poetry

Blood Letting

94 Comments

it began the day we met

although that day we refuse to mark in time

for you say you were ever mine

unnoticed at first

tender words tumbled

settling on leaves, crumbled

kicked by gleeful children

easily buried

as common patois

as the weeks passed

my heart passively filled

and words emptied

in systematic blood letting

a ritual even Galen would deem

surprisingly extreme

with flooding gush

from sharpened fleam

so when i say i’m lost for words

i mean my words are lost from me

my exsanguinated self

in speechless stirrings

stutters

to a final, single, syllable

till here, so render me

your silent soliloquy

………………………………….

Galen of Pergamum (129-200 AD) was a proponent of the practice of bloodletting. Disease was thought of as an imbalance of the four “humors” : blood, phlegm, black bile; yellow bile. Declaring blood as the most dominant humor, bloodletting was often the gory answer!

Fleam: bloodletting implement with multiple blades of different sizes folded into a case.

94 thoughts on “Blood Letting”

      1. Aw, I have no words to express how you make me feel. Thank you so much. We both inspire eachother and this is more than I could have asked. Sending you hugs and love ! 😀💙

        Liked by 2 people

      2. Bundling up those hugs n love, and concentrating them …. then launching them back at you D! You may get bowled over when they arrive hehe 💜🌷🌷

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    1. I was hoping for such a sweet response! I’m so happy you found yourself searching for words: the very topic at hand. When something profound is afoot even the words of two languages might not be enough?

      I’d be delighted to share some medical knowledge with you.
      As we speak I am working on a little broth of Japanese blossom to cure sadness. It’s very flavourful…
      ❤️

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      1. My mouth waters to taste it … A magic of a solution it would be !!!

        And yes…At times no words are enough to describe how we feel but it is the only thing worth having… Silence has killed many and will kill many…. Give a voice or a writing!!!

        Liked by 1 person

      2. Just make sure you have a large cup of warm water nearby in case .. of emergency 😉 As the elixir is powerful and may need dilution!

        Words are power. We are nothing without them. Sometimes we feel we are stifled but it is not our nature to repress our truth.

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  9. Beautiful: “when i say i’m lost for words / i mean my words are lost from me”
    You’ve given a great metaphor for what goes on in my journal when I’m desperate to expel negative thoughts seeking to manipulate my actions.

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  10. I sat there wanting nothing more than to escape and read you… and oh how pleased I am and how much I have missed reading you. Your words slid on my tongue as I read them out loud. The first mouthfuls so sensual turned gore with a touch here and there ever lightly so. Romantic and bloody. Your art mixed those two themes perfectly. I loved every word ❤

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      1. Thanks! My handy little macro lens strikes again. So many variables make such a capture satisfying. A light breeze or bright burst of light can ruin it all. But an Armadillo has all the time in the world!

        11 days! I still can’t believe it dear B! 💐💐😘

        Liked by 1 person

    2. So wonderful a comment to arrive home to B… reminds me of the early days of our mutual admiration society and thread kidnaping escapades.
      Absolutely miss you when you are not on WP… life ..ugh!
      That you read it out loud is … wow, what praise! 💕

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      1. A praise you deserve soooo much! I read most of your poems out loud when I am home. I love hearing the sounds your words create. All the best poetry needs to be savored at the tip of your tongue unweaving the tale as your eyes decipher the letters. An absolute pleasure! I wish I could handle my time better too. I just always take on too many responsibilities at school and with the music school on top of that and trying to post a text weekly at least it leave me little time to follow even my dearest most admired friends… 😢

        Liked by 1 person

      2. How exquisite your attentions are, my sweet sister of prose 💕 Heavy flattery leaves me with a lingering smile and humbled aura.
        I’m entirely certain there will come a day when you will be able to devote more time to your art. The best things are always worth waiting for 💕

        Liked by 1 person

      2. Very clever. Very clever. But on a serious note, I find myself connecting with your artistry more than a lot of people. Best not to tell you why here.

