The Gentle Claim

A Kyrielle

He feared the very thought of her
In him a maelstrom she could stir
Of doom she was a synonym
He never knew she lived in him.

He would not even breathe her name
Lest like an uncalled spell she came
He forced her in the shadows dim
He never knew she lived in him.

She was an alien kind of curse
Something beyond his universe
A shadow in the distance dim
He never knew she lived in him.

To him she was a monstrous wave
From which his all he had to save
To flee her grasp he learned to swim
He never knew she lived in him.

When in the darkness he would lie
He’d pray that she would pass him by
Appeased by his pitiful hymns
He never knew she lived in him.

Through all his days he ran from her
Till all the years, his eyes would blur
Running till hope of breath grew slim
He never knew she lived in him.

But when the night fell cold and bleak
Her lips were warm upon his cheek;
She filled him gently to the brim
He never knew she lived in him.

And then within her soft embrace
He turned to look upon her face;
An angel true, no trace of grim
He never knew she lived in him.

Author's Note

Your thoughts are welcome on this Kyrielle.

Reviews

[JMichael]

The French Kyrielle! A form that reminds me of the better days on this cafe. I have written a few and I just love the style of the form.

This one has a spiritual touch; a man who seems to be running from something all his life, perhaps in his own misunderstanding thinking it to be a sinister force, when in the end it is more angelic, more protective, and something that really existed within him all along. One can take this meaning in many directions but to me it takes on a religious context; perhaps that God and a greater understanding of life’s purpose existed within him and he just didn’t understand it.

It’s an excellent narrative, open to each individuals interpretation, well rhymed and metered throughout with an imposing refrain line that holds the theme of the poem together so well.

People may not like form poetry much these days, but this is a fine example of the Kyrielle form.

[DIVYA]

Thank you so much for such a great review on this Kyrielle, my friend. Yes, those were the days when form was liked in poetry. Seems obsolete now. But it was worth writing this as you appreciated it. My work is done. Thanks for the encouraging words. ❤️

[Kelly Scheppers]

What a lovely form of poetry! Extraordinary lines, perfection of rhyme. And the repetition of that last line in each stanza - simply breathless! You are such a wonder to behold, Divya!

[DIVYA]

Thank you so much for appreciating this Kyrielle, dear Kelly. I'm delighted by your visit!
💖

[Richard🖌]

What a magical surprise, Dear Divya✨

Yet, knowing your limitless potential, why should anyone be surprised your Kyrielle would be sheer perfection in every awe-inspired facet this grand poetic form should be?

From enthralling art choice to heart-fetching title … throughout each line, verse, and re-captivating refrain, your glowing pen summons in each of us the deepest emotions, dreams, desires, gentle sensations and feelings of romantically engaging surprise and awakening … beautifully, from insecurity and fear to the glorious promise and realization of love that has surreptitiously existed between two wondrously blessed beings.🌿

No one tells a poetic tale like You do ⁓ simply fascinating, Dear Poetess!
This is truly one of (if not the) greatest love poems I've ever read … it whispers softly unto the tenderest depth of my heart and soul.

Thank you ever-so gratefully for this, Dear Divya, and the years of sharing "You!" ⁓ Richard 🙏

[DIVYA]

Dear Richard,

When I penned this poem, it was primarily with the thought of death but I'm both surprised and delighted at how varied were the associations by different readers. Each one as beautiful as the other. Thank you so much for relating to this poem so deeply and finding meaning in it. You made it so worthwhile. Sending you many regards.

[Richard🖌]

HAH!

Divya, ya might have known I'd get it wrong … I never was all that good at interpretation. But, I love it, nonetheless!
I've reread it, and now it makes a different kind of sense.

Thanks for cluing me in, and for your kind regards! 👌

[DIVYA]

That you loved this poem is enough reward for me! Thank you very much, Richard!

[Richard🖌]

My joy, always, Divya 😊

[UnbridledFlame]

The ending was a real twist! I really love your writing and I honestly learned something that I can take with me, in my opinion you did really well on this! Also im a sucker for repetition so bonus for that :)

[DIVYA]

I like repetition too. It makes the message powerful, can be almost hypnotic sometimes. Thank you so much for such an encouraging review and for liking my work. Have a great day.

[Neha agrawal]

A perfect portrait of how we often fear parts of ourselves… until we finally face them. Truly stunning poetry.

[DIVYA]

Thank you so much, dear Neha. Yes, sometimes we do run from ourselves. You're so right.