Kindness
She melds into the velvet on
Her gilded sofa.
“She is in delicate health.”
Her pale hand goes often to
Her gentle forehead.
“Has been ever since she was a girl.”
She is lost among the
Understanding flowers of her heart’s garden.
“Her condition does not bother her.”
Her blinding eyes see
Right through you.
“She is used to it by now.”
She lives off the venom
In other cups until
She tires of pity and
Grows a skin around her heart.
Photo by Annie Spratt on Unsplash
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Dominic Alapat
A lovely poem that gives strength to the ill!
glowsteady
I love this! Her twist at the end is so strong. I’m imagining someone almost ethereal in appearance who’s secretly very feisty underneath, the contrast in her thoughts is so powerful. I think this one is one of my favourites of yours, so beautifully written!
Jaya Avendel
Sophie, your amazing read of Kindness fills me heart! Thank you for enjoying the multiple layers here and for sharing your own vision of this woman.
stuff and poems
Reminds me of the book, The secret garden. Beautifully penned. 🙂
Jaya Avendel
The Secret Garden is a favorite read of mine! Love the connection your words conjure between book and poem in my mind. Thank you.
stuff and poems
It’s a beautiful book and so is your poetry. You’re welcome 💛
jonicaggiano
This is really beautiful and very thought provoking. Thank you for sharing. Love ❤️ Joni
Navita Bhatia
Is she trying to be vulnerable here? She is in poor health, I understand. She can see through others’ pain, I understand. But, is she trying to hide her pain in an effort to support others or is she using it as an excuse to not help them?
Jaya Avendel
The story I wished to share here is the story of a woman who has, all her life, used her health as an excuse to live delicately. She reaches for something new by discarding the meaning others have given her by way of pity and instead embraces her inner strength. 🙂
judeitakali
Woah, beautiful imagery and depth.
Alison
I feel like this took me on a journey! I kept feeling pity for the woman. First for the pity that she was receiving from others and then for the hardening of her heart.
Jaya Avendel
Love your depth of emotion at this piece! Thank you for sharing.
Charley
This was beautifully written! Thank you for sharing such heart felt words!
lynnmumbingmejia
Aw, this one is super relatable! As someone who is a people person, I understand the toll it takes on a person especially when it’s one-sided! Thanks so much for sharing, Jaya xx
Lynn | https://www.lynnmumbingmejia.com
Jaya Avendel
Thank you for your interesting take on this piece, Lynn! <3
stelorafedie101blog
Such a heartfelt one🙂
Jaya Avendel
Thank you!
stelorafedie101blog
You’re welcome!
Love and Literature
Beautiful poem! I love the imagery in this one, so strong and powerful x
Margarida Vasconcelos
Beautiful poem and picture, Jaya. You are so talented, so happy to know you are writing a book.
barbaraleaver
This poem brought memories of a dear friend who passed away. She taught me how to feel the other side of pain.
Jaya Avendel
Your words are eloquent and vibrant with emotion. Thank you for sharing the ways you connected with Kindness!
Michele Lee
As usual with your writing style, there are many layers to this one. One that needs time to read again and process. 👏🏻 The first two stanzas made me think of Daisy from The Great Gatsby. Delicate Daisy lounging on her couch.
Jaya Avendel
Delicate women lounging on their couches and divans inspired this piece, Michele! Thank you for your lovely read. 🙂
Michele Lee
We should take a day off and follow their lead. 😁
Anika
Wonderful words, Jaya! I think this one might be my favourite. It’s between this and Bookish Invitations haha! 🙂
Jaya Avendel
Thank you, Anika! That Bookish Invitations is still in your heart means so much to me.
ellegracedeveson
You just write so beautifully, you should write a book! Such a lovely poem. Xo
Elle – ellegracedeveson.com
Jaya Avendel
I am working on a book currently, Elle! It is difficult and rewarding, and your encouragement makes me day. Thank you.
aimsysantics
Another fab poem Jaya! You have such a way of evoking emotion through your words, and you can definitely feel her vulnerability. Not only that but you have captured her inner strength too.
Love it!
Aimsy xoxo
Aimsy’s Antics
Jaya Avendel
Delighted you connected with this, Aimsy, and even more thrilled you felt both vulnerability and inner strength!
Keep Calm & Drink Coffee
This poem gave me 3 different keys: the whole poem, the poem in quotes, and the third “left” verses.
You have been so deeply sensitive in linking the words in a sort of DNA chain, perfectly interconnected and giving the powerful image of how kindness has many sides.
THANK YOU SO MUCH DEAR!
Jaya Avendel
Yes, Claudia, this is indeed a poem within a poem, perhaps within yet another poem! I absolutely love how you experienced each narrative singularly and then as a whole.
Keep Calm & Drink Coffee
<3
Jodie | That Happy Reader
A lovely poem. I can feel her vulnerability and pain. Thanks for sharing.
bournemouthgirl
A lovely piece with some great detail to being able to visualise. Thank you for sharing Jaya!
Jenny in Neverland
This is beautiful, with so many inner messages of pain and kindness!
Lucy
So powerful!
Lisa's Notebook
How to kill someone with kindness – was this the inspiration behind the poem? I also imagined a prophetress figure, who is all-knowing and strong, despite outward appearances. Great poem, Jaya, so many levels 🙂
Jaya Avendel
I enjoy your vision of a prophetress figure, Lisa! The inspiration for this came from the Victorian women who took advantage of their ‘poor’ health and what could have been if they had mustered the courage to be strong. 🙂
Hannah Louise Blog
Beautiful poem, thank you for sharing!
nortoncharity
This was such a fabulous poem! Thanks so much for sharing it!
Sharila
I love the contrast between her inner voice and gaze of outsiders. Once again, beautiful writing.
Jaya Avendel
Thank you, Sharila!
Tom's Nature-up-close Photography and Mindfulness Blog
Powerful stuff! 🙂
Michelle (Boomer Eco Crusader)
Fabulous poem. I love the contrasting perspectives. Thanks for sharing!
Artist/Poet_JayMoraShihadeh
Great poem.
Diana
Stunning poem! Stay blessed💖
Ingrid
I love the imagery of the concluding lines: it is possible to grow through our pain, indeed 🙏
Jaya Avendel
Thank you, Ingrid! I enjoyed this poem within a poem.