Deliverance

Deliverance

With silent words her manner speaks
of things no child should understand.
Life's pattern marks her like a brand.
Tears cannot wash her sanguine cheeks.

Abused for years and months and weeks
she prayed for help with tearful voice
and found her answer in a choice.
Tears cannot wash her sanguine cheeks.

In fear, her desperation peaks,
deliverance to her hand springs,
the knife gleams like an angel's wings.
Tears cannot wash her sanguine cheeks.

Red arcane patterns, painted streaks,
across the walls and on the floor
bespeak the burden that she bore.
Tears cannot wash her sanguine cheeks.

It's not forgiveness that she seeks,
nor understanding of her act.
She's accepted the devil's pact.
Tears cannot wash her sanguine cheeks.

In solitude, the quiet shrieks
in sounds that only she can hear,
pale echoes of a vanquished fear.
Tears cannot wash her sanguine cheeks.

Notes

Form: The Kyrielle form is very flexible, in that there are only three basic rules: (1) written in rhyming quatrains (4-line stanzas), (2) the last line of each stanza is repeated throughout the entire poem, and (3) each line has only 8 syllables.

Thank you for taking the time to read my words. I would appreciate it if you'd take a moment and leave a comment. Criticism, reactions, even praise are all equally welcome.

Ken