I Asked a Thief to Steal Me a Peach

I asked a thief to steal me a peach,
but he led me instead to a barren land.
I begged him again—he made no speech,
just pointed ahead with a trembling hand.

He led me instead to a withered tree.
where fractured souls grieve as twilight slows.
he whispered, his eyes too hollow to see.
“Love’s roots wither where bitterness grows,

And poisoned trees bloom where love’s roots decay.”
yet one lone fruit in the darkness swayed,
while broken hearts mourned at the edge of day,
where bitterness thrived and love had decayed…

His distant eyes, dim and knowing, knew
with branches gnarled, the fruit was dry.
“This is all that remains where love once grew,”
he whispered low with a hollow eye.

His distant gaze was shadowed and worn,
his voice like wind through weathered stone.
“Love’s roots wither where hate is born,
and bitter hearts will die alone.”

The poisoned trees stood cold and stark,
with twisted limbs bereft of grace.
And yet one fruit within the dark
still hung, swaying in that lifeless place.

“Take it,” he said, though the air smelled of death,
a warning laced through every word.
I reached—then stopped—drew back my breath,
as whispers in the branches stirred.

The fruit looked bitter, its flesh turned black,
and sorrow hung like mist in the breeze.
Still, I had asked that thief to act,
to steal a prize from these peach trees.

I reached again, then paused, as whispers grew,
sad voices tangled within the breeze.
I drew back, somehow I knew,
it tasted of grief, of love’s disease.

For I knew wisdom lives in emptiness,
in prophets’ words and holy things.
And stolen gifts bring no redress—
they only rot, like broken things.

I asked a thief to steal me a peach,
but all I found was loss and pain.
For love, once twisted, lies out of reach,
and only fools seek fruit in vain.

Yes, poison grew where love decays,
Yes, I had asked to steal a peach,
Knowing broken hearts shorten our days.
instead I found truths the prophets teach.

So I turned away, my hands left clean,
and left that thief where sorrows dwell.
For stolen love will never grow green.
and thieves know nothing but farewell.

and stolen gifts are not the cure.
I left the thief and his barren land.
For thieves know love is never sure.
And was never meant for a thieving hand.

I left broken hearts to fall at sorrow’s feet.
for prophets had warned of such deceit.

Responses

  1. like the Blake reference! evocative

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  2. what blake would have written, given more time and ideas? : )

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    1. You might also like Mad Blake, the poet!

      Liked by 1 person

      1. did you find the one by William Rose Benet called Mad Blake or the one called mad song by William Blake? When I am writing poem based off from the titles of other poets, I do not read the poetry until after I have published what I have created. In this way I am assured of creating something unique inspired by the past.

        Liked by 1 person

      2. I found a poem Called Mad Blake? Liked a lot

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      3. I love thay about our work as poets, the inter-texture

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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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