I’ve lived a thousand lives

A free verse poem about immersive narration

I’ve lived a thousand lives

As my eyes devour the pages
I see through her eyes -
Slowly while details paint a verdant vista,
Swiftly when action grips my throat.

Quiet footsteps tiptoe through the attic.
A banshee wails!
A sharp intake of breath
Followed by a gasp of delight.

The sun blisters my face and cracks my lips,
Yet I shiver in a howling gale,
And sleet lashes my cheeks,
Biting deep.

I luxuriate in silky smooth sheets
Until mud squishes through my fingers.
Rough bark rasps my skin,
But cool ointment smooths my sores.

Sweet scents set the scene for love,
Maybe followed by chapel incense?
But my nose curls at the reek of rotten eggs …
Don’t mention wading through the sewers.

Seawater is no good to drink,
but red velvet delights my tongue
While bitter lemons yearn to become lemonade,
The iron tang of blood reminds me I’m alive.

As eyes follow finger across yellowed pages
I live vicariously a thousand times,
Revelling in the thoughts and dreams of people
Whom I shall never meet.


28 lines
Free verse