WoPoLi

Perceptions

Bright light burns my eyes
like pepperoni on my tongue.
I think my bra is the wrong size.

The pepper in my rice
It makes my nose run.
It is not nice.

I feel pain and can not eat.
-emotional pain- My ears ring,
I can not hear over my heartbeat.

Someone is wearing perfume.
I can hear everything.
I want to leave the room.

I taste it. It is dry.
It makes my tongue swell,
It makes my eyes cry-

my eyes that see the electricity’s flow
as it pulses above my head-
my head hurts from sounds I do not know,

and I am both hot and cold,
and what that woman just said-
She looks lonely-old

from across the room
the fan continues to blow
I still taste the perfume.

And the one who is crying, a child,
I want to hug them but you say no.
and I expected the rice to be mild

It came spiced so I will have to eat bread
I am a grandmother.
And I didn’t hear what you just said

because someone dropped a spoon.
Why do I feel like a child?
And I have to leave the room.

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From the blog

About the Author: Sarah B. Royal

Sarah B. Royal’s writing defies convention. Her poetry and prose traverse the boundaries between structure and spontaneity, often weaving together philosophical inquiry, cultural reflection, and personal narrative. With a background in experimental literature, she is known for crafting works that challenge readers to engage intellectually and emotionally.

Her acclaimed palindrome performance play, 777 – A Story of Idol Worship and Murder, showcases her fascination with mirrored storytelling and thematic symmetry. In o x ∞ = ♥: The Poet and The Mathematician, Royal explores the intersection of poetic intuition and mathematical logic, revealing a unique voice that is both analytical and lyrical.

Royal’s collections—such as Lost in the Lost and Found, Haiku For You, Lantern and Tanka Too, and the WoPoLi Chapbook Series—highlight her commitment to neurodivergent expression and poetic experimentation. Whether through childhood verse or contemporary fusion poetry, her work invites readers into a world where language is both a tool and a playground.

Sarah B. Royal continues to expand the possibilities of poetic form, offering readers a deeply personal yet universally resonant experience. Her writing is a testament to the power of creative risk, intellectual depth, and emotional authenticity.

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