I can see the woman who assumes things. Every night she picks the flowers that I throw on the road: withered lilies of the valley. She wants to be me. She wants my blood. She does not know I rearranged the bell-shaped whites so no one else can breathe their sweet scents. No one else can be me. No one else can make you, you.
The woman puts the withered flowers in her bag.
A new moon rises over her left shoulder. Bad luck.
I shiver.
I rush to protect her.
I stumble.
Before he died my father said:
If you try to do justice to the wicked, you will forget to do justice to the virtuous. And if you forget to do justice to the virtuous you only work for yourself. That is the biggest sin of all.
I have to think again.
My poetry collection Passions: Love Poems and Other Writings is available on Amazon here .
Passions featured in San Francisco Book Review
Passions featured in Manhattan Book Review.
image: Sandratsky Dmitriy; Shutterstock; [link]
@Gabriela Marie Milton
A poem and a story. Cool. The more I read your work, the more I understand it.
Thank you so much David. I am so humbled by your words. Enjoy the rest of your weekend.
Gabriela 🙂
Such a beautiful poem, a prose , the story of a woman and dead lilies tossed away and retrieved. And a haunting recollection. Magnificent . 🌹
My Dearest Rene, good morning and thank you very much for your beautiful comment. You are an angel. Sending plenty of love and hugs your way.
xoxoxo…
This poem as always is deeply moving and thoughtful. I love this. Lots of love back to you lovely poetess. xoxoxo
Thank you again Rene 🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹
You’re so welcome 🌷
❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
So many flowers and well deserved accolades coming your way.🌸🌷🌼🌹
🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏
😊
I like mixed genres. Poetry in prose or prose poetry. Best of luck with the book. 💚🧡🧡
Thank you so much my dear. That’s so kind of you to say.
xoxo
Simply beautiful. ❤️🦋🌀
Thank you so much Sheila. You made my day sweetheart.
xoxo
Agreed. It’s amazing
Thank you 😊
Absolutely magnificent and very emotional poem, touched my heart so much! ♥️♥️♥️
I love your sublime poems!!! 😍
I send you a very big hug full of affection and have a wonderful weekend!🤗😘🌹🌹🌹
Thank you so much my beautiful Ely. Your support and your love mean so much to me. Fresh flowers and huge hugs for you.
Enjoy the rest of your weekend.
xoxoxo
This is a most enigmatic and intriguing poem, Gabriela. I see the woman as being another part of you. I am not certain of this, as there are so many ways in which one could interpret this poem of yours. Kevin
My Dearest Kevin, Thank you so much for reading and for your wonderful comment. That is one of the possible interpretations: an interpretation that I love. Thank you for bringing it up. I hope everything is well with you. Stay safe. Say hello to Tiger! I hope he is doing great.
I enjoyed this piece not only because it is beautiful but also because it made me think. Thank you for sharing 🙏🙏🙏😊
Thank you for your words Ingrid. I am so happy you think so 🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹
Your father was a wise man. Wonderful story, Gabriela.
Good morning Timothy. Thank you for your words. They mean the world to me. Have a wonderful Saturday. Hugs to everyone.
Chilly this morning, but good.
I am glad to hear it’s good. It’s chilly here too, but good 🙂
An amazing thought
Thank you from the bottom of my heart.
Gorgeous beautiful Button. I feel this poem deeply. We all make assumptions about others and many envy things they have no true idea about. Watching, assuming, wishing to have what another cherishes. Your imagery of the moon and her overwhelming compassion is lovely, I can see it my friend. The ending a remembrance is a treasured share of blessings offered in the way of advice and love. Such a special piece Gabriela. Sending love and prayers your way. Love, Honeybun 💖🤗💕❤️😘
Good morning my dearest honeybun. Thank you so much for your beautiful comment. Your words humble me beyond. You bring so much joy in my life.
Sending you blessings and love. During the night my sage bloomed again! Sending its sent your way. I hope you like it.
G (Button)
I have received the lovely gift my friend. Thank you so much. Your writing is so magnificent my friend. Your uniqueness makes your words so special. Hard not to hang onto them. Love to you sweet Button. 😘💖🤗💕❤️
Sending more love to you honeybun. Have a blessed Sunday.
