A Bit Like Lazarus

A broken heart
is not death
although it
searches
for a grave.

Guilt and rejection
sing their dirge
until the tongue
can no longer
barter for sympathy.

Stirred by an inner voice crying
“Pity has paid its penance”,
vocabulary begins its Lazarus’ walk
away from its tomb of salt lick tears.

Speaking away the shroud
of mournful comfort isn’t easy.
The first utterances feel like
the middle of August without shade.

©Susie Clevenger 2015

Comments

Sanaa Rizvi said…
The poem stirred some intense emotions inside of me as I read the lines.. its captivating my soul..!
xoxo
Grace said…
The opening lines are somber & the whole poem is mournful specially

“Pity has paid its penance" -

Thanks for participating Susie & wishing you a happy week ~
Sherry Blue Sky said…
A brilliant opening, Susie........I can feel the Lazarus's walk "away from its tomb of salt-lick tears". Wowzers, kiddo!Powerful!
hedgewitch said…
Your use of words here is so intelligent, Susie--every line rolls out a thought that carries the weight and the freedom of that stone rolled away from the tomb--in this case, Lazarus's, which metaphor you have used to killing effect--how easy to linger and lick at that salt, how hard to rise up and live.
Vandana Sharma said…
Totally love it!! the pain of a broken heart never felt so wonderful.
C.C. said…
The grave imagery and idea of a broken heart searching for a grave....so very apt and powerful.
De Jackson said…
LOVE the images you've built here, Susie.
Anonymous said…
I love it Susie, that's how the world works. Not everyone forgives when the penance is paid. Nor does society.
Like a fall, a person just wants to lay there for a bit. But unlike the fall, hardly anyone wants to help the person back up.
..
Jim H at the Office Depot store in Tomball today for a bit. I'd rather be home.
..
Not easy, no — but essential.
Hannah said…
Your second stanza especially stood out for me... what a powerful poem, Susie.
Debi Swim said…
That first stanza is powerful and your last searing. The experience of pain speaks loudly.
LindyLouMac said…
Very emotional words Susie.