The Context


"Toska" is a poem that I wrote in mind for a specific selection of works, with the theme of Damage Control. Although a different poem was ultimately accepted instead, I belive this poem tells an interesting story. It references the basilisk from J.K. Rowling's The Chamber of Secrets which is the second part of the famous Harry Potter series. (If you know, you know). But, to give you hint, think the mirror in Hermione's hand, Collin Creevy's camera, the pipes, the chaos / blood. I hope you enjoy!

Toska


it was broken,
it shatters across the floor,
it scars the people it surrounds.
it brings one back

 the sharp noises
thinking, melting, panicking, hurting, breaking
  like how glass tumbles and cracks,
   bring me back to the memories,
    the memories that   one would never want.
     tucked in bed,
            tired,
            dissociative,
            unsure,
            insecure.
gut-wrenching screams of pain,
ones      no soul has ever heard.
the times where the mind was tied down,
oppressed,
  devalued.
   when it was worthless.
    why would i remind myself of that time?
   where i struggled,
and i cried,
   screamed soundlessly.
this is
      my heart.
      my mind.
      my soul.
      my life.

that thing is everywhere
          and nowhere
all at the same time.
it weaves right into the fabric of time
             watching you
    and everything around you.

    it infiltrates
      like the basilisk slithering around in the pipes
    where one look kills
      and an indirect one petrifies.

            here, i insert a melancholy hedwig’s theme.