💖😘🤗💕❤️xoxoxo
xoxoxo..
Xoxoxo 😘
Stark. One of the more enigmatic and fascinating pieces of yours. It’s almost chilling, yet very heartfelt. I feel the dilemma and the little details that add to the mystical sense it has.
The fact that you see a new moon gives me the creeps. Almost as haunting as it is, the very last lines conceal innocence and that is all the beauty of this poem/prose paraphrased. I do not know what it is, but as I read it again, I feel it deeper within. Odd. Yet so satisfying.
Hugs.
Hello, my wonderful friend. What can I say? You analysis is heavenly. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for every word. I am basking in your beautiful words. I am so glad that you liked the piece, Shanyu.
“The fact that you see a new moon gives me the creeps” I am curious. Why would that be? The new moon in text is indented to give creeps but any particular reason? Any symbol that hides behind the new moon?
“last lines conceal innocence” Special thanks for those words. They mean a lot.
I hope you are well my dearest friend. Exploring a new cuisine? The writings of a new poet? Let me know when you get a chance.
Sending you LOTS OF LOVE.
xoxoxo
Hola my friend. Is it heavenly? I thought nothing after this piece was!
No particular reason friend. I guess I was carried away by the chill. It gave the creeps indeed, just that “seeing” a new moon( isn’t a new moon basically pitch dark against the night?) That was the thing. Not sure if I’m clear still .
You are absolutely welcome friend. I’m currently looking into Slovakian food, but am gathering poetry inspiration. I am planning on having a horror fest. Let’s see.
(Halloweeeeeeen!)
Sending you love and a pre-Halloween scare.
Love.
“I thought nothing after this piece was!” As I said. You are such a charmer.
I think you are supposed to make a wish during a new moon and the wish will become true. It’s a good sign. However, it’s something about a new moon rising over your left shoulder… some legends of bad luck coming from the British Isles.
“I’m currently looking into Slovakian food,” Great!!!!
“I am planning on having a horror fest. Let’s see.
(Halloweeeeeeen!)” Aw…. I can’t wait!!!!! You made me curious. Looking forward to it!!!!!
xoxoxo.
Hauntingly beautiful.
Thank you so much 💝🌸🌹
I enjoy mixed genre stories. This one is good, and your father was a very wise man.
Thank you for your kind words Priscilla. I am glad you enjoyed the piece.
Beautifully written , beautiful poetry from the queen of exalted expression. ❤️
Aw… thank you so much my fabulous Queen of Poetry. 🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹
Always 🤗
🥰🥰🥰
🥰😘
There you go, Gabriela, got me thinking… yet again.
Thank you from the bottom of my heart, Eric. Still thinking? 🙂
I hope you had/ still having a marvelous Sunday.
Yours
G.
A fascinating poem, Gabriela. Not only for the imagery and sense of magic, but for its wisdom. It feels timely. <3
Good morning Diana. My most sincere thanks for your wonderful comment. I hope you are celebrating and you are happy. You deserve plenty of accolades and love. You are great.
xoxoxo
So beautiful and profound
Thank you so much hon.
xoxo
👍👍👍
❤️❤️❤️
I second all the people who wrote that this post “made them think” – me too!
especially this:
Thank you so much ben. You are such a good friend. I am humbled that paragraph made you think.
May the rest of your weekend be peaceful and inspiring.
Beautiful
Thank you so much dear 💕
Wow!
🙏🌹
I love how ethereal this poem is, as our memories and dreams often are!
Thank you so much Java. You made me rally happy today 🌹
Deep, beautiful and thought-provoking! Gabriela, your writing never ceases to amaze with its richness. ❤️🌷😍
Wishing you a beautiful Sunday.
Thank you so much Punam. It means a lot to me you think so.
I am watching your marathon this month (reading your work). You are great. Bravo!!!!!
xoxoxo
You are very welcome, my dear.
I am extremely touched to have you witness this journey. Believe me, it warms my heart. ❤️🤗
❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
Wickedly Beautiful and love when he rushed to protect her but died.. oh so sad but your father’s words came through for the punch line: If you try to do justice to the wicked, you will forget to do justice to the virtuous. And if you forget to do justice to the virtuous you only work for yourself. That is the biggest sin of all.
