They never guessed it could have happened.
It was too dark for some, others had gone into hiding.
They told us too, and then I did. You did too.
The pipe didn't reach far enough and we scratched our heads.
Because we knew, after trying the other way forward.
It looked like he had a gun in his hand, his life now lost.
Afterwards, her phone died without a way to recharge.
It became obvious when the lights flickered.
Time was running out before the doorway melted.
They didn't believe it could be possible, the distance between
farther than it appeared, like a funhouse mirror.
Attempting 100 times more than on that frightful Friday.
Then light broke through from the other side for no reason.
* Answers appear in random order and don't represent value
or popularity. No other poems were hurt in the writing of this poem.
This poem first published on Visual Verse, Vol. 8 Chapter 5.
Shared to earthweal open link weekend #141. Come join us.
Each month Visual Verse shares a compelling image and invites
writers – published or unpublished – to submit a piece in response.
Check out their website HERE.
Great conceit for a poem, Ali. Narratives defined by our reasons become a motley where dreams make more sense. At the core of this is a radiating damage whose true cause is never known.
I know I’m not the only one who needs words of help. They are a foundation from which I build my day. Otherwise I think I would crumble before lunchtime.
Because we knew, after trying the other way forward… this was such an interesting poem to read. I find the intrigue and shadows in the image translate very well into the lines.
I could feel the tension of the people, hiding, then the light broke through. I especially love “no other poems were hurt in the writing of this poem.” Smiles.
flashlight batteries - Ali Grimshaw 
Great conceit for a poem, Ali. Narratives defined by our reasons become a motley where dreams make more sense. At the core of this is a radiating damage whose true cause is never known.
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Fun needs to be had with poems! 🙂
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Agreed. Sometimes I just get too deep in the seriousness of life
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Enchanting and thought-provoking, Ali – and another welcome message of hope, thank you!
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I know I’m not the only one who needs words of help. They are a foundation from which I build my day. Otherwise I think I would crumble before lunchtime.
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Because we knew, after trying the other way forward… this was such an interesting poem to read. I find the intrigue and shadows in the image translate very well into the lines.
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Thank you so much for your feedback. Yes poem came to me because we’re always talking about the reasons and sometimes they seem so random.
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I could feel the tension of the people, hiding, then the light broke through. I especially love “no other poems were hurt in the writing of this poem.” Smiles.
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Because we knew, after trying the other way forward….
Then light broke through from the other side for no reason.
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Thank you for reflecting back.
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I like your unique voice “no other poems were hurt in the writing of this poem.”
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Thanks for letting me know that you enjoyed that part of this poem. When I wrote this I wondered what people would think about that part.
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I also like “no other poems were hurt in the writing of this poem.”
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Thanks so much for your feedback. This is very different from my other poems. I had fun with it.
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