Withered Heart by Julie A. Dickson

Image | Hello Aesthe

Withered Heart

Withered heart, scabbed over festered wound,

trap door slammed over feelings within, guarded well. 

Sadness prevails; loneliness conceals pain deep 

within me, unmarked time marches along unbridled. 

 

I walk alone down the path to the sea where darkness 

shields my lonely eyes. Beckoning waves in rhythmic force

emulates my breathing as if in respiration. Invisible voice of waves 

undulating softly against the beaten shore;  erosion of feelings 

not unlike sand and pebbles swept out upon the rocks of despair, 

thrashing wildly against destruction but losing identity in the wilderness 

of shadowed fate, the sea reclaims land that never was owned, 

though some sought ownership, as was their right? 

 

The reverent, those who trampled over the grounds of existence,

my heart cries out a silent plea. Would that the sea could consume pain, 

pounding memories, as breakers strike against the shore, the casualty 

of chaotic dreams, my heart lies broken to shards. The stars choose to turn

their backs this night, the moon agrees to stay hidden, none cast shadows. 

Darkness covered all traces, what loneliness has done to me.

© Julie A. Dickson

Julie A. Dickson is a long time poet whose work has appeared in over 75 journals. She has served as a guest editor and past poetry board member. Her full length works are available on Amazon. Dickson advocates for captive elephants and shares her home with two rescued cats, Cam and Jojo.

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