Prevaricating bushes lie low,
singeing an edge round his soul.
Apples hold secrets like forests hold trees
deep in the husk of their seeds.
Tracks in the cracks
of his memory’s files—
a mess too complex
to unravel.
Serpents still tempt him
and steal his intention,
splitting his answers
down forks in his tongue.
They snake through branches in bushes
as he douses the branches in gas.
He thinks about playing with matches
and laughs, losing his pale to the glow—
to the flickering trail of lies that writhes
at the edge of his deep apple soul.
Damming its freedom to flow,
oh yeah,
he damns its freedom to flow.
Brenda Warren 2013
Visit The Sunday Whirl
Note: The word “class” from the wordle, did not make an appearance in my piece this week.
undercaws 
Brilliant piece Brenda and it does flow wonderful but a good edge to it too. Great ending 🙂
LikeLike
Smooth call all along on a wonderful path, Brenda! Great take, Ma’am!
Hank
LikeLike
I agree this flows so gracefully, even though the subject matter is dark. Well done, Brenda. I am now just getting round to read everyone, yesterday was incredibly busy for me. Aren’t we supposed to relax on Sundays?
Pamela
LikeLike
Brenda, this is such a powerful poem and the words flow in so well. There is almost a drumming rhythm to it.
LikeLike
Read aloud, the music of this poem fills the room!
LikeLike
Wonderfully sinister. Loved the mind files creating a complex mess.
LikeLike
I loved the rhythm of the words in their association with each other it really bounced along. But how I hated the character you portrayed. Here in Australia we have so many demented arsonists that set fires when the trees and ground cover are like tinder.
LikeLike
a truly creative approach; i enjoyed your poem ; haven’t done mine yet; maybe within the next 2 days; have a nice Sunday
much love…
LikeLike
I especially like the first three lines.
LikeLike
Oh yeah, Got me on the line with the apples. It made me want to say snap!
LikeLike
Strong poem Brenda, nothing damning the flow here. Love all the allusions to scripture, painting different pictures to be considered. You didn’t use class, and I left out the files, sometimes that one word can upset the apple cart, but I don’t think your character would mind that in the least bit. Wonderful writing my friend,
Elizabeth
LikeLike
I’ve reread this several times! It is so satisfying…perfect really! Especially loved the way the poem turns on ‘the edge of his deep apple soul.’ and the wonderful last three lines! Oh, yeah!
Wherein The Muse’s Vehicle Goes Into the Shop For Repairs
PS Thank you for this weekly prompt! I’m loving it!
LikeLike
Love the arc and the repetition and the satisfying close 🙂
LikeLike
Beautiful rhythm to this poem, Brenda. I love the idea of apples holding secrets.
LikeLike
I love “Apples hold secrets like forests hold trees.” I like your piece!
LikeLike
Apples hold secrets like forests hold trees
deep in the husk of their seeds.
Wow, a powerful piece.
LikeLike
apples hold secrets – I like this thought – if only they could talk!
LikeLike
Those apples sure have a lot to answer for…!
LikeLike
The memory’s files can be disturbing and too complex sometimes to reasoning!!
LikeLike
“…his memory’s files—a mess too complex to unravel.” Had to laugh when ik read that – so close to home!
LikeLike
hi brenda, enjoyed the poem and thought I missed a wordle, so … I wrote a poem also using these words tonight. I have really enjoyed trying to copy the previous wordles and using them as writing prompts as well. Thanks so much for your talent and your encouragement and inspiration.
LikeLike
Thanks for the support. The more the merrier at the Whirl… Your piece is strong, be sure to link up to it over at The Sunday Whirl.
LikeLike