Red the Water
Haunting memories
The bath swirls red
Brings memories of thoughts
Once harbored; now hidden safe
Within dark gardens of broken
Hearts and pools of blood
Blossoming noiselessly, gashes
Rent from soft teenaged skin
Secrets torn from vein and muscle
Calling like unrepentant misery
…and loneliness
With words long forgotten
Once spoken, quietly; whisper
To the self whose cracking
Voice cried out for death
For some imagined afterlife
Haunting those whose words
Had torn the soul and
Left the spirit broken
Yearning to open veins and
Render waters red
Crimson rivers slip like ink
Down swirling drains
Emotions rise, and memories
Of youthful dreams turned
Fearful rear back their poison
Heads, prepared to strike
Stop. A moment silent.
A breath.
Lift hand from water, clean
Rivulets of red drip from hair
Dye. A sigh — response to an illusion
Triggered.
© Suzy Jacobson Cherry
This piece was inspired by a recent experience I had while washing my hair three days after having dyed my hair red. That last layer of color hadn’t completely washed out when I rinsed and conditioned after the treatment, and I had thought for sure it had. As I watched the last remnants of color go down the drain, I was transported for a moment to thoughts from my “tortured youth.”
~~~
This poem was first published in Bouncin' and Behavin' Poems on Medium
About the Creator
Suzy Jacobson Cherry
Writer. Artist. Educator. Interspiritual Priestess. I write poetry, fiction, nonfiction, and thoughts on stuff I love.
Reader insights
Nice work
Very well written. Keep up the good work!
Top insights
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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Comments (17)
So Fantastic Oh My God❤️Brilliant & Mind Blowing Your Story, Please Read My Stories and Subscribe Me
Awesome write and most emotional. I relate to your inspirational experience until I stopped dying my hair I always colored it red,
Excellent work but made me think of a recent horror scene, and the times when I think I see blood.
I love the rhythm of this!
That hurts....your work is amazing can you help me to improve my work by reading and leaving any advice for me? I would really appreciate your help.
I relate to the tortured youth; that's one part of growing older I am grateful for. It takes us further from the pain. Congratulations on Top Story!
The depths of your words reveal the pain and anguish that once consumed you, the imagery of a swirling red bath and the memories it brings forth evoke a sense of hidden scars, thank you very much for sharing, great job, love your works, subscribed.
Beautifully written ❤
Ouch! Your pain is thick and tangible. Well written with profound words!
Your explanation makes the poem even better!
The transition from the flashback to the present was very well executed. The emotion in that was palpable. I love it!
This is an enticing and hauntingly beautiful poem.
Gorgeously haunting
Nice, good work...
Haha it's a top story. I am back to say congrats.
Wow, the imagery here is incredible! Congratulations on a worthy Top Story!
Truly wonderful, liked it.