“Intricate Goth Portrait” by Dale Innis
That Black High-Necked Dress
I know you..I was you
and the first time I laid my eyes
on your face,
I was drawn to you..
one might say obsessively,
I might say that too.
I admit your whole scene
drew me into you.. because
at one time, I was you
lost in the pages of Edgar Allan Poe.
Death was the homework
I imposed on myself
and I was gathering
every scrap of truth
to what it could really mean
because it made no sense to me.
My clothes went darker
for my father’s funeral;
at eleven. I dressed like
a Greek villager in mourning.
At home from school,
I would change into
that black high-necked dress
that I wore,
the last time I saw his face
lying in his coffin
he winked at me…
it was like he let me in
on an elaborate joke…
that soon the whole world
would finally see
He hadn’t died at all..
but he only told me,
so,
I knew he would return
and I waited
and waited
and waited.
My nose bleeds started then
and my mother grew worried
and told me
“Take off that damn dress
It’s so depressing.”
So of course,
when I laid my eyes on you…
I saw me,
I think you saw me too;
and soon you will hang
on a wall of my room…
sad pensive,
sensitive,
looking at me
through your down-turned
eyes,
to always remind me.
how once you were me
and that a part of me,
was and always will be…
you.
Karima Hoisan
October 11, 2022
Costa Rica
Digital Rabbit Hole 
Ach, beautiful and moving! It touches me so that you have been finding inspiration in my inchoate little images… thank you!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you so much Dale…and yes you are right..many of your images have inspired not only poetry, but 3D world building. This one as you know..(which is the Poster Girl of the world AI Dreams in Art,) struck me from the first second…Now, 6weeks later, I realize why:)
LikeLiked by 1 person
Very beautifully done.
LikeLike
Oh thank you so much…I admire your poetry too:)
LikeLiked by 1 person
You are welcome! Thank you.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Rich, gorgeous writing! I love the distinct imagery. ❤
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you Jaya, for commenting on this one, and your words inspire me! I am so happy my poetic style and imagery could touch you! ❤️🌹
LikeLiked by 1 person
Karima, that last stanza slays me. Unreal and amazing.
❤
David
LikeLiked by 1 person
Aww David!! You made my eyes sting with your comment!
Thank you! ❤️🙏❤️
LikeLiked by 1 person
Soul-tugging depth!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hugs Linda!! Your comment touched me deeply❤️
Thank you for stopping by🦋
LikeLike
i love how this is coming together for you: the healing, the integration of the loss & sorrow into a tender inclusiveness with your own shyly hidden self. it feels like acceptance, & it feels good.🙏🏼❤️🙏🏼
LikeLiked by 1 person
Dearest soulkin, I “knew” when Dale first showed me this image that I was touched deeply. I couldn’t stop looking at it, and it is the first image you see on our virtual world too, but it wasn’t until yesterday, I realized who she was to me..and this poem poured out…yes it’s a healing, a realization, this little girl is still inside, still remembering, even today Thank you for your positive way of seeing me….and Everything 🤗🌹❤️
LikeLiked by 1 person
a positive way of seeing is the most fundamental magic we can access. it changes darkness into a caring presence who will see us through to the light again, with a story of healing to tell when words finally come🙏🏼🌹❤️
LikeLiked by 1 person
In response to your 2nd comment…Yes! and so beautifully put! 🙏
LikeLiked by 1 person
So poignant and beautiful, and so touching lines! And awesome imagery too! Your writing is different. All the best 👍💐
LikeLiked by 1 person
Oh Kaushal, I’m so glad you were touched by my poem. Yes, this portrait speaks loudly and yet in silence. She brought words out of me, I had not consciously thought about…for years and as Swadharma says…it was a healing.Thank you for your beautiful comment 🙏❤️🙏
LikeLiked by 1 person
You’re welcome, always 😊💖
LikeLiked by 1 person
hauntingly realistic … a parents lose at such a young age impacts deeply! Well crafted Karima
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you so much Kate…and yes it lasts for a lifetime, in some respects.. Glad you enjoyed reading it.
LikeLiked by 1 person
your creativity always impresses!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you so much for your kind words Kate 🌹
LikeLiked by 1 person
beautiful, mesmerizing and always strikes a cord into the soul Karima. Such a gift. 💗
LikeLike
Hugs Cindy and thank you so much for your beautiful words. You make me soar! ❤️
LikeLiked by 1 person
You are so welcome Karima! You soar with or without me but happy to fly with you always❤️
LikeLiked by 1 person
Here’s to high flying with poetry!!! Thank you again!
LikeLiked by 1 person
YES TO THAT💗
LikeLiked by 1 person
Amazing art by Dale…this poem of yours gave me this feeling as if for a moment my blood stopped streaming…I was watching this poem in scenes…I was picturing you through your words…that’s the power of your writings…I’m sure your voice would add that extra zing…if you ever decide to create a spoken word…I’m already listening to your voice in my head…and there’s background music as well…beautifully expressed, my dear friend 💫
LikeLiked by 1 person
Ahhh Navin, thank you so much and I think you are right…the poem would lend itself to a spoken word piece…if I find the music, I will do it, inshallah, and dedicate it to you…for urging me on:) This poem is very personal and yet universal…parent loss is a reality, for so many children, for so many reasons..The trauma is life lasting…but the lessons learned shape us forever too. Thank you again my generous, perceptive, poetic friend 🌹
LikeLiked by 1 person
How beautiful…”This poem is very personal and yet universal”…yeah, I can actually see…but you’ve expressed it so well…that’s the reason I could see it on my screen…wise words that “the lessons learned shape is forever too”…it’s my pleasure reading & sensing your piece 💫
LikeLiked by 1 person
Love your second comment too Navin…thank you for connecting so easily with me and my work 🌹
LikeLiked by 1 person
“sad pensive,
sensitive,
looking at me
through your down-turned
eyes,” I love this line, and the poem in its entirety. It reminds me of my days as a skater, punk-infused youth, and the massive amounts of resistance, paradoxical to my also sensitive and loving nature, coursing through my young body, remnants of which persist, in much lower doses, today. Gorgeous poetry, Karima. 🌹❤️🤗
LikeLike