Hands
tremble
reach then stall
knuckles turn white
forks scrape thin plates, loud
bread goes stale, candles melt
wine rings bloom like raw, fresh wounds
a spoon circles the same cold soup
fingers tap apologies on wood
no one reaches for anything that breaks
An etheree is a very precise, structured poem. It does not require rhyme or any specific subject. The meaning supposed to unfold in the structure, which is: ten lines total, with the syllable count increasing by one in each line.
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Comments (16)
Egad, not another poetry form. At least this one is simple and very interesting. I like the chosen topic, could lead anywhere.
What a lesson we all should learn from the poem itself as well as the definition of the kind of poem. Good job.
The way you capture small, intimate gestures the tapping fingers, the circling spoon is both painful and beautiful.
Picked up something new "etheree ". Thanks for teaching that.. Brilliantly told poem @Imola Tóth
The atmosphere this poem has is so wintery-like in its' feeling. Short, precise and masterfully written. Way to go! 🦋
Listen, if cold and winter bring out the muse then I'll selfish wish for an icy summer in France! I've never heard of an etheree, thank you for the introduction :)
"wine rings bloom like raw, fresh wounds" "no one reaches for anything that breaks" These two lines were my favourites! Loved your poem!
This was a fascinating look at family dynamics. Great poem.
What an enjoyable read especially once explained. We feel the tension, and silent pain of the unsaid . Beautiful
I had never heard of an etheree before, so thanks for teaching me something new! I loved your poem... sounds like an awkward dinner.
This is a very cool form. Happily, your execution on it is fantastic. The momentum definitely builds to that spectacular crescendo "no one reaches for anything that breaks". It's such rich language that speaks to the dinner but also to the human condition Wonderful poem!
Thanks for introducing a new form of poetry. GREAT IMAGERYOF DINNER FALLING APART, AND TRYING TO PREVENT IT BEING WORST THAN IT IS
I hope nobody reaches for the cake with the cig butt 🤮 I love the form you chose for this, very fitting and executed well!
I feel the tension in the relationship there, Imola. Etheree perfection!
You just taught me something.
Oh intriguing firm and very intriguing poem. Feels dramatic.