At Writer’s Island, the prompt was, “Secret.” Something I know a little about… Amy
Bound
Bound-up little girl
heavy with secrets
she never understood
or could quite remember.
Faint whispers in
darkened rooms.
Shamed feelings.
Questions without answers
danced in her mind
in recesses, shadows.
When her truth
was at last unveiled
and then conquered
the psychic straps
that held her captive
were loosed,
and she unfolded slowly.
A Japanese fan
expanding, revealing
dizzying glorious colors
for the world to see.
“Here I am,” says she.
“Unbound.”
© 2011 Amy Barlow Liberatore/Sharp Little Pencil
Sharp Little Pencil 
leesis
beautiful Amy
contemplativemoorings
Very interesting metaphor, that, with the japanese fan…
Sharp Little Pencil
I have one of them in my bookcase and sometimes sit and meditate on it, folding, unfolding. Also, there’s a great book called, “Snow Flower And the Secret Fan” or something like that. Japanese women of old created their own language and wrote to each other on the folds of their fans… Thanks so much! Amy
Sharp Little Pencil
Thanks, Michael. I look forward to reading your book! Amy
Debbie
Thank you so much, Amy. What you do with words is a gift, a help and a hope. I love this poem.
Madeleine Begun Kane
Wow! That was very evocative and powerful!
Sharp Little Pencil
Thanks very much. Some dark stuff, I know, but that’s part of me…
Madeleine Begun Kane
Dark is necessary for creativity, I think.
Sharp Little Pencil
Oooooh, yes, it’s so true. Even my humor is dark!
rob kistner
The dark core of this piece is piercing, but ultimately illuminated in a positive resolution, giving the end result to be celebratory… fine writing Amy… 😉
Sharp Little Pencil
Rob, I thank you. The core was indeed dark, and the cloud was over my head for years. Thank God for therapy, for the courage to break free, and for the chance to embrace the vulnerable side of myself once the warrior princess had gotten her shit done!! Amy
vivinfrance
You have revealed all in a beautiful poem. Bravo.
Sharp Little Pencil
Why, thank you, Viv. I truly appreciate this. Amy
Tilly Bud
So glad there was a happy ending.
Sharp Little Pencil
We all can make our own happy endings… if we first admit we need help, then seek it. I would not be here today were it not for therapy, and that’s the truth!
Kim Nelson
A refined beauty emerged from the fire.
Sharp Little Pencil
Aw, Kim, that is sweet. The refinement process for gold is all about fire, as is refinement of one’s own spirit. The trials are what make it all worth it, right? Thanks, Amy
Mike Patrick
Once the binds come off, watch out. Lovely, Amy.
Sharp Little Pencil
Came off years ago, and now the whole country is nervous, LOL. Especially here in Madison if you’re anti-union!! Thanks, Mike. A
ladynimue
awesome !
Sherry Blue Sky
A wonderful poem, Amy and one so many little girls can sadly relate to.
Sharp Little Pencil
Our name is Legion, and as I’ve commented before, it’s up to each of us who recognize the signs to offer a hand up to the next girl or woman. Thanks, Sherry.
Tess
The accident of finding this post has brgeitenhd my day
Sherry Blue Sky
p.s. I love the unfolding fan and the “Here I am. Unbound.” A victory!
Sharp Little Pencil
Thanks, Sherry. It came to me in a flash of a vision, and I was soooo happy with the ending, too! (blush)
Joseph Harker
The fan is quite beautiful. I like how what’s unsaid carries through so strongly in this… even if you have specifics in mind, you could be talking about anything, which allows the reader to relate to it no matter what. Really helps the tone make an impression.
Sharp Little Pencil
Joseph, thanks for that acknowledgment. It’s true t hat my work is often so, so literal. That’s my temperament, and I try to look to writers like you, Salvatore, nimue, and others to look past the obvious statements and delve deeper. Thanks so much for your words; they mean a lot! Amy
Madeleine Begun Kane
I came back to re-read this and enjoyed it once again.
Sharp Little Pencil
Thanks for that, Madeleine!
Jingle
cool piece…
smiles.
Happy Writing.
booguloo
Perfection. Almost watered my keyboard, but perfection nonetheless!
Sharp Little Pencil
Oh, wow. That’s a true compliment. Thanks so much, Michael… Amy