a hushed breath stills, a fragile heart leaps
shrouded in the lagoon of desertion
each expiration counting the moments
the sedges march, stalwart soldiers
rapturous fingers trace along elegant curves
who corral the hearts of cast-off lovers
liquid fire to burn your touch into my skin
verdant green hedgerows and meandering vines
where once my essence yearned for release
staunch sentinels observe silently, timelessly
to withdraw, desolate, into another lifetime
offering no consolation to their tears
now heartfelt love fuels this soul’s inferno
only seeking that which belongs
devouring endless vexation, despair and torment
settled in eternity within the shallows
Written for both Velvet Verbosity’s 100-word Challenge, which asked us to use the word ‘fragile’, and also Naming Constellations’ Reverie Nineteen, which challenged us to write ‘quantum poetry’. Linked up also to The Music In It’s Prompt #100.
I took two pieces of my old work and rewrote them in a way that fit both prompts, and I’m pretty happy with the results.
my words are alive 
You should be happy with the results. This really works, and is lovely.
I loved the personification of the hedge throughout and the way that symbolized need for stability. My favorite line was “the sedges march, stalwart soldiers”
I love this. It’s beautiful ♥
I’m such a poetry luddite – yes, it’s a huge gap in my literary experience. And with three friends who are published poets (or nearly so), and a partner who has volumes of poetry on hand and can recite many of the great works from memory, you’d think I’d be a little more versed (hah!). Alas, no.
All of that to say, I’m not sure if I’m right about this, but it seems like one could read the italicized lines separately for a different story. Yes? Or am I just imagining this? And is that a particular technique that has a name?
You’re right, the italicized parts are a completely different poem than the plain parts, but they’re enmeshed to form a third. The prompt from which I got the idea called it ‘quantum’ poetry. Don’t think it’s a traditional form, but it was certainly fun!