Writing evocative poetry can be scary

Each year at this time, as I drive through a section of the park on my way to work, I remember an Easter Sunday long ago. Although my heart skips a beat at the sight of the new spring growth, the memories of that day also evoke sadness.

When writing for literary journals, I write with impact and use strong words, innuendo, and metaphor to express emotion. Authentic writing is evocative, the expressed emotions, raw. Some folks may think this is too personal, too revealing. My apologies. Those who have experienced an unhealthy, or unhappy relationship may be able to relate.

I assure you that I am mentally sound, emotionally well-balanced, and I have never stabbed anybody or snorted into the gravy :() I am also happily remarried, as is my ex, and we all get along.


Melancholy Bunny
Linda O’Connell (c) 4/11

There’s another frenetic eruption
of tiny pale wildflowers on that same slope where we posed
for a picture-perfect family photo more than three decades ago.
I, in my sky blue silky dress; he, cranky as usual in his tan suit;
our children happy and unaware of our mismatched misery.

That day, colored Easter eggs dropped and shattered.
I snapped the ears off a solid chocolate bunny,
crushed a marshmallow Peep in my fist,
punctured the ham with cloves,
stirred a tear into the pineapple glaze.

I fake-smiled at our guests, stared at my reflection
in the blade of a carving knife
and I pondered,
Do pigs have feelings?
Then, I bowed my head and prayed.


(Not everything I write is pretty or funny, because life isn't always that way. I am a multi-genre writer.)