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#poc poet
lovedpoetical-ly · 12 days
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visiting the Emily Dickinson Museuem is at the top of my bucket list.
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loserpoetrv · 29 days
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timers and curfews.
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i find myself,
starting to hate timers.
why?
i'll never know.
well
actually
i
do.
as you wrap your
arms around my waist,
i feel my body shiver;
twitch.
i feel the concept
of
time start to become
the least of my worries...
images of what we could do
while frank ocean plays,
flash in my
perverted mind.
my breathing quickens.
your hands trail further.
my body leans in closer.
i respond with a soft sigh.
and there it is.
that god awful.
timer.
to ruin our moment.
we awkwardly say goodbye.
i roll over as you drive away.
and i lay,
and think,
"maybe another time."
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maybe i'm just bad at acting on affection.
the song i listened to today:
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carsicklover · 3 months
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i’ve always felt like an outsider looking in, like i’ve been previewing life,
“when i’m older then ill experience that”
“when i’m smarter then i can do that”
“when i’m prettier then ill understand that”
“when i’m accepted, then life will be perfect”
but i will never be excepted because at my core, i am different.
i look different, i talk different, i’m “not from here”
people like me will never be accepted; but maybe that’s a good thing. why does it matter that people won’t accept you?
why do you seek validation from people who’ve never had a unique experience in their whole life?
accept yourself. people who won’t accept you don’t matter, anyways.
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poetrybypoc · 2 years
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- from Puerto Rican Obituary // Pedro Pietri
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lemursandsirens · 1 year
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eds
today the lack of collagen isn’t just in my connective tissue i feel the strands of experiences twisting and breaking down as if they want to get me to stop i think it means i should be kind and delicate perhaps some elmore’s oil and a weighted blanket or googling again if i’m eligible for care (you never are) instead i think i should just do what i usually do be a sock outta the buskin duo for the day eventually i’ll feel it (you never do)
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sassyyouthstarlight · 30 days
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why would i say that to you?
i deserved so much more!!! im glad you knew that. (and i hope you still do!)
im glad you had at very least recognized my worth.
you are nothing to me, and not even negatively. id hate to prove you right for calling me manipulative and selfish. no longer in my prayers and journals.
ive since stopped dreaming of you, waking up to bask in overwhelming sadness.
you have fun, with all facets of yourself.
each and every one!
im happy with just myself. ive since found real love, somebody who adores me for everything i am and everything im not.
someone who doesnt use my feelings or reactions against me.
understands me, appreciates me wholly as i thought you had.
she is so much more than you ever were to me, brother.
with love, rose.
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afroinkotaku · 4 months
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Maternal Shadows:
Stuck in a dance of love and hate,
Running far to escape the fate
Of your wrath, judging stares,
The fate of your love and all it bears.
Wishing to shrink in size,
Disappear so no one cries.
Longing for a mother's love,
Asking why from the ancestors above.
Given this task to love,
A woman who can't see me, only what she dreams of.
The burden of a black mother’s prayer,
Echoing through the skies from somewhere.
Growing up, her prayers made me straight,
Her only care – a husband, nice and great.
No matter how many signs I gave,
Her little black girl was born to be brave.
Gay and black, her biggest fear,
So she prayed, but God didn't hear.
Being gay and black, a mother's worst fear,
So I pretended, as long as I could, unclear.
Then one night, they took it all,
My mask, my clothes, my pride did fall.
Left a gift from the other side,
As I cried to my mama, misunderstood, denied.
Cried until I couldn’t cry anymore,
Decided this pain wasn’t mine to adore.
Now I’m out, can't go back,
To a journey of life, something I lack.
Asking God for a mother’s love,
For her gay black child, sent from above.
In her mind, God told her how,
To love in parts, not the whole somehow.
Abandon the child that she thought was gold,
Love the parts she likes, let the rest unfold.
Love and pray, this is a phase,
For a young black and gay, navigating life's maze.
