stopping to smell the roses
a sad sensory poem| Submission for Sensational II Challenge
You told me stop and smell the roses. So here I am; its perfume burns my nose,
a bitter blend of salt, casserole, and alcohol lingers on my tongue,
and mascara streaks down, turning my dress and soul more black.
The thorns are sharp against my skin, but even they don't compare to
the choir of ringing bells, muffled sniffles, and "I'm sorry for your loss."
About the Creator
Alexandria Stanwyck
My inner child screams joyfully as I fall back in love with writing.
I am on social media! (Discord, Facebook, and Instagram.)
instead of therapy: poetry and lyrics about struggling and healing is available on Amazon.
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Comments (15)
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It’s tough to deal with loss, and those feelings can be so heavy. Thank you for sharing
This is so heart wrenching in its grief and sadness. Lovely yet haunting and so sad.
Alexandria, congratulations on your Top Story! It is indeed a worthy winner. I haven’t read an entry for this Challenge that encompasses heartbreak and profound sadness. Yet you have chosen a human condition that we will all experience with language heavily sensory in such a unique way. ‘perfume burns’ ‘bitter blend’ ‘soul more black’ ‘thorns are sharp’ ‘the choir of ringing bells, muffled sniffles, and "I'm sorry for your loss." … And so this is highly relatable. For me I think of my Mum, my cousin that died at 22. I reflect on my age (59.) My Dad at 91. And how to make sure that those still with me know how much I love them and the importance of making the most of life, even though a struggle for me with my mental illnesses. With kindness and gratitude Pauline 🌸
great TS, love the layered twist on this.
Nice work! Congrats on TS!
Your words expresses deep sensitivity, reflecting the complex tapestry of experiences and emotions. The advice to "stop and smell the roses" is a wonderful signal to pause and appreciate the beauty around you, but it also involves inner conflict and pain in the process. You’ve written amazing lines! Congratulations!
well done
Well Done , Cary on
Short and poignant, did not expect the ending and sorry for your loss but your poem is also beautifully written. Thank you for sharing, *virtual hugs*
Goodness me! This strikes me as a sudden loss. Well done! The sensory impact is superb.
Oh my goodness, this one just punches you straight in the heart. Definitely among my favorite sensory poems I've read yet! It flows so beautifully, and your word choice is absolutely stellar!
Oh my, that ending. Sad, yet so beautiful. 🤗
So sorrowful. Well done
Poignantly penned!!! Sobbing 😭