RAINN

"If I read a book and it makes my whole body so cold no fire can ever warm me, I know that is poetry."

Emily Dickinson


Tori Amos helped create an organization called RAINN (Rape Abuse Incest National Network) that is a safe harbor for victims of sexual assault and abuse. They are having a contest in honor of its 12th anniversary, in which entrants can send in a poem, song lyric, or piece of artwork. She'll choose two winners, one written and one art piece, which will go on RAINN's commemorative t-shirt.

You know I have to enter this contest. Entries are due 8/22. So here's what I'm going to do. I'm going to try out some different poems here, and the best response (if there are responses) gets sent to Tori. Or, I'll look at them and make a choice. I like having options.

I can go really dark with my poetry, but for the purpose of this contest, I think hopeful is best.

Rain
It came down on her shoulders
It filled her heart
She wished it didn't hurt so much
She wished he didn't hurt so much
Inside, she felt cold and bare
Her spirit was buried beneath blankets
She couldn't breathe so well
"You see beyond this body that clothes me," He said, once
She wished He'd put her back together
Like that puzzle on the floor, she was all in mismatched pieces
She liked the dark, now
Shades all drawn, dark navy
Glycerine sure does taste bitter
But these clothes feel heavier than anything
"So take them off, dear," the wolf whispered
"And be open before you? I don't think so," her mind replied
The sun came through a tiny sliver, forcing its way in
"You like to force things, don't you?" she asked, knowing His answer
But when she finally looked at the light, she felt it
She felt her heart knocking on the door of her soul
"You feel warm now?"
She crumpled the letter she had written
And closed the door behind her
She didn't need that umbrella anymore



So there's Possible Entry #1. I should include a note that says, "I was featured in Entertainment Weekly! Give me props, woman!" haha JK

I love writing dark, sad poems. I feel Dickinson perched on my shoulder! Well, you can never tell where inspiration might come from. I have to give the way-out-of-whack hormones a lot of credit for this mood. That, and the pervasive sadness of life. Well, it wasn't meant to be a parade, after all.

Tori's Comments on These Entries
1) "Wow. I sure did influence a lot of kooks."
2) "Call my lawyer. These people are shameless rip-off artists."
3) "If you see any Whitman fans, let me know. I'm so sick of Dickinson."
4) "There's not enough shirt for these long rambling poems!"
5) "Brevity is the essence of wit, right?"

Have a good day!