Mislaid

Mislaid Self Love Poem by Jaya Avendel

The ache of my inner heart

Shines into your eyes

Irises turn to blood moons.

I am a mirror

Resplendent in pain

You investigate the glittering frame

Scratch the tiny diamonds with your

Acrylic nails

See yourself ugly.

At the edge of your lashes

Beauty stares through you piercing

The reflection falls on shadow.


Photo by Gabriel Silverio

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32 Comments

  1. Diana

    This was a stunning write, Jaya. ❤️❤️❤️

  2. deakdora99

    This poem is so strong, full of emotions and I love how deep it is if you think about it! Great job, I love this!

    1. Jaya Avendel

      Thank you so much! <3

  3. cafebeauty2021

    Beautiful poem, thank you for sharing x

  4. readandreviewit1

    Love this! This is such a beautiful poem, I love the use of reflections, it’s so interesting. Thanks for sharing!

  5. Sophie | Love and Literature (@Love_Lit_Blog)

    Aw, I love this Jaya! It’s so beautifully written x

  6. Corinne

    Oh I can see this poem like a vivid dream. It’s wonderful.

    Corinne x

  7. barbaraleaver

    The reflection of ourselves in other people sometimes isn’t what we expect. Great work!

  8. Jeff Flesch

    I love the reflective quality of this piece, and the way you play with the dark, light, and shadow. Additionally, the way the light pierces the darkness, yet we know the darkness still resides because there is still shadow. Alas, light, dark, and shadow are all transitory, just like reflections and ourselves. Super deep, and beautiful!

    1. Jaya Avendel

      Your comment, Jeff, lights up my heart. Thank you!

      1. Jeff Flesch

        That is so lovely to know, Jaya. You’re most welcome. Always!

  9. Lou Farrell

    Great poem, the flow of it was very good and I love the imagery you have ascribed to the acerbic nature of beauty. I enjoyed it very much.

  10. Simply Alex Jean

    Wow what a powerful poem – beautifully written and so raw with real emotions. Thank you for sharing this.

    1. Jaya Avendel

      Thank you for reading so beautifully!

  11. Dominic Alapat

    A poem that conveys beauty and pain with sharp imagery!

  12. Michele Lee

    Jaya, this poem is a beautiful blend of raw and gentle. Gorgeous!

    “Irises turn to blood moons” 🌕 💖

    1. Jaya Avendel

      Thank you, Michele! Love that you share one of my favorite lines too. <3

  13. Anika

    Love your use of the word “resplendent” with regard to pain, rather than beauty or glamour, really emphases the feeling! Great poem.

    1. Jaya Avendel

      Thank you, Anika, for your vibrant read!

  14. paeansunplugged

    ‘I am a mirror

    Resplendent in pain”

    Gosh, that line Jaya! Very skillfully crafted verse.

  15. eob2

    We often see only a part of ourselves, in reflection, it is the deeper shadows we do not wish to see, nor admit to at times. I particularly like the diamond/acrylic nail reference (real verses fake, however both can scratch deeply).

    1. Jaya Avendel

      Beautifully put! Love that you enjoyed the juxtaposition.

      1. eob2

        Always a pleasure to read your poetry, Jaya.

  16. Ingrid

    Beautifully expressed Jaya!

  17. Jamieadstories

    I love irises turn to blood moons. Great poem!

  18. Fernando Rozano

    I often think that shadows are a reflection of who we are, in everything and for everything we did and do. will we continue to do? in the eyes, another reflection shines.

    1. Jaya Avendel

      Such a beautiful read! Thank you.

      1. Rayo

        I’m a mirror
        Resplendent in pain
        Beauty stares through you piercing

        My favorite words from this piece. I love how you brought beauty and pain together. Even the picture speaks volume. Well done Jaya

        1. Jaya Avendel

          Thank you so much, Rayo! I am particularly partial to the picture. 🙂

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