        Liked by 1 person

      6. Well that’s your forte, the metaphorical hook is mine!Anyhow, I managed to book a vacation. I’ve realised that it’s pointless speaking your mind here. I was recently called something best not spoken aloud! Hush! Lest the people who stereotype rush. It’s strange isn’t it? Well, you cannot be an anti-Bukowski who is more or less straight edge and straight and give them a reality that’s all too real for them, and know a little bit of Geneva, even though you’re irreligious now, because then it’s something else. You’re no Minor Threat. No, you’re a Major One! I can’t say that it didn’t get to me. I finally just let go. If I come back, I’ll probably write something very different.

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      7. Okay enough inside jokes. I like this simply because you have the guts to express yourself. And art is art; it does not parallel life. To some degree, it does, but most of it is not true. I say this because some people keep coming back to my blog, even though I don’t want them around.

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    1. I was fascinated to discover how popular it was over the centuries! I knew about leeches but the instruments sound positively brutal. The risk of infection must have been significant also.

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  14. As beautiful a post as ever from you Diana. You always manage to weave such beauty into your words, despite the pained subject here. Completely amazed by it 🙂. I even learned a new word, ‘exsanguinated’. I almost wish I had more of an opportunity to use it 😅. Anything that can be evoked by just mentioning a colour is pretty okay in my books.
    And of course, amazing photo to go along with it. Oh macro lenses, how I love thee 😆.

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    1. And here you appear, with a mysterious flourish of anonymity and burst of ever beloved positivity! You are the whole package and an honour to welcome to any comment section. I’m very privileged to have you read and visit mine! I of course, long for my revenge … when you writing hour begins 🙂

      Liked by 1 person

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      1. You make it very easy to stick around 😉. I know that even if life takes over and dictates all my time, I can be happy knowing that there will always be some masterpiece here waiting for me 🙂.
        I am conflicted now though. Do I continue this mysterious stranger persona, or do I promise myself I will actually get around to uploading a profile picture and a short bio over the holidays? 😆

        Liked by 1 person

      2. This is a dilemma! I thought of anonymity originally, I was so hesitant to expose myself as a wannabe poet. If I sucked there was my mug for all to see. Now I find I’m making such great connections with like minded folk. People that I shall meet at the airport, or even visit! We share a word hobby that brings us close.
        I know neither your gender,age or name – but you are a very special person whom I would indeed like revealed .. somehow 😊 That would be fun!

        Liked by 1 person

      5. Haha, you can have that and more. My name is Peter, and I’m born, raised and still living in Dublin, in Ireland (in case you hadn’t guessed from the name 😅) If I ever sit myself down in front of a keyboard (and avoid playing games) I hope I can start writing a bit more about me. Although if you are anything like me you won’t be satisfied until you know my whole story, everything that I have experienced to make me, me 😉

        Liked by 1 person

      6. Well hello dear Peter! So charmed to finally be properly introduced. I’m delighted to work (in healthcare) with some fine Irish folk in Vancouver. Great sense of humour, wit and enduring warmth. I go a little ga ga over the accent also 😉
        I’m an Aussie relocates to Canada these last 20 years. Blessed life really!

        Liked by 1 person

      7. Enchanté, madamoiselle 😉. I was in Vancouver over summer (apparently arrived the first non-rainsoaked day of the year). It’s an absolutely beautiful part of the world around there, I can see why a photography lover like yourself would choose to live there

        Liked by 1 person

      8. It’s utterly intoxicating – even if it is a rainforest at times and the grey stays for weeks at a time. That just adds a nice character to my pics for my sombre posts lol.
        I think Dublin would be a charming place to live – very warm people and interesting architecture.

