Chagrin
Scour my memory of this moment
My skeleton turns ice cold and shatters while my cheeks absorb its heat,
A bone-splinter windchime fraternizes with the reverberating laughter.
Oh, ground please devour me up! Ingest me, sour and bitter!
Stench of the uncool, unworthy, unacceptable, unwelcome, oozing from every pore.
This moment forever in their mind's eyes as: ‘Thank God that didn't happen to me.’
About the Creator
Joe O’Connor
New Zealander
English teacher
Short stories and poems📚
Please be honest- I would love your constructive feedback, as it's the only way I'll get better. Would rather it was pointed out so I can improve!
Currently writing James The Wonderer
Reader insights
Outstanding
Excellent work. Looking forward to reading more!
Top insights
Compelling and original writing
Creative use of language & vocab
Easy to read and follow
Well-structured & engaging content
Excellent storytelling
Original narrative & well developed characters
Eye opening
Niche topic & fresh perspectives
Heartfelt and relatable
The story invoked strong personal emotions
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Where's the Glory?
In breaking news, rehabilitated Republican Senator Johnnie Johnson (Pronouns: HE, HIM, HIS) called a press conference from the Men’s room of the New Orleans Louis Armstrong International Airport, Concourse B, across from the Ignatius Reilly’s Lucky Dog stand. The Senator had just returned from a sexual reorientation rehabilitation program in Memphis, TN after being publically disgraced at a Buckee’s Truckstop restroom soliciting sex from an undercover cop three months ago. He is a founding member of the Reformed Christians for Christ, a conservative, pro-family and ex-gay advocacy group. In the spirit of being reborn, Senator Johnson invited reporters to marvel at his plans for a major remodeling of airport bathrooms.
By Cathy Schieffelin4 days ago in Humor
Comments (21)
Oh that wicked relief!
Usch, you nailed survivor's guilt well.
well done
Very action packed, I can see everything as it is happening, I still can’t get over the first line. It teaches us not to be afraid to describe things as they are, to be brutal with it, to allow our emotions to guide the course of our words. This speaks of how hard it is to be in this body, and how it’s easier to watch someone go through this from afar than to be near them, which is terribly sad.
⚡♥️⚡Fantastic Imagery!
congrats
Back to say congrats for Top Story, Joe! This is an excellent entry.
I don’t know what incident you are referring to in this poem but at the same time, I know EXACTLY what you’re talking about! Nailed it!
Back to say congratulations on your Top Story! 🎉💖🎊🎉💖🎊
What an amazing sensory poem. Congratulations on the Top Story, too!
"A bone-splinter windchime fraternizes with the reverberating laughter"- chilling and masterful! Congratulations on top story. Another one of my favorite entries!
an excellent sensory poem. your description and word choice are unbelievably strong. Congratulations
‘Thank God that didn't happen to me.’
Gosh this was so poignant, intense and relatable! Loved your poem+
Powerfully penned, Joe! Sensory details all woven together with a thought provoking purpose
Well done! It's short but still it says a lot.
Impressive poem, I loved your entry!
Oh my. This is excellent. Well done.
I felt the embarrassment and shame coating me as I read on. Such a powerful piece. Well done, sir :)
Oh no. I felt the cringe. This was as always excellently invoked.
Damn, sir. This is so incredibly visceral. Like, what an entry. Stunning, sublime and stirring!