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belle-keys · 1 year
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The Ultimate Dark Academia Book Recommendation Guide Ever
The title of this post is clickbait. I, unfortunately, have not read every book ever. Not all of these books are particularly “dark” either. However, these are my recommendations for your dark academia fix. The quality of each of these books varies. I have limited this list to books that are directly linked to the world of academia and/or which have a vaguely academic setting.
Dark Academia staples:
The Secret History by Donna Tartt
If We Were Villains by M.L. Rio
Dead Poets Society by Nancy H. Kleinbaum
Vita Nostra by Maryna Dyachenko
Dark academia litfic or contemporary:
Bunny by Mona Awad
The Idiot by Elif Batuman
These Violent Delights by Micah Nemerever
White Ivy by Susie Yang
The Cloisters by Katy Hays
Never Let Me Go by Kazuo Ishiguro
The Lake of Dead Languages by Carol Goodman
A Separate Peace by John Knowles
Black Chalk by Christopher J. Yates
Attribution by Linda Moore
Dark academia thrillers or horror:
In My Dreams I Hold a Knife by Ashley Winstead
The Maidens by Alex Michaelides
Ghosts of Harvard by Francesca Serritella
Catherine House by Elisabeth Thomas
Plain Bad Heroines by Emily M. Danforth
They Never Learn by Layne Fargo
The It Girl by Ruth Ware
Never Saw Me Coming by Vera Kurian
Dark academia fantasy/sci-fi:
Babel: An Arcane History by R.F. Kuang
The Atlas Six by Olivie Blake
Ninth House by Leigh Bardugo
A Lesson in Vengeance by Victoria Lee
The Starless Sea by Erin Morgenstern
Vicious by V.E. Schwab
A Discovery of Witches by Deborah Harkness
The Betrayals by Bridget Collins
Dark academia romance:
Gothikana by RuNyx
Alone With You in the Ether by Olivie Blake
Dark academia YA or MG:
Truly Devious by Maureen Johnson
A Deadly Education by Naomi Novik
Ace of Spades by Faridah Àbíké-Íyímídé
The Raven Boys by Maggie Stiefvater
Legendborn by Tracy Deonn
Crave by Tracy Wolff
Wilder Girls by Rory Power
The Harry Potter series by J.K. Rowling
Dark academia miscellaneous:
My Dark Vanessa by Kate Elizabeth Russell
Disorientation by Elaine Hsieh Chou
Alphabet of Thorn by Patricia A. McKillip
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the-readers-archive · 5 months
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“We don’t read and write poetry because it’s cute. We read and write poetry because we are members of the human race… poetry, beauty, romance, love, these are what we stay alive for.”
— Dead Poets Society, Robin Williams 🕊️
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yourdailyqueer · 4 months
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Mutsuo Takahashi
Gender: Male
Sexuality: Gay
DOB: 15 December 1937
Ethnicity: Japanese
Occupation: Poet, writer
Note: Is one of the most prominent and prolific male poets, essayists, and writers of contemporary Japan, with more than three dozen collections of poetry, several works of prose, dozens of books of essays, and several major literary prizes to his name.
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Fear: Using Stoicism to Shape Characters
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Introduction
Like many people, I suffer from severe panic and anxiety attacks. My heart races at what feels like a thousand beats per minute, I get a cold sweat, and my thoughts do not have a filter. The latter of which, I find the most dangerous and disturbing, especially when said attacks get triggered by something so small or nothing at all.
A lot of the time, they boil down to not feeling safe. I feel like I’m vulnerable, that the worst things that happened to me will happen again tenfold, or I’ve become the worst person in existence. Fear, as a lot of us know, can have us assume the worst.
I’m still working on managing my fear, if it can be managed at all, but a lot of what I’ve been practicing is essentially Stoicism. Epictetus, a Greek Stoic philosopher, often highlighted that it is not events themselves that disturb people, but rather their judgments about those events. One famous quote attributed to Epictetus that reflects this idea is: “People are not disturbed by things, but by the view they take of them.”