I have to think again. ❤️🤗🤗🤗❤️❤️❤️ Cindy
Cindy, thank you so much for supporting me and for your beautiful words. I am thrilled you liked this piece even if it’s sad.
I hope your Sunday is marvelous and you guys are enjoying every minute.
Sending you plenty of love.
Gabriela
You are so welcome Gabriella! It is always my pleasure. Sadness is part of life and we are only richer by it’s presence as long as we don’t let iot dominate us. Thank you so much and you as well. We are going to meet Casian. I’m now a Catma lol. You have a wonderful day as well. Big hugs and I feel the love thank you. ❤️🤗🤗❤️
Wait.. Did I understand correctly? Are you getting a cat? Casian?
No, my daughter did so I’m offically a Grand Catma. No marriages, No grandkids.. but I’m good with that!❤️🤗🤣
Congratulations! I am a cat lover so I understand your daughter. You will be a wonderful and loving Grand Catma.
Sending love.
xoxo
Thanks much Gabriella. Don’t you have 2? I have 2 as well! LOVE! awww yes, I take what I get.. lol 🤣 xo Cindy
My pleasure. Only one left: Maya. Monsieur Bonbon passed away a while ago.
xoxo
oh that’s right, I remember now! ❤️💔
xoxoxo..
❤️
Your beautiful poems never cease to mesmerize me. They are always so profound and wonderfully written. Enjoyed this very much, Gabriela! 🤍✨
Sweetheart, you made me blush. Thank you for your beautiful words and for your support 🌹🌹🌹
Bravo, Gabriela! This short poem has it all…beauty, suspense, and a wise warning! Impactful. <3 Take care, Cheryl
Thank you so much Cheryl. I am humbled and grateful for your words. Enjoy the rest of your Saturday 💕 Stay safe.
Magnificent….emotional….painful….sorrow….lilies….the reflection of you in that woman…the father….justice….being true to oneself….love….deeper meaning….simply beautiful lines, dearest Gabriela 🌹 ❤️
My dearest and wonderful Navin
You sent me an entire bouquet of compliments. Every word is a beautiful scented flower.
Thank you from the bottom of my heart. Sending you love wrapped in silk.
xoxoxo
Yours
G.
David congratulations excellent blog and graphics. Lovely colour thank you for sharing your blog with me. Happiness 😌
My dear, I am not sure who is David, I think this comment is meant for somebody else 🙂
This is a beautifully written story of self-discovery. Through metaphor and nuanced phrase you open a whole world of transcendental thought. So very well written, my friend! 💕
Thank you from the bottom of my heart Brad.
“you open a whole world of transcendental thought.” Do you care to travel with me in that world? 🙂
Sending you hugs and love. May you be loved. May you be love.
G.
I would happily travel that world with you poetess! 🌹
You got a ticket my dearest Brad.
xoxo
💖💕🌹😘
❤️
A beautifully terrifying piece of work; cool and vivid and touching some deep dark corner…. And yes indeed; to not support and appreciate a virtuous person is as good as supporting the devil itself.
Thank you so much for your comment dear. Your words mean the world to me. Sending love.
Gabriela
The prose is profound. Love the way you weaved it.
Thank you so much my dearest Kritika.
Love and big hugs to you.
Love and hugs 🙂
❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
Beautifully written👏🏼
Thank you so much my dearest Divya.
xoxoxo..
I have usually been fond of your poetry format, this one is different it’s more like your beautiful message in mixed forms like all elements of nature the air the earth and fire have been integrated. Your poetry always has a touch of poetry and you convey love and hope in the most beautiful and surrealistic way. I love the story, the form and a wonderful saying from your father. It’s an unique piece. Great work G 🙌👌🙏😊
Thank you from the bottom of my heart my dear. You are a gem.
xoxoxo
Thank you for the follow I do the same 🙂
My pleasure dear.
xoxo
Ok! We will read us with pleasure <.-<9
Strongly thought provoking…..😊
Thank you so much Ivor. That’s so sweet of you to say. I hope you are doing well and spring is beautiful.
