these lines:
‘We pace in silent circles, keeping each in the other’s line of sight.
We have learned well.’
Thank you so much Kim!
Such desolation and coldness. I specially admire:
We have bludgeoned until naught is left
save blood and an ocean of our tears
Thank you Freya for your support of our 5th year celebration~
Thank you very much Grace! And thank you to you and all the dVerse hosts for all you hard work and creativity – dVerse is my favourite community online.
Thanks for accepting the challenge, Freya. A tough nut to crack, and you’ve done it with aplomb. There is an inherent sadness within the quote. You’ve captured it so well. And thanks for the fine compliment!
Thank you so much, Walt, I really appreciate that. And you’re welcome!
I especially like the first two lines.
Thank you!
Yeeow! That’s a cold state all right.
Thank you!
Most excellent write. Do not plunder the spoils of our internecine warfare. Do not do that…sadly, we have learned too well. A very cold and very sad poem here. Absolutely stunning.
Thank you so much!
the sadness of such void hits hard but it’s the stark reality…no warmth anywhere these days…
Thank you, Sumana
Oh that broken trust! Another great interpretation of the quote.
Thank you, Bryan!
Cold emptiness……very sad.
Thankfully, this is a fiction for me, not how I feel right now – but I’ve been there (haven’t we all?).