In the Closet of a Stranger’s Land

My heart is a clothing bag
stashed in the closet of a stranger’s land.
The hung costumes attack.
Treguna Mekoides and Trecorum Satis Dee,
my culture stabs instead of grasps.

Childhood was a slow dredge
on a fluted tin washboard.
Once I rode a chariot of soapy clouds
among roaring ocean crowds,
a schoolgirl steaming wrinkles from a dream.

Walked on the water the day of my wedding,
virginity sinking in the heavy scent
of dirty satin bedding,
my legs, a tangled updo
of sanctified placental seaweed.

Womanhood is for warriors, though.
Try adventuring with one foot free.
A sailboat readied
while the other foot anchors,
the other foot begs, Mommy!
the other foot buries itself
below the blood-drenched sand
until the coat hanger latches
and the heart attacks
in the closet of a stranger’s land.

Artwork: ‘Memory the Heart” Frida Kahlo

I think this one still needs some polishing so any advice is most welcome.

22 responses to “In the Closet of a Stranger’s Land”

Tom

Some very memorable imagery here – ‘virginity sinking in the heavy scent
of dirty satin bedding’, ‘I rode a chariot of soapy clouds
among roaring ocean crowds’ = great depiction of both that vivid childhood imagination and the bittersweet aftermath of wedding night. Exquisitely written, K! ❤

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1. K.Hartless
  
  Thank you, Tom. 💜 Frida’s work is stunning. I think the metaphors may be a bit mixed in this one. But individually, I like each part. Together, a bit of a Frankenstien still.
  
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  1. Tom
    
    They definitely compliment each other well! Great choice ❤
    
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  2. K.Hartless
    
    Thank you. 💜
    
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Simone E

Oh how I love the way this poem is written. So feminine, so gentle and so beautiful. Let’s celebrate womanhood and all that comes with it 😂

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1. K.Hartless
  
  Indeed. Culture, costumes, they are cut a part of a woman’s character. Thank you for this lively comment. 💜
  
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Jeff Flesch

“my culture stabs instead of grasps.” That really says it all for me. I enjoyed the multiple layers of this write, which connect to a crescendo of complexity and strength in its conclusion. Lovely write, K. 💜

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1. K.Hartless
  
  Thank you, Jeff. Our lives and are clothing are often layered. Thank you for this new perspective on it as it guides me to a way to perhaps tie this one together even more clearly. I am so grateful for your insights. 💜
  
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  1. Jeff Flesch
    
    You’re welcome, K. It’s always my pleasure to read you. Delightful and always insightful. Oh, I’m glad this is so, it’s so much fun to share insights, and see what comes. Lovely. 💜
    
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Writing to Freedom

Very poignant and evocative prose.

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yourplateormine967244485

It is beautiful and I felt it was woven well, it takes me through the heart of a woman. Lovely 💝✨

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1. K.Hartless
  
  Thank you. I appreciate your kind comments. I had this instant attraction to this particular Kahlo painting. I knew it had something to say.
  
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  1. yourplateormine967244485
    
    💖✨
    
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writingwhatnots

Frida Kahlo and her work are great inspiration aren’t they? The images in this grabbed me – you wove so much into each stanza. Fabulously done.

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1. K.Hartless
  
  Thank you. I agree. I will be sure to visit her works more often if the well feels dry.
  
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abigfatcanofworms

Some incredible imagery in here. I especially love the second stanza. It has a great rhythm and the last line really took my fancy. And then the rhythm come back in full force in the final stanza. So powerful!

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1. K.Hartless
  
  Thank you, Worms. I love it when a poem has something to say and doesn’t care how disjointed it gets in saying it. I’m glad you found it impactful. Thank you, friend.
  
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tiffanyarpdaleo

Outstanding K! Vivid and jarring, perfectly composed!

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1. K.Hartless
  
  Thank you, Tiff. 💜🦋Happy Friday!
  
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Carolyn Crossley VixenOfVerse

This is a stunning poem, K. I like the mixed metaphors.🙂🙂🙂

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1. K.Hartless
  
  Thank you so much, Carolyn. 😊
  
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  1. Carolyn Crossley VixenOfVerse
    
    ❤😎❤
    
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