Orlando's Blood Poem by Charles Darnell

Orlando's Blood



In the early morning hours
the blood dries from arterial red
to sullen black
on the floor,
on the walls.
in the lounge and the back rooms.

It will be washed down in time,
diluted by water
dipped from a rolling metal bucket,
the mop strings squeezed
of pink soapy fluid,
to find its way,
a winding thin line
down the sewers
to the Gulf,
nourishment for the small
fish and animals
swimming off shore.

The sun rises on another,
winding line,
down the sidewalk,
around the corner,
people of all colors,
gender, and orientation
wait their turn at donation
hours in the early sun.
They bring in their veins
a repudiation
of the dark blood of hate,
they bring with them
the sweet blood
of love.

COMMENTS OF THE POEM
S.zaynab Kamoonpuri 03 September 2016

Wow makes me think its about the compassionate act of donating blood as opposed to war shedding of blood. Great wording and superb freeverse meter here. Nice to read u again. Do pls review my latest too on eclipse.

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Kelly Kurt 31 July 2016

A powerful and well written piece, Charles. Thank you

1 0 Reply
Charles Darnell 31 July 2016

Thank you very much, Kelly.

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Bri Edwards 20 June 2016

and i look forward to giving my blood at the bloodmobile here soon, but not for Orlando. just for 'whomever', though i hope my blood does not keep some old codger alive who would be more good (in my humble opinion) to society if he croaked. [no offense meant towards frogs] this is a finely-written account of the aftermath of madness. this shall make a fine addition to June's showcase. THANKS. bri :) and to MyPoemList

0 0 Reply
Charles Darnell 20 June 2016

Thank you, Bri.

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Charles Darnell

Charles Darnell

St Martinsville, Louisiana
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