We only glimpse each other
through layers of masks
yet you inflame my marrow
(For today’s prompt, take the phrase “You Are (blank),” replace the blank with a new word or phrase, make the new phrase the title of your poem, and then, write your poem.)
About Bartholomew Barker
Bartholomew Barker is an organizer of Living Poetry, a collection of poets in the Triangle region of North Carolina where he has hosted a monthly feedback workshop for more than decade. His first poetry collection, Wednesday Night Regular, written in and about strip clubs, was published in 2013. His second, Milkshakes and Chilidogs, a chapbook of food inspired poetry was served in 2017. He was nominated for a Pushcart Prize in 2021. Born and raised in Ohio, studied in Chicago, he worked in Connecticut for nearly twenty years before moving to Hillsborough where he lives and writes poetry.
Bartholomew Barker, Poet 
Inflame my marrow. Original! We don’t think about marrows much, it’s become a rare word
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Thank you! I wanted something in our core but “heart” gets overused.
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This poem is a poignant reminder that love can still blossom even in a world where masks hide our true selves. 👍👏👌😊
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And if not love, at least inspiration.
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good
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Thanks!
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Very enticing muse
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She can inspire from the other side of a planet.
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The ending line, “yet you inflame my marrow” … this is a stellar line, Bart. Wow!
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Thanks, Tre!
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You’re most welcome!
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on that marrow bandwagon too….cool kernel
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Many thanks! Glad that line’s exciting everybody’s blood.
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Inflamed marrow? See a doctor!
Sorry – couldn’t resist.
Maybe that is what love is – or friendship – when people can see what’s there through the masks put on as a defence against people – and accept what they see.
And that can be across distance and time.
What do I know? People are a mystery to me.
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That was my first concern with the adjective “inflamed” but I went for it anyway.
I’d say that’s as good a description of love as any I’ve seen.
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Oh, how deep this is, love it!
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Thanks, P!
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You are so welcome 🤗
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Really love that last line!
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Thank you, Bridgette!
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Pingback: Fraiku: You Are My Muse (re-blog) – Remember to Breathe
well done bart.
“yet you inflame my marrow”
👏
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Thank you, Cindy!
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you’re so welcome Bart! ❣️
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