(For this exercise we each wrote a first line to the trigger phrase bitter hearts. We then passed our books around the table and continuing to add in new lines as the books continued to circle. In the end we had a collection of unique group poems titled, "Bitter Hearts".) Bitter Hearts Thou shall not beg or borrow. when it comes to love strings attached, strangle, tied up with yesterdays promises forgotten. To let go, to free, to forget the grip on the bitter heart grows stronger. Shall I borrow your love or beg for your heart? You wash your hands of my neediness tell me to hit the road I beg one last time, weep through humiliations moment but you say, "Goodbye" My pride disintegrates as the waves of love make me feel more shallow. You only fuel my neediness for acceptance. I move on to another man. Let go, your strings it was, after all, only goodbye. Let me go as I have been enlightened I need not your love as I refuse to beg, plead, or borrow. Bitter Hearts II Bitter hearts ignite conversations harsh words are fuel sweet love has no chance when challenged by experiences sword that leaves pieces of what was. When the fire flickers out then hard cold winter winds weave webs of distaste around my heart. My bitter heart frozen I am left alone, my lies the only blanket to protect my empty life. You are gone and I wait for warmth to find me again. Wrapped just in hope, shielded by memory how can I embrace my future when I fear losing my past. I find a spec of sweetness inside myself and hold onto that until spring comes again. Bitter Hearts III Wet leaves splatter on cement stomped upon by the moldy, slimy boots of a rejected lover, their fibers broken the beat of the bitter heart grows stronger. Tears of ice fall like a monsoon. ~ Composed by Katarina Osterlind, Don Simpson, Bonnie Nish and Sita Carboni Kitsilano Writers Group Back to the Kits Writers Page Home