with an owl on her shoulder
and the moon at her back.
I like the windows open,
and the air cold.
I prefer cloth to satin, silver to gold.
I didn't just roll in, some girl from the burbs.
I have marks on my body
from lessons sharp and black.
When you kiss me, if you kiss me,
put your hands on me high, and I'll close my eyes;
just don't forget my owl
with her vigilance,
her talons
and her soft deceptive cries.
________
not for any prompt. *facepalm*
Your words are so deeply powerful.
ReplyDeletenice, shay.
ReplyDeleteJust gorgeous, Shay. I love all the little touches that suggest one who loves the night, the cold, a goddess both tempting and terrifying.
ReplyDeleteLove the final stanza. Who, indeed, is the owl calling...
ReplyDeleteOMG, those first lines! Brilliant! Love the owl on her shoulder, and the moon at her back. Sigh. Powerful write, kiddo.
ReplyDeleteOh, I love this one! I read it out loud because the line rhythms are so nice.
ReplyDeletePat
Critter Alley
... very intriguing. Can't decide if the owl is a comfort or a warning... I suppose it could be both. Nice.
ReplyDeleteSo, is this a physical owl, or an internal protective mechanism? This poem leaves me wondering. Nicely done!
ReplyDeleteI love the rhyme scheme of this. No prompt? How exactly does that work?
ReplyDelete**I have marks on my body
ReplyDeletefrom lessons sharp and black.**
LOVE)))!!! Xx
you're a witch, right? because this opened exactly the cold window to Athena, and I got shivers
ReplyDeleteCarrying marks on your body and an owl on your shoulder brings me back to the women healers of earlier days with their animal guides. You're in a long line of wise women.
ReplyDeleteI love the last stanza.
ReplyDeleteI like the picture of the owl and the idea of owl being on the shoulder.
ReplyDeleteThe question is does the owl hold hostage or does it protect?
BTW I like owls and they have a bad rep, which is unfair.
Shay, I love it, it's so strong... and the photo is perfect...
ReplyDeleteGot pulled in by the photo. Deep and to the point. Inner power, great phrasing, as always.
ReplyDeleteread that several times, each time i felt that tug ... and i love that 'photo'
ReplyDeleteI don't want to leave this one. Will read it again before I go. How absolutely beautiful it is.
ReplyDeleteLove this: "When you kiss me, if you kiss me"
You are a wonder.