Cracks

by Narph   Nov 19, 2014


All you should think about
is the pressure,
the expanding bubble building
behind your eyes.
Don't breathe deeper,
don't sweat.
The heat that swells somewhere
near the crown of your skull
melts steadily through
the hidden cavities of your face.
Don't cry.
Wring out your eyelashes
and flush the red from your cheeks.
Take the cracks, the fissures
and remind yourself:
you are still whole.
People aren't made to leak this way.
Remember that.

4


Did You Like This Poem?

Latest Comments

  • 8 years ago

    by Maple Tree

    Judging Comment:

    Creativity oozes within this poem.

    Emotions are expressed within this poem, such as blushing or the onset of crying. The moment before emotions explode.

    I haven't read a piece on this subject ever, so I was pleasantly surprised. I may be off on my analysis of this piece but either way I am in awe!

    I've felt that pressure behind my eyes and I've tried to fight the urge to explode. The first two lines had me talking out loud- Finally someone talks about that moment!!

    Fighting the urge to cry, to blush... Holding that very expressive moment to a halt! Powerful, expressive poem here!

    The visual display is impeccable. I can see each and every outline of this moment. The moment of explosive emotions being compressed.

    Well written poem that takes us on a journey in the mind, behind the veins in the "Cracks" of the physical displays of emotion.

  • 9 years ago

    by BlueJay

    Judging Comment:

    A beautifully short write with amazing word choice and a fantastic display of Narph's usual and stunning use of imagery. There is a wonderful voice in this piece and a truly universal message that anyone can understand at nearly any point of their life simply because it is penned so perfectly without being exact. There is a lot of personality in this piece that most in today's day and age seem to be lacking or rather is a skill that most seem to keep on the back burner until they are bored of the other techniques they long to perfect. This piece stands wonderfully on its own, yet it also continues the story that all of Narph's pieces seem to tell so seamlessly as a collection. A beautifully penned piece that could only have been written by this unique author.

  • 9 years ago

    by Poet on the Piano

    Completely wasn't expected this line, it's brilliant as the ending too:

    "People aren't made to leak this way.
    Remember that."

    - Love your voice in this and "leak" makes me think of a hundred things. Tying it into the cracks, letting emotion seep through, being vulnerable, acting like a faucet that someone left running...

    The whole build-up in this and the way you crafted it to connect with the reader is captivating and holds me. I can sense that tension, it's near as you remind again to not let others see the vulnerability, the brokenness. It reminds me of the times when I feel like if I let loose one tear, I won't be able to stop and will no longer have control. Powerful poem. Congrats on the win!

  • 9 years ago

    by Larry Chamberlin

    I don't remember this poem. If it's new, it's marvelous. Macabre and supportive yet distantly humorous. Stress for you gives rise to both the opportunity to provide comfort while pointing Katzenjammer style with a hidden smirk while your victim's head blows up.
    No one but you could come up with this poem.