Michael Anthony
Michael Anthony
Aug 27, 2023

Clever Artifice

My heart sometimes lies to me.
It says things it knows I want to hear,
knowing full well I will believe.

The constructions it builds there
tell me love isn’t a burden.
But here I am, fooled once again,
as grief returns to collect its price.

About This Poem

Last Few Words: My old acqaintance, grief, dropped by for another visit, sigh...

Style/Type: Free verse

Review Request Direction: What did you think of my title?
How was the beginning/ending of the poem?

Review Request Intensity: I appreciate moderate constructive criticism

Editing Stage: Editing - polished draft

About the Author

Region, Country: San Francisco Bay Area - USA, USA

Favorite Poets: Bukowski

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Comments

Lavender

Hello, Michael,
This one tugs the heart. If this is personal, I hope this feeling passes soon. I'm wondering about the word "constructions" - that word feels a bit indifferent. Perhaps something similar to "the shelters it seems to build there." Maybe not the feeling you are going for...? You've captured the duplicity.
Best,
L

Michael Anthony

Thanks for your thoughts on this one L - always appreciate your visits. I was definitely missing a loved one here. With the "constuctions" term, I was trying to play off the "artifice" word in the title of this poem. Interpreting artifice as something that is "built" or "created" but is false by its nature. Hope that makes sense...

Best