Poetry /

Quarters

New Year's Poetry

I.

Journal pages empty under midnight moon

Flesh awaiting the knife

My head curls into my belly until

My spine breaks.

II.

Bones dipped in ink

Time, merciless, threatening decay

June flowers with volcano eyes.

III.

Tomb in the sky

IV.

The watermelon with its teeth of iron

Sunset ocean filled with tears

Pen poised to forget

Time prepared to remember.


Happy New Year!

Photo by Dylann Hendricks | 딜란

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51 Comments

  1. rljpdx

    Reply

    Very cool, I like it.

    1. Madhavraja

      Reply

      Thanks

  2. Yelling Rosa

    Reply

    ✍️👍

  3. Miriam Costa

    Reply

    WELL EXPRESSED; I like it a lot.

  4. Dua For Ex Love Back

    Reply

    good one

  5. ☆○。cookie。○☆

    Reply

    I love the poem, Layla 💗 I hope the new year been treating you well!

    1. Layla Todd

      Reply

      Thank you for sharing your thoughts! 🥰

  6. Resa

    Reply

    Terrific! Thank you!

  7. M Jay Dixit

    Reply

    A powerful piece, Layla. I enjoyed it very much!

  8. Annabel

    Reply

    Beautiful and thought provoking verses! fabulous writing from you as always!

    1. Layla Todd

      Reply

      Thank you for reading, Annabel! 🥰

  9. mistermaxxx08

    Reply

    Very moving and visual words. Peace and welcome to the new year

    1. Layla Todd

      Reply

      Thank you so much for reading!

  10. D. Wallace Peach

    Reply

    Such strong and sharp-toothed imagery, Layla. I fear the new year will be frightening in many ways, but I hope for a gentler future. Powerful stuff!

    1. Layla Todd

      Reply

      Thank you, Diana, for sharing your thoughts! ❣️

  11. Cheryl, Gulf Coast Poet

    Reply

    Vivid images, Layla! In a world at war, we long for peace in 2024. Happy New Year! <3

    1. Layla Todd

      Reply

      I second this, Cheryl! Thanks for reading. ❣️

  12. Annika Perry

    Reply

    Powerful and haunting poem, Layla! Incredible! Wishing you a Happy & Creative 2024! Annika

    1. Layla Todd

      Reply

      Happy New Year, Annika! Thank you for reading. ❣️

  13. Ka Malana - Fiestaestrellas.com

    Reply

    I love so much about the watermelon with teeth and bones dipped in ink. This is an intense poem that I welcome. Then I look at the title and it’s cut into quarters. I am filled with intrigue and want to know more, want to understand more. Evocative, indeed.

    Happy New Year dear!! Write so much this year! 2024

    1. Layla Todd

      Reply

      Thank you, Ka. Love that this poem made you think. May the words flow in 2024. ❣️

  14. Pooja G

    Reply

    Really loved the poem, Happy New Year!

  15. Cassa Bassa

    Reply

    Happy New Year Layla! May you start the year with a bright smile and plenty of laughter. 🎉💚🌟

    1. Layla Todd

      Reply

      Thank you, Cassa. Wishing you well into 2024. ❣️

  16. Ingrid

    Reply

    Stunning, Layla! Happy New Year to you 😊

    1. Layla Todd

      Reply

      And to you, Ingrid. ❣️

  17. Quarters – Zack

    Reply

    […] Journal pages empty under midnight moon, flesh awaiting the knife. My head curls into my belly until my spine breaks . . . The post Quarters appeared first on Nin Chronicles. ..source […]

  18. Eugi

    Reply

    Happy New Year, Layla. 💖

  19. Kym Gordon Moore

    Reply

    Beautiful thoughts. Happy New Year to you dear Layla! 😍🥂🥳
    https://publicdomainpictures.net/pictures/550000/velka/nieuwjaar-jaar-2024-wenskaart-1699090376qIj.jpg

  20. Michele Lee

    Reply

    A glorious gift to read you! Anytime of year. Happy New Years to you, Layla! 🥳 Best wishes with school and all that you pursue!

    1. Layla Todd

      Reply

      Happy New Year, Michele! May the words flow. ❣️

      1. Michele Lee

        Reply

        Cheers to flowing words and inspired creativity! 🦋 Thank you, Layla! 💗

  21. Writing to Freedom

    Reply

    Evocative verse Layla. Happy New Year!

  22. Keep Calm & Drink Coffee

    Reply

    I wish I were able to wish you a Happy New Year in an equally magical way, but from my heart I wish you a HAPPY New Year four times over!

    1. Layla Todd

      Reply

      Happiest of New Years, Claudia! May the coffee flow. ❣️

      1. Keep Calm & Drink Coffee

        Reply

        <3

  23. Michelle (Boomer Eco Crusader)

    Reply

    Happy New Year, Layla!

  24. Tara Sitser

    Reply

    May the New Year bring you space for rest and healing of body & soul!

    1. Layla Todd

      Reply

      And to you, Tara! ❣️

  25. Jennifer Pentland

    Reply

    Happy New Year, Layla! 🙌🥳💫

  26. clcouch123

    Reply

    I admire the visceral quality of your work. Happy New Year!

    1. Layla Todd

      Reply

      Thank you for sharing your thoughts! ❣️

  27. Dawn Pisturino

    Reply

    This poem sounds angry and suicidal. World events are affecting people negatively. I hope you’re okay. Wishing you a safe and happy New Year and a 2024 filled with much love, happiness, and success.

    1. Layla Todd

      Reply

      It’s a world in turmoil, Dawn, but I am finding my balance. Thank you for reading! ❣️

  28. Cindy Georgakas

    Reply

    Emotive and powerful lines Layla!
    Happy New Year!🥳

  29. Cindy Georgakas

    Reply

    Emotive and visceral lines, Layla!
    Happy New Year! 🥂⭐️🥂💕

    1. Layla Todd

      Reply

      Happy New Year, Cindy! ❣️

      1. Cindy Georgakas

        Reply

        Thank you so very much Layla❣️

  30. satyam rastogi

    Reply

    Happy new year 🎂

  31. SelmaMartin

    Reply

    Happy New Year, Layla. Blessings.

    1. Layla Todd

      Reply

      And to you, Selma! ❣️

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