This sentiment suggests that fear and other negative emotions stem not from objective reality but from our interpretations and perceptions of reality.
I thought, “What a wonderful way to get to know our characters!” Not only do we have to have a grasp on the world around them, we have to understand the extent of how they perceive said reality and how it leads to their own fears as well as their ambitions, passions, hate, love, etc.
Amor Fati
One of my favorite phrases is “amor fati.” It’s what helped me most in navigating my own fears and, as a result, writing some ways in which my characters handle theirs.
The idea of “amor fati” is closely associated with philosophers like Epictetus and Marcus Aurelius, even though they didn't use those exact words. However, it was Nietzsche who made it a key part of his philosophy. He believed that true greatness comes from embracing fate and wanting nothing to change, not in the past, present, or future. In simple terms, it means loving and accepting everything that happens, rather than just enduring it.
When considering the relationship between “amor fati” and fear, several key points emerge:
Acceptance of the Uncontrollable: Fear often arises from the unknown or from circumstances beyond our control. “Amor fati” encourages individuals to relinquish their resistance to such uncertainties and to accept that life is inherently unpredictable. By embracing fate, individuals can find solace in the realization that some things are simply beyond their power to change or influence.
Facing Adversity with Resilience: Rather than viewing challenges as threats to be avoided or overcome, individuals can approach them with a sense of equanimity and resilience. Instead of succumbing to fear or anxiety in the face of challenges, one can choose to see them as opportunities for growth and self-discovery. By embracing adversity as an integral part of life’s journey, individuals can cultivate the strength and fortitude necessary to navigate difficult times with grace and composure.
Gratitude for All Experiences: Fear often stems from a sense of insecurity or dissatisfaction with one’s circumstances. “Amor fati” cultivates gratitude for all experiences, both positive and negative, recognizing that each contributes to the richness and depth of life. By embracing fate with gratitude and appreciation, individuals can mitigate the fear of the unknown and find peace and contentment in the present moment.
This idea is what helps form a “baseline” for my way of thinking and perceiving fear, which is what many people, fictional characters included, tend to mix up.
You don’t need to adopt the same mantra, of course, but I believe that having this Ground 0 in your own personal philosophy will add further depth and characterization in writing. It provides a deeper perspective on why your characters think the same or why they may deviate.
Distinction Between Events and Perceptions
Let’s go back to what Epictetus said: “People are not disturbed by things, but by the view they take of them.” Stoicism teaches that events themselves are neutral; it is our interpretation of those events that shapes our emotional responses. This concept is often referred to as “cognitive appraisal” or “judgment” in Stoic philosophy.
In practical terms, this means that two individuals may encounter the same external circumstance, yet react to it in vastly different ways based on their subjective interpretations. For example, consider a person who loses their job unexpectedly. While one individual may perceive this event as a devastating blow to their self-worth and security, another may view it as an opportunity for growth and new possibilities. The event itself—the loss of a job—remains the same, but the emotional response varies depending on the individual's perception of the situation.
Epictetus’s insight invites us to reflect on the role of our perceptions in shaping our emotional experiences. It suggests that our judgments, beliefs, and attitudes about the events we encounter play a crucial role in determining how we feel and behave in response to those events. By recognizing this distinction between events and perceptions, individuals can gain greater agency over their emotional lives.
Moreover, understanding this distinction empowers individuals to practice what Epictetus called the “dichotomy of control”—the Stoic principle of focusing only on what is within our power to control, namely our thoughts, attitudes, and responses, rather than becoming consumed by external circumstances beyond our control. By directing our attention inward and cultivating a mindset of resilience and rationality, we can navigate life's challenges with greater equanimity and inner peace.
Applying this to character development, particularly in relation to crafting a character’s fears, can add depth and complexity to the character.
