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Am I duckling that swans must gawk?
Among songbirds a
hungry hawk?
An angry cat out for
a walk?
Someone again has
told my tale
because it never
seems to fail
that when I glow
others turn pale.
And whisper. Talk
is sheathing me
who else might pierce
all that I see
with sharpened blades
of mystery.
For my prompt
Poets United Midweek Motif ~ Social Stigma
My blog poems are rough drafts.
Please respect my copyright.
Please respect my copyright.
© 2016 Susan L. Chast
Anyone who has ever been a duck, cat or hawk knows what that feels like...sadly nothing seems to have changed...the gawkers and talkers persist.
ReplyDeletelove the examples you've used here...three exquisite stanzas..really if there's any sin in this world it is to ostracize someone...
ReplyDelete"Someone again has told my tale
ReplyDeletebecause it never seems to fail
that when I glow others turn pale..." Wow!!!- that's how an outcast spirit takes a flight and heals!
Intense piece, Susan! Very powerful lines...
It is difficult being under scrutiny. I have watched my daughter going through that lately. People have no idea how painful their judgments are. So well expressed, Susan.
ReplyDeleteAh, the sheath and the blade. Very nice ending
ReplyDeletewell composed. the weight of scrutiny
ReplyDeleteHow important it is to be oneself. The worst thing with childhood is being made to conform until like the ugly duckling you can emerge and be that swan...yourself.
ReplyDeleteSomeone again has told my tale
ReplyDeletebecause it never seems to fail
that when I glow others turn pale.
Whistles!!❤️ I LOVE the intensity of this ❤️
Lots of love,
Sanaa
That duckling really caught my emotions.. far better to be a thoughtful ducking than superficial swan.. it is sad that the world turns ducklings into pariahs..
ReplyDeleteOh, it is hard to be gawked at and talked about. This poem is painfully realistic, something I think many of us feel at one time or another.
ReplyDeleteYou describe a painful and difficult situation, yes – and I admire how beautifully you have written all the same.
ReplyDeletekeep on glowing
ReplyDeletethe others will eventually
pale into insignificance and nothingness
Great take on the theme, Susan. Stigma does involve a lot of talking and gawking, but unfortunately in many cases the prejudice and hate is so great that physical violence is added to the looks and words...
ReplyDeleteWell-penned!