I’m well thanks Gabriela… a lovely spring day, 24’C, here…. I’ve been extra busy, I’ve decide to a manuscript/book of my poems… Haha… here I am nearly 70, and writing my first book !!
Ivor, I am glad the weather is nice and thrilled you are writing your first book of poems. Bravo, I can’t wait to read it. So what if you are 70? More power to you. I believe Louise Glück is 77 and she was just awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature. Now you know what are my expectations when it comes to you.
Sending huge hugs.
xoxo
Thank you for generous and kind comments. I’ve just finished my first editing of the draft manuscript… and now I’ve a PDF copy… I would love for you to have a read, and hear what you think of my presentation…
That is great!!! I will me more than happy to do it. You can contact me via my blog contact form and I will get back to you as soon as I can.
xoxoxo
Oh wow, thanks Gabriela… I’ll shall do that…😀😊
My pleasure 🙂
That was a deep and thought provoking story and poem. Thanks for sharing.
My most sincere thanks for reading and commenting 🌹
Beautifully written….
Thank you so much Paayal.
xoxo
Most heart touching,dear G!!
Thank you my dearest Aruna. That’s very kind of you. I hope you are well.
xoxo
I am trying to reply on your comment but on my blog says”no token”wby?dear G!! Can you tell me.
I don not know what that is Aruna. I got your reply now.
I have given yesterday twice comment but on my blog showed’ unknown taken “,i am most confused,dear G!!
Sweetheart I do not know why. It may be a glitch in the system. Your comments seems to get to me today.
Oh.may be.now i replied on your blog then my comment appeared on you comment’s column.thanks dear G!!
🌸
Beautiful message and it give such a clear picture
Id like to say something wonderful but all the Above had said it well. So…ditto❣️
Thank you so much Helene. That’s so sweet. You touched my heart.
Sending love
Gabriela
I have to read this again.
Thank you so much BO. But first make sure you take care of yourself.
xoxoxo
Will do.
🌹
Such a beautiful poem👏
Aw.. I am delighted you liked it. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.
Good Lord. This will stay with me all day. In a good way. Unraveling…..❤️🌀❤️
THANK YOU. THANK YOU. THANK YOU.
Love for my beautiful Queen of Romance.
It is SOOOO my pleasure and You are very most welcome, beautiful Czarina of Romance!!! ❤️❤️❤️
Aw… Katy, thank you so much sweetheart.
Have a beautiful day.
LOVE
G.
Thank You!!! You too!!! 💖💖💖!
🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹
This is lovely.
Thank you so much my dear.
You have a powerful, beautiful, compelling gift. Such an evocative description!
Thank you so much Jennifer. It means a lot to me you think so 🌹
You are truly welcome! 🙂
🌺🌼🌻
My goodness 😍
I’m in love with your writing 😭
Thank you. I am in love with yours too.
xoxo
Short, vivid and beautifully written! Loved this, Gabriella 🙂
Tom, thank you from the bottom of my heart. Your words mean so much to me.
Loved it
Aw… thank you so much 🌺
this is beautiful!
Thank you so much.
xoxo
Excellent, just excellent
Thank you from the bottom of my heart.
Gabriela
I love the word pictures on this poem
The woman picking up flowers you threw in the road. The moon over her shoulder. I also loved the wisdom of your father.
Thank you so much for reading and for the love. I am deeply grateful for your beautiful words.
xoxoxo
Gabriela
Well written truly inspiring
Thank you so much sweetheart.
As always you writing is amazing. I recently started following you and I love you writing! 🙂
Thank you so much dear!
Love your poetry and prose poem and the honest way you reveal yourself.
Thank you for sharing.
Gwen.
Thank you so much Gwen. That’s so sweet of you to say.
xoxo
I enjoyed your prose poems. Thank you for visiting one of my blogs and following.
Lea, thank you for your kind words too 🌸
Link to post in Gobblers
saludos Juan
https://gobblersmasticadores.wordpress.com/2021/06/24/lilies-of-the-valley-by-gabriela-marie-milton/