Understanding the Character’s Perception of Fearful Events:
Explore how the character interprets and perceives the events or situations that evoke fear. What underlying beliefs, past experiences, or personal values shape their perception of these events?
Consider whether the character’s fear is rooted in the objective reality of the situation or in their subjective interpretation of it. For example, is their fear based on genuine physical danger, or is it driven by irrational beliefs or past traumas?
Revealing Character Traits and Beliefs:
A character’s response to fear can provide insight into their personality, values, and beliefs. For instance, do they confront their fears head-on with courage and resilience, or do they succumb to anxiety and avoidance?
Consider how the character’s fear reflects broader themes or conflicts in the story. For example, does their fear stem from a desire for control, a fear of vulnerability, or a struggle with existential questions?
External Manifestations of Fear:
Consider how the character’s perception of fear manifests in their actions, behaviors, and interactions with others. Do they exhibit outward signs of fear, such as trembling or avoidance, or do they mask their fears behind a facade of bravado?
Pay attention to how the character’s response to fear influences their relationships with other characters. For example, do they push others away in an attempt to protect themselves, or do they seek support and connection during times of fear and uncertainty?
Symbolism and Subtext:
Use the character’s fears as a vehicle for exploring deeper themes and subtext within the story. What do their fears symbolize in terms of larger narrative themes or character arcs?
Consider how the character’s perception of fear parallels or contrasts with other characters in the story, providing opportunities for reflection and exploration of different perspectives.
“Personal Truths” Are Not Necessarily Lawful
No matter how much a character is afraid of something, there is a line to be drawn on how valid that fear is when justifying a character’s actions and self-proclaimed motives. A person can say that they are afraid of someone else and that they are acting to protect others, but does that truly evade them from the law? In other words, a Villain can be completely convinced that what they are doing is noble and right, or that it stems from their own trauma, but, at the end of the day, they’re a murderous liar.
For example, in George Orwell's allegorical novel Animal Farm, Napoleon is a Berkshire boar who emerges as one of the leaders of the animal revolution against the human farmer, Mr. Jones. Initially, Napoleon is portrayed as a strategic thinker and persuasive speaker, working alongside Snowball, another pig, to rally the other animals and establish the principles of Animalism, which advocate for equality and freedom from human oppression.
As the story progresses, Napoleon’s character undergoes a transformation fueled by his ambitions for power and control.
Napoleon’s fear of losing control over the farm drives many of his actions. He becomes increasingly paranoid about potential threats to his authority, particularly from Snowball, whom he views as a rival. This fear prompts him to manipulate and eliminate anyone who opposes him, including orchestrating the expulsion of Snowball from the farm and later falsely accusing him of being a traitor.
He also utilizes propaganda and manipulation to maintain his grip on power. He gradually assumes control over the farm’s decision-making processes, consolidating power in his own hands and using fear tactics to suppress dissent among the other animals. For example, he employs the threat of the mysterious “Jones” returning to instill fear and obedience among the animals.
Napoleon’s lust for power leads him to betray the principles of Animalism that he once espoused. He progressively becomes more authoritarian and exploitative, engaging in corrupt practices such as trading with humans and altering the Seven Commandments to justify his actions. Despite initially advocating for equality, Napoleon begins to live a life of luxury while the other animals toil and suffer.
As his regime becomes more entrenched, he resorts to violence and oppression to maintain control. He establishes a reign of terror, using his loyal enforcers, the ferocious dogs he raised since they were puppies, to suppress dissent and punish any animal perceived as disloyal. Under his rule, the farm descends into a state of fear and tyranny, with Napoleon ruling with an iron fist.
Napoleon’s character serves as a symbol of totalitarianism and the corrupting influence of power. His transformation from a revolutionary leader to a despotic dictator mirrors the rise of real-life totalitarian rulers who exploit fear and propaganda to consolidate power and suppress dissent. There is not one moment of self-reflection, of him questioning that, perhaps, his fears are unfounded or his “personal truths” are not true at all.