        Liked by 1 person

      9. That’s very clear with your last post 😆. Very creepy stuff. You seem to be able to capture the best of both worlds from there, charismatic, overpowering greys and flambouyant colours. In Dublin we get those greys on occaision, but we could really do with more of those sun-drenched days. If nothing else just to remove the shiny paleness from my skin 😅.

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      10. And, of course, thanks for the advice and encouragement. I was thinking along the same lines, and the hope of making connections is definitely a strong draw. It was a very special girl who I met on a plane that got me back into writing and opened the world of blogs and everyday writers to me. That experience and joy of meeting like minded people is way too much to pass over

        Liked by 1 person

      11. That’s so cool! An epiphany that happened for a reason. 😊 It’s a lovely part of my daily routine this last 6 mths. It involves actively using my mind, rather than passively absorbing some Netflix or sour news story. Welcome indeed!

        Liked by 1 person

      12. I like to imagine it did anyway 😄. I hope to add it to my life in some way soon. I used to enjoy writing and living my stories when I was younger, but grew out of it. It turns out picking uthat virtual pencil back up is more difficult than I thought 😅. So far I’m contenting myself with writing comments on other people’s brilliance and hoping that osmosis works through a screen 😄.

        Liked by 1 person

      13. You certainly have a knack for eloquent writing .. so you are saying it’s just the inspiration that holds you back? That is something that can’t be forced. So my advice is … sit closer to the screen hehe 😉We need Peter originals!!

        Liked by 1 person

      14. Haha, that much I can do 😆. Inspiration has slowly been coming back to me at least. I find myself able to conjur up more and longer passages than this time last year, it’s just a pity this time of year get so hectic 😅. I’m sure if I keep immersing myself in your’s and this amazing community’s work my mind will make the required connections to put thoughts into words 🙂. I keep telling myself this, but I will definitely find some time to sit down and write before the end of the year. This time I mean it 😉.

        Liked by 1 person

      15. I will definitely be stalking you on New Year’s Eve if your promise of words does not come to fruition. No pressure 😉 Just don’t look out the window …. I’ll be standing there with a gift writing pad and sharpened pencils! 😊

        Liked by 1 person

    1. It really thrills me when my words can draw you in Priya! I throw them out like a net into the ocean, hoping to draw your attention. A lovely mermaid who wears her heart wide open 💗

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      2. I will make sure you always stay afloat! I have my eye on you and will never let you flounder. I have inflatable arm cuffs if ever you need them 😊 Have a lovely Sunday! Get some fresh air today!

        Liked by 1 person

  21. I don’t have the words to praise your art… They’re exhausted… Every new word that can express beauty that I come across in future, I will lay at your feet in reverence! 💭❤🌹

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    1. Good evening beautiful heart! Although you say you have exhausted words….it’s how you arrange them and convey feelings to me that truly makes them so special.
      You have made my day spectacular ….!
      I’m sneaking reading (I’m at work) and will reply to your other words as you sleep.
      Just wanted to let you know you how much I appreciate you, my beloved friend….
      sweetest dreams to you my angel ♥️🌸💙🌸💜

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      1. Believe me, you are the angel… I’ve had the worst day until I read your treasures tonight. I shall sleep well thanks to you… Waving your magic wand of sparkling words! Have a great day at work Diana! Big hug!
        Good night 😊 🌹🌜🌏

        Liked by 1 person

      2. Oh I’m both saddened to hear of your day, yet happy I was able to brighten it…. big hug and I shall have many words for you in the morning.
        Clouds and contented dreams await to embrace you,
        ❤

        Liked by 1 person

      3. All your words have made my morning as special as they had made my night! I could get used to this 😏😁 hehe! Thank you for sharing your email with me ❤Have noted it and will keep in touch, sweet friend ❤

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      4. Reading your lovely replies just now, and basking in the knowledge of this heartwarming friendship formed and kind words so easily shared. I will retire shortly, surrendering happily to fluffed pillows …. wanted to let you know how much your attention means ❤ Talk soon bella…!

        Like

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