I see her in the street
A woman with three arms
On one arm is a blue heeler
Its trots beside her, sniffing,
Leading her along.
Her second arm hangs by her side
The third arm comes from out of her right shoulder.
Long and lean
Solid
Menacing
Don’t mess with me
Her third arm
Keeps us at arms length.
Keeping her distance
She graces me with a polite hello
Hurries off
Her mind a million miles away
In a place where so many
Sport three arms.
Wary of difference
She shirks company
Her companion loyal
Trusting
Compliant.
Her third arm affords her a weapon
A defence against…..?
Never does she attempt to hide it
Shamelessly
Its there for all to see.
We shy away
Less it is for us
To feel its bite
Its grip.
She retreats into her world
The arm rigid
Armed
Ready
I keep my distance.
Written for: http://dversepoets.com/2014/09/11/meeting-the-bar-following-through-on-metaphor/
Morpethroad 
With such people it is indeed wise to keep one’s distance! Incredible how sometimes we just spot these people but know it is safer to keep away.
Yes it is. Thanks for reading Gabriella.
Wow–I found this a very strong image and very powerfully conveyed. Thanks so much for participating. k.
Ah thank you glad you thought it worked.
Oh c’mon Michael.
Wouldn’t it be nice to have a third & a fourth arm? 😉
I have enough trouble controlling two RoSy.
LOL
I’m thinking chores.
Well yes could be handy then.
That third arm is sometimes so visible, though I have also met people that were unaware of their their third arm – ending up utterly alone.
Thank you Bjorn. I appreciate you reading and your comment.
heck yes – better to keep away from people like her… that is a great and very visible metaphor
Thanks Claudia. I see this woman often on my walks, her ‘third-arm’ is an intimidating appendage.
Maybe it’s just me.yes I’m sure it is, I got a bit lost 😦
Maybe you took a left when it should have been a right?
I think so 😦
I like the imagery of the third arm….imaginary or not, you drew an excellent character of her ~ Best to stay away from her ~ Good one Michael ~
Thank you so much Grace. I intend to.
Some people are best kept at bay. If they send a foreboding message by their stance and demeanor, I think we need to ‘listen.’
Thanks Mary and I have been listening very carefully.
sometimes I wonder why someone needed that arm. and this poem reminds me to be more open, a better man.
Thanks Bill. That’s a good point you make.
I’m late to the party but am enjoying reading all the different takes on the idea. Some people do have the ability to keep people away in this manner…to their loss as well as that of those who might get to know and like them.
janet
Hello janet, thank you for reading and your comment. You make a very good point as I have often thought this woman keeps others at bay to her detriment, but I guess she has good reason, who is to know.
Brilliantly written Michael – and I haven’t even checked the prompt. And so it is, regardless of what prompted you – you have written a very strong piece here – infusing such life in a character, with grace and elegance – simply – well done 🙂
Thank you Pat. Not sure if she would be flattered by my poem but it’s how I have observed her.
Sometimes flattery isn’t the answer – unless that was the question – ego driven of course. But people are people – and we all wear various styles of coat. And I think you did an excellent job of conveying her style. 🙂
Thank you so much, you flatter me.
Flattery?
Lol — well the truth is you write with thoughtfulness and imagination – so it is not flattery – rather a genuine compliment 🙂
Thank you again. Are you writing today’s MLM prompt?
I haven’t checked for it yet – so it will depend. I have found myself trying to respond to all of them – except for the “form poetry” ones – I don’t do structured poetry.
I take it you are considering it? Today’s prompt?
It’s an excellent prompt. Worth having a look at. I enjoyed my effort.
Well …I’ll definitely be looking forward to reading your work 🙂
Please do.
Of course! 🙂
I just read it quickly – didn’t check out the video – it seems like quite a different approach! Could be very interesting 🙂
Lots of opportunity for creativity.
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