The Frozen Scream

Lips
swell.
Dimples
on rosy cheeks
ignite winning smile
yet scream hangs; a lump in the throat.
Prettiness and innocence interrupted as the
sweet sixteen rebels and conforms
merging cultures; a
pleasure and
bother.
Lips
part.

note: This is my Fibonacci poem attempt with a syllable count per line 1/1/2/3/5/8/13, and then back down. Phew…such counting fun!

Khaya Ronkainen
Khaya Ronkainen is a writer, poet and creative professional. Her blog focuses on all things poetry and creative nonfiction.

21 Comments

  1. I think its a question of peer pressure, here. Who wants to be left out at that age?
    Nice craft of the Fibonacci; Khaya.

    much love…

  2. Wow! That lump, and the lips that contain it, remind me of me at a younger age. Mighty fine poem.

  3. Great job on the Fib…you do this form well. LOL, I am too lazy or too oriented in Japanese forms to do these complicated poetry forms…You portrayed the 16 year old so very well.

  4. The point is teens see the world differently from the rest of us (I know I was one myself!) Teens are eager to embrace adulthood but are disappointed with those that have got there already who seem so dull.

  5. “merging cultures” makes me think of an immigrant or refugee kid trying to make herself understood…without screaming…

  6. Nothing can be gained without struggle. Sweetness will definite follow after a bit initial bitterness 🙂

  7. You’ve screamed well within the constraints of the form.

  8. Powerful poem, Khaya … touching on so many topics in just a few words. The conflict of the pressure, the pleasure… I like the form of this and as with writing limericks the counting is critical!

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