Playing With Reality
Now, how can you utilize fear in order to create a character with as much depth and reflection (or lack thereof) like Napoleon?
Exaggerating a character’s fear involves manipulating elements of reality within the narrative to heighten the character’s sense of paranoia, insecurity, and authoritarianism.
Distorted Perceptions: Employ literary devices such as unreliable narration or distorted perspectives to amplify the character’s fears. By presenting events through the lens of the character’s paranoia, the narrative can create a sense of heightened tension and uncertainty. For example, descriptions of seemingly innocuous occurrences may be exaggerated or imbued with sinister undertones to reflect the character’s heightened state of fear.
Symbolism and Imagery: Symbolic imagery can be used to represent the character’s fears in a heightened and exaggerated manner. For instance, recurring symbols of oppression, surveillance, or impending doom can serve as visual metaphors for the character’s anxieties and insecurities. These symbols can be woven throughout the narrative to reinforce the character’s sense of paranoia and isolation.
Surreal Elements: Introducing surreal or fantastical elements into the narrative can create a sense of disorientation and unease, effectively amplifying the character's fear. By blurring the boundaries between reality and fantasy, the author can evoke a sense of psychological instability and existential dread. Surreal imagery, dream sequences, or hallucinatory experiences can all contribute to the character’s sense of dislocation and terror.
Manipulation of Time and Space: Playing with the conventions of time and space can further exaggerate the character’s fear and disorientation. Flashbacks, flash-forwards, or nonlinear storytelling techniques can create a sense of temporal dislocation, mirroring the character’s fractured mental state. Similarly, disorienting shifts in perspective or setting can contribute to the character's sense of being trapped or pursued by unseen forces.
Atmospheric Detailing: Careful attention to atmospheric detail can help to create a sense of oppressive dread and foreboding. Descriptions of the environment—such as gloomy weather, claustrophobic settings, or unsettling ambient sounds—can evoke a palpable sense of unease, intensifying the character's fear and paranoia.
Character Interaction and Dialogue: Dialogue and interaction with other characters can be used to reinforce the character’s fears and insecurities. Conversations may be laced with veiled threats, double entendres, or gaslighting tactics, leaving the character uncertain of whom to trust. Manipulative or menacing exchanges can heighten the character's sense of isolation and vulnerability.
Did anyone else get a little uneasy imagining all of that? I’d go rather mad if I had all of that happening to me, too. Now, what about the good guys? They are afraid of things, too, right?
Of course they are, and you can utilize the above methods for your heroes, as well! There might just be a little bit of extra work involved in ensuring that they don’t spiral into the villain role.
Establish Strong Moral Compass: From the outset, establish the hero’s core values and moral compass. Make it clear what principles guide their actions and decisions. This foundation will serve as a guiding light, helping to anchor the character and prevent them from straying into villainous territory.
Empathy and Compassion: Ensure that the hero retains their empathy and compassion towards others, even in the face of fear and adversity. By prioritizing the well-being of others and demonstrating empathy towards those in need, the hero reaffirms their commitment to noble ideals and reinforces their heroic identity.
Positive Support Systems: Surround the hero with positive support systems, including allies, mentors, and friends who can offer guidance, encouragement, and moral support. These relationships serve as anchors, providing the hero with strength and stability during moments of doubt and fear.
Consequences of Actions: Highlight the consequences of the hero’s actions and choices, emphasizing the impact they have on others and the world around them. By holding the hero accountable for their decisions and their effects, the narrative reinforces the importance of ethical behavior and reinforces their heroic identity.
Redemption and Forgiveness: If the hero does succumb to fear or makes mistakes along the way, provide opportunities for redemption and forgiveness. Allow the hero to acknowledge their faults, learn from their experiences, and strive to make amends. This narrative arc reinforces the hero’s humanity and resilience, emphasizing the possibility of growth and redemption.
