Purple Gem

Purple Gem Poem

At the cusp of a century

She stumbled; snapped a

Pencil heel in a wasp hole.

From whence she came

The earth swallowed her

Into a womb lined with

Cleopatra’s golden eggs.

Marble tombstone presses down

On her fragile lungs; moss

Infects the empty chambers of

Her stomach. Root

Breaks rib.

Stem stretches upward

Tendrils caught in the current of dirt

Her heart erupts into sunshine

Blooms with the darkest colors held in her.

Photo by Madhu Shesharam

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37 Comments

  1. Sara James

    The delicate balance of words has brought the image(beautifully captured) to life.

    Great poem. xx

  2. Dominic Alapat

    Marvellous poem! How aptly you have titled this as ‘Purple Gem’ like a precious wound!

    1. Jaya Avendel

      Thank you, Dominic!

  3. Resa

    Well penned, Jaya!

  4. readandreviewit1

    Oh I love this so much! The imagery you use is so vivid and I love the theme of nature. The lines about pencil healing in a wasp hole and Cleopatra’s eggs are truly inspired too. Thank you so much for sharing such a powerful piece x

    1. Jaya Avendel

      Thank you for sharing this lovely read!

  5. Jenny in Neverland

    This is a beautiful poem, Jaya. I love the imagery and I got the impression it’s about a connection to nature.

  6. gemmaajaynee

    Such a beautiful piece as always! Plus the title has part of my name in and one of my favourite colours so it definitely caught my eye. I loved the ending line “Blooms with the darkest colors held in her”. Great piece xx

    1. Jaya Avendel

      Thanks a million, Gemma!

  7. Jeff Flesch

    An image is evoked of being swallowed by the earth, slowly, agonizingly so, and in this space, pain turns to pleasure, and darkness to light. Illuminating and gorgeous, Jaya!

    1. Jaya Avendel

      Thank you, Jeff!

  8. D. Wallace Peach

    Just gorgeous, Jaya. Your poetry is sublime. I love the imagery. <3 <3

  9. Charity

    Oh this is so beautiful. You are just so talented with your writing my friend!

  10. Jodie | That Happy Reader

    I imagine a strong, independent woman in this piece Jaya. Beautiful! Thanks for sharing.

  11. Gypsie-Ami Offenbacher-Ferris

    Thank you for writing such a very beautiful piece Jaya! 😊

  12. d.a.simpsonwriter

    Beautiful ❤🌟🌱🌹💫🌿

  13. Daphny Aqua

    “Her heart erupts into sunshine
    Blooms with the darkest colors held in her” Something about this line really grabs my attention most, it is a beautiful piece Jaya. ❤️

  14. SelmaMartin

    An Amazon is what she is. More power to her for daring to walk in those pencil heels 👠. Lovely, Jaya. XoXo

    1. Jaya Avendel

      Thank you for this lovely comment, Selma!

  15. Eugenia

    Yes! Such an evocative and lovely piece, Jaya. I think magic must flow through your pen. 💖

    1. Jaya Avendel

      Why, thank you, Eugenia!

  16. Shawna

    This is incredible. What brilliant writing.

    1. Jaya Avendel

      Thank you deeply!

  17. Ananda

    I read every post of yours immediately and am never disappointed ❤ . magical, mystical and marvelous

    1. Jaya Avendel

      These words are so appreciated, Ananda!

  18. Ebitimi Creates

    Such and interesting yet dark piece. From the empty chambers of her stomach to her heart erupting into sunshine. Great description Jaya!

  19. Ingrid

    So darkly powerful, Jaya!

  20. Michele Lee

    A most gorgeous and creative way to describe the power and challenges of womanhood, from the first, the mother of all, to a contemporary woman wearing a pencil heel. Fantastic! Thank you for this stunning work, Jaya. 💗

    1. Jaya Avendel

      Thank you for this stunning read, Michele!

  21. Infinite Living

    The imagery you create is stunning and the feelings created are stirring Jaya, always a unique experience reading your poetry.

  22. Keep Calm & Drink Coffee

    “Blooms with the darkest colors held in her” these words are so powerfully encouraging.
    Thank You so much Jaya for showing the chance we have.
    Embrace.

  23. K.Hartless

    “Pencil heal in a wasp hole” a fantastic image. Much enjoyed.

  24. Cindy Georgakas

    your imagery is painted so beautifully Jaya! A golden gift of art so well done! 💖

  25. Lamittan Minsah

    The diction in this poem, the description, the imagery, the soft pace and sweet mood and tone filled my heart with great admiration. This is a hit out of the ballpark, Jaya. Evocative and beautiful indeed 😊

    1. Jaya Avendel

      Thank you ever so much, Lamittan!

  26. Gypsie-Ami Offenbacher-Ferris

    I’m not quite sure how to respond Jaya, as it started out so dark and ended so beautifully. A flower being reborn each Spring. I read it several times over and find it intriguing. Nicely crafted!

    1. Jaya Avendel

      Love your experience reading this! Thank you for sharing.

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