Mark Stavish
Overflowing with wreaths of smoke
I am a heated pot, gurgling, impatient.
The words I love, the gift that I
do not own but borrow though the timing
does not often suit me.
Some things must be done
and no amount of even ifs will steady
the hand once the need strips
those skulking sheets their innocence.
–
I am uncommon, a candle
burning in its own juices,
once untenanted, I burn,
spectral and appetent.
The things I know shame me.
My great and ghastly divots,
my scars wet as the day
they were cast. I am pitiful,
miserable, I bereave myself,
offal cast as pearls, heart
a stalk of weather-hardened barely.
mindlovemisery 
I loved this part:”The things I know shame me.
My great and ghastly divots,
my scars wet as the day”, and I love the artwork that accompanies, it is fitting, esoteric and very inspirational.
This was excellent Yves, it always fascinates me that one image can lead to so many diverse creative responses….loved this take…
I can relate to the feeling of being a candle burning in its own juices.
wow! this is a so very deeply moving, dark and disturbing piece (at least in my reading) – but still, I feel like it’s “okay” – the notion and idea of just “being” – breathing in one’s skin …
and wow – how many incredible lines are there here? each so powerful and evocative – to signal each out without acknowledging that together they make such an intense and incredible whole?!
The words I love, the gift that I
do not own but borrow though the timing
and no amount of even ifs will steady
the hand once the need strips
those skulking sheets their innocence.
once untenanted, I burn,
spectral and appetent.
Holy smokes – just incredible – and this is such a fascinating response to the prompt – which offers so many possibilities – amazing job Yves!
Wow MJ thank you so much for your beautiful, beautiful words!
Awe MJ said it all… My stand out lines also:
‘The words I love, the gift that I
do not own but borrow though the timing’
Something I think all writers ought to be aware of –
the borrowed magic upon…
‘those skulking sheets their innocence.’
Or a once blank screen filling!
Cheers! And Happy New Year’s eve eve!
Thank you so much Jules!!!