Thematic Resonance: Ensure that the hero’s journey is thematically consistent and resonant, emphasizing themes of hope, courage, and resilience. By grounding the narrative in these overarching themes, the hero’s actions remain aligned with their fundamental nature, reinforcing their heroic identity and preventing them from veering into villainous territory.
Conclusion
Fear is a powerful and universal human experience that can shape both individuals and characters in profound ways. Drawing upon Stoic philosophy, particularly the concepts of “amor fati” and the distinction between events and perceptions, can provide valuable insights into understanding and managing fear. By exploring how characters perceive and respond to fear, writers can create nuanced and compelling portrayals that add depth and complexity to their stories.
“Amor fati,” or love of fate, encourages individuals to embrace and accept all aspects of their lives, including the uncertainties and challenges that provoke fear. By adopting an attitude of gratitude and acceptance towards fate, characters can navigate fear with resilience and courage, transforming adversity into opportunities for growth and self-discovery.
Furthermore, understanding the distinction between events and perceptions allows writers to delve into the subjective nature of fear, exploring how characters’ interpretations and judgments shape their emotional experiences. By depicting characters’ fears as rooted in their perceptions of reality, writers can add layers of complexity to their motivations and behaviors, enhancing the depth and authenticity of their characterization.
While fear can drive characters to make choices that lead them down dark paths, it is ultimately their moral compass, empathy, and support systems that determine whether they remain heroes or succumb to villainy. By emphasizing themes of redemption, forgiveness, and growth, writers can ensure that even in the face of fear, their characters' journeys ultimately lead to strength, resilience, and self-discovery.
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lovedpoetical-ly · 11 days
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mitski / emily dickinson / lana del rey / j. cole / hozier are the poetic geniuses i aspire to be in 10 years time.
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loserpoetrv · 5 months
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welcome to loserpoetrv's blog.
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hi my name is alo and welcome to my blog, aka the place where i'll imagine it's my diary and you guys can enjoy it in a poetic sense i suppose. i'll be here to just write poetry, and share my art with the people who share a love for this art. i've wanted to create this blog for a while now, ever since i took poetry in highschool in fact. needless to say, i hope you enjoy my art, feel free to stick around.
about me.
i'm an 18 yo native american and puerto rican loser pretty much, i'm two-spirited and unlabeled when it comes to my sexuality since i'm still figuring it out.
i use they/he pronouns.
90% of my inspiration is from the books i used to read as a kid from my mothers bookshelves, i found the creation of poetry to be a good way to express who i was inside. even on that dingy reservation.
i listen to music all the time, most of the time when i'm writing poetry i most likely have my headphones in.
my writing.
it's something that comes and goes. i'll have a messy schedule since.. i dunno.. it only dawns on me when i'm in a bad headspace.
it can be messy, it can be short, it can be long, it can be clean. it fluctuates.
sometimes i will be uploading light nsfw poems, or pure nsfw poems, and sfw poems. so you have been warned.
i write a whole variety of poems, mostly from my experiences as a bystander. i write romance poems, hate poems, sex poems, abuse, sisterhood, siblinghood, motherhood, etc etc.
current wips.
n/a
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thank you for taking your time to read this, i hope you stick around.
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carsicklover · 2 months
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sometimes i wonder, if the flowers cry.
i wonder if they beg for forgiveness
“he loves me”
would they feel their skin tearing apart?
“he loves me not”
would they feel fear puncturing their frail bodies?
i wonder if they scream in pain, if they pray to their gods, if they wished they were wilted and ugly.
“he loves me”
being hideous means they wouldn’t be picked, uprooted, torn apart, and then left to rot.
“he loves me not”
i wonder if they miss their petals when all that’s left is their spine and a little stump.
“he loves me”
i wonder if they cry over their loss of self. how they look closer to a measly piece of grass then a beautiful plant.
“oh… he loves me not…”
do they lie in shame, or in sadness?
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poetrybypoc · 2 years
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- from I Was Told the Sunlight Was a Cure // Hanif Abdurraqib
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