Sonnet of Six Years Zainab Sayed Oh heart! Beware the haunt of something sought Beyond all reach, still trapped in begging to Be wronged—bewitched in traps of longing rot. That trap of missing something gone. In lieu Of touch, a vice-grip hold, a gummed-up rope; Of gentle, nothing but caress of coal, A mark to chase all doubt, abandoned hope— Mirage! Mirage! A curse to stain the soul. Oh heart! Can you not see that broken word, That promise left, that lie unsaid, silent swear? Oh heart! Will you not let my cry be heard, That you be free, need not this burden bear? Oh gentle thing, pray heed your loving mind— I wish you your joy, your peace, your rest you find.
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