Izred wears every prayer cremated in a liar’s lung around
her neck in the stunning pretense gold can buy the ear of a goddess. A daughter
born on the dark side of the moon, first born of the goddess Erebeth, she fed
from the breast of shadows until she was old enough to eat the black tar of
dying stars. Feral child of neglect she learned the value of hiding opinions
behind teeth and eye until revelation held the fiercest sting.
Selfish weighs more
than coins hoarded
in a wallet.
Praying with an empty mind
won’t grow wisdom
in the heart of ego.
If you pay a goddess for attention,
her boredom may
establish your worth.
Wow this is a stunning haibun.
ReplyDeleteSugesstion in the first haiku Line One (selfishness instead of selfish)
Much✏love
I have been warned. This is powerful...
ReplyDeleteWow great poem
ReplyDeleteI love the second stanza
"Praying with an empty mind
won’t grow wisdom
in the heart of ego."
I love the opening line, Susie, which set me up for the rest of the piece, especially ‘every prayer cremated in a liar’s lung’. I also love the phrase ’hiding opinions behind teeth and eye’. There’s truth in the lines:
ReplyDelete‘If you pay a goddess for attention,
her boredom may
establish your worth.’
I love how immersive this post feels - I felt for your character..and she felt strong
ReplyDeleteEven if none of the other fine bits of this work existed, this alone would make it invaluable reading:
ReplyDeleteSelfish weighs more
than coins hoarded
in a wallet.
Thank you Ms Clevenger for reminding us, the hapless.
This is exquisitely drawn, Susie!💝 I like the idea of eating "the black tar of dying stars."
ReplyDeleteConclusion, our worth is not much in the eyes of a bored goodness. Also, I became excited about the "Feral child" as I picture myself belonging to that group, not leaving or being domesticated entirely even at my age. I identify with Willie Nelson.
ReplyDelete..
Fascinating back story and nice acerbic commentary in verse.
ReplyDeleteI love how you created a lush new myth that serves as a fable for humanity today.
ReplyDeleteMust say that the last stanza made me squeal. What a wonderfully interesting unit of measure.
ReplyDeleteLoved reading this, Susie. Like the background info included.
ReplyDeleteEach stanza reads with the potent weight of a William Blake quote. Resounding!
ReplyDeleteOooh, sharp and wise, Susie.
ReplyDelete