Category: Misc

Poems not really fitting in the other themes.

  • Poem: The Scalding

    June 22nd, 2010

    The drip-drip of water into the pot.
    Setting it on the stove,
    I turn the dial slowly to “Hot” and watch
    And wait.
    The result is already known:
    Heat + water = boiling and steam.
    As the bubbles form at the bottom,
    I stick my hand over the pot to feel
    The heat rising.  And rising.
    And rising.
    Not ready yet though.
    Finally, cascading to the surface – it’s time.
    I plunge my hand in,
    Feeling the water scald my skin,
    My muscles and nerves screaming out.
    But I cannot pull back.
    The pot must be emptied.
    Inside, I’m shouting, “No, no, NO!”
    But I raise the pot over my head
    And pour the rest out.
    As the boiling water joins my tears,
    My cheeks red from shame, pain, and fears,
    I set the pot in the sink.
    The drip-drip of water into the pot.
    I’ll be healed when it’s full, to do it again.

    Sarah ><>