After reading a short story this depicts how the
heroine dealt with the experience of finding love
but because of commitment had to hide it away.
Compliance.
So let the masquerade start.
Now locked safely away,
restricted and mute is her duly subdued heart,
neatly boxed,
disciplined,
strongly tied
and nicely presented to show whole compliance.
Her own pictured hopes deleted by duty she lays
dreaming aside,
and decides to accede.
With reality not in the way the play can proceed.
All seems accomplished, she bows to demand
face firmly set,
made-up mask hardened into a smile,
she folds up her dreams
and stands almost reliably ready.
The world will see only a token of what she feels
as an acceptable show.
Done now and dusted, tranformance complete,
she will enter
to give an unflagging performance of muted
yet substitute love.
Staging then set she emerges for her rehearsed
but challenging part,
and submissive, begins her well learnt words.
-- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- The End ? -- -- -- -- -- -- -- --
Yet never seen because bleeding and caged
deep inside,
is her real, beaten heart.
For me, this line sums up all you have portrayed: 'she folds up her dreams'... A poem which could engender much soul-searching.
This reminds me of Viola's speech to the Duke in Twelfth Night: 'She never told her love, but let concealment like a worm i' the bud feed on her damask cheek, she pin'd in thought and with a green and yellow melancholy, she sat like Patience on a monument, smiling at grief'. Dare I suggest you leave out your final stanza? The rest is so painfully and deliciously understated. Also why do I suspect there is a personal dimension to this finely quilled piece of 'muted, yet substitute love.' Love, Allie ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥
I think it be time u begin thinkin' 'bout a novel or ten ,missy !Impressive, as always, my dear...FjR
love hidden is love in vein....
hidiing love passion subdued great write fay
Wow! Superb write... evocative, peceptive, compassionate
An eloquent and moving poem - full of dignity from beginning to end.
Allie suggested I leave out the final stanza, so have opened the idea out to readers who may feel the same, -- but by still leaving in the finale' have given the choice. Many thanks Allie - your comments are always measured with care and encouragement - - - very much appreciated .