Museum of Mourning by Maria Corcoran | One Poem Only

One Poem Only is a daily ritual: one poem, center stage, just for now.Museum of Mourning Maria Corcoran This poem was first published in the Raven Review.Ocean of silent, aching desiresDrowned before even taking formGuiltless, carried to the pyreSnuffed and swallowed, not yet bornO lulling waves of strangled dreams,Why do you refuse to die?Trying even now to be heard, be seenFrom below the depths wherein you lieWith your unclosing eyes full of blame,Every gurgled breath you heave,Ties me a knot borne of your painYou wish to take me as you leaveYou, every dream never dared dreamtA drop in this vast cemeteryYour revenge is your lamentA cruel memoir of what I’ve buriedSharp-edged guilt, bleeding griefYour torment is mine to keepUnintended sweet deceitMy regrets are your motifsIs this your oath,Either drive me madOr kill us both?Perhaps it is a fitting end,Succumbing to these rooted woundsThat I will, you will never mendTurning inside out, self-exhumedQuiet rage, quiet tormentUndeclared indictmentPunishment for what I’ve done–A dictated requisite crime--To be forever on the run,For a choice that wasn’t mineMore from Maria Corcoran ↓@_mariacorcoran on Instagram@mariacorcoran on SubstackMaria is looking for authors and poets that write and appreciate Gothic literature. If you happen to be a poet who writes rhyming/structured poetry, she would like to connect for potential writing collabs and community building.Support + Stay Connected to OPOIf you’d like to support the show, Substack and Patreon members receive a copy of my book, For My Daughter, along with episodes from the audiobook.Poetry reminds us what matters. Thank you for listening.Mentioned in this episode:Write After with One Poem OnlyWrite After is a way to encourage poets to listen and write, and use National Poetry Month to highlight how listening to poetry makes us better poets. I know I write the best when I’m surrounded by beautiful poetry–it’s part of the reason I created this podcast, and I want to encourage others to share this practice. If you want to join: Listen to a poem from the month of April on One Poem Only, then write your own in response. I will pick one for each day to read in June for a special series: One Poem After 🍎🍏 Submissions close May 15.Write After Submissions Form