Post 2020 (Litotes)

In a world not absent of wonder, I now reside.
I am not unhappy, nor do I face a sorrowful tide.
My heart is not heavy, my spirit does not fail to soar,
I do not miss dancing upon life’s vibrant floor.

The sun is not cold as I sit beneath its golden ray,
The sky is not deficient in its rainbow display.
The whispering breeze does not carry a sad tune.
Nature’s symphony does not fail to make me swoon.

The birds are not silent in their fanciful flight.
Their melodies are not absent day and night.
Harmony is not quite, nor does its chorus want for light.
The voices are not solo, nor are they dull in delight.


Life is not refused, devoid of simple pleasures.
Our bonds are not broken, nor are they worthless treasures.
We do not isolate, dear friends, when we celebrate,
Each moment is not neglected, nor is it too late.

Our laughter is not silent, nor is the bubbling brook
We are not burdened with care, our sense of humor took,
Our eyes are not dull, our lips not upside down grins,
We do not fail to banish worry and embrace life’s wins

The world does not remain constricted, as hardships unfold
Sadness does not wrap us in its lonesome hold
We are not alone as we wander, we are not without bliss,
not incapable of discovering the beauty of a gentle kiss

We shall not fail to savor life’s lack of bitter refrain
nor shall we shelter from the sunshine after the rain
For sadness finds no home within our souls
A kaleidoscope of emotions that does not fail our goals.

In this complexity, the colours are not dull but true
Our sadness does not shine as the beacon to pursue
Our hearts are not ungrateful in dance and play
We do not die at this moment nor sing a sad serenade.

The touch of hate does not prevent us from healing a friend,
Hearts are not separated; on this journey, we’ll transcend.
Our hearts will not be closed our arms not crossed but spread.
We will not fill the universe with sadness, as it has been said.

Response

  1. Reading these feels like I am reading in manual rather than automatic, like I have to begin each line by shifting out of reverse.

    Like

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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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