The prince, or: The pauper

Posted on by ben Alexander

Poetry Partners #14

A poem by varityteller of ‘Truth and Recovery’

I'd give much too much to get the fairytale back,
But I know it would still turn into nightmares of black.
I'd lie to myself one more time;
Drink deeply of the honeyed wine,
Ensnare myself again and cut you some slack.

I want to tell you how sorry i feel,
How your pain, so heavy, makes me kneel,
How knowing that I
Could have been by your side
Makes my chest heave and ache - I can't heal.

I want you to say you forgive me again,
Do those little things unlike other men,
Today I'd accept
Your lies and contempt
To live once more in the dream you penned.

Call me once more your "Admir'd Miranda"
flowered paths and along verandas
Notice my small things,
Smiling at shared rings,
And recite favourite passages and stanzas.

But don't tell me about your supposed wealth,
Or scare me with lab results of your health.
There's no purple car,
You're not getting far,
The enchantment is over - the clock struck 12.

If only the story you'd told was your own
And you were ready to reap what you sow
I love the soul I got to see
And would have for eternity,
But this bed of lies you planted is so overgrown.

Still I miss you even though I don't want to
And I'm trying to reclaim something true.
I sift through memories and I dig,
A chest-aching, soul-crushing gig.
And I'm breaking - you broke me - through and through.

A poem in 3 parts by ben Alexander of ‘The Skeptic’s Kaddish’

I. limerick

A limerick or some such might work
To let an ex know he's a jerk.
This form could insert some humor
Even into removing a tumor...
And even if the hunk was berserk.

II. gogyohka

Despite my best efforts,
Anguished screams refuse to rhyme.
Gogyohka poetry has few requirements.
Perhaps I will have succeeded ~
When my every word streams tears.

III. found poem

Into nightmares of deeply honeyed
Pain \\ heavy, knowing that ache ~
Contempt on flowered paths/stanzas ~
Not getting far, your soul lies
To reclaim something you brok|e

Let’s write poetry together!

When it comes to partnership, some humans can make their lives alone – it’s possible. But creatively, it’s more like painting: you can’t just use the same colours in every painting. It’s just not an option. You can’t take the same photograph every time and live with art forms with no differences.

–Ben Harper (b. 1969)

Would you like to create poetry with me and have a completed poem of yours featured here at the Skeptic’s Kaddish? I am very excited to have launched the ‘Poetry Partners’ initiative and am looking forward to meeting and creating with you… Check it out!

List of Poetry Partners

35 thoughts on “The prince, or: The pauper”

  2. Again you have penned a fitting accompaniment to the guest poem! I like how the limerick ties with the first poem and then the found poem wraps it up! Very clever and oh so fitting!!

      1. I know what you mean, David. Pain is universal yet each painful experience is so unique and personal. I really liked your idea of responding through erasure verse…finding comfort in her words. You did a commendable job, bro. ❤️

  6. My gods David, this is so so so well done! What a beautiful pairing, I love the two different styles of poetry! The first is powerful as is, but your reply is also stunning!
    I have a poem I want to submit to your partnerships program, but I am terrified TBH! xoxo

    2. Lia, if you’re still considering sharing a poem with me, I’d just like to say once again that I’d be more than honored to receive it. If not, that’s 100% okay too – but I just want you to know that I adore your poetry.

      -David

      1. David… I’m honoured by your kind thoughts and comments very much… thank you!! seeing my own comments here again I’m wondering now what poem that was that I had in mind back then… will have a peek at my old drafts etc… either way, thanks again, respected friend, for all your encouragement! :)) <33

  7. Don’t you feel like grabbing your guitar and singing that guest poem, David? (I am assuming you play guitar). I do, and I think it’ll make a powerful song.
    Your poems are quite powerful as well.
    Shabbat Shalom,
    D

  10. Aw. I am so sorry for your heartache. I hope creative expression helps. The poems in this post are powerful, yet I’m reading a story, too. Take good care.

    2. I’m so honoured David chose my poem to feature – truly. I leave my pain on the page. It’s how I heal. I’m fairly normal day-to-day. Please don’t worry?

      -“Varity”

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