Paradise

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I woke up surprised to be alive
washed up on uncharted island fair
my beloved had pushed me off the boat
and left me for dead without a prayer

A spring of trickling water gave me
strength and a small light of hope was found
sea grapes and berries became my meals
breaking coconuts on rocky ground

The struggle to live moved my body
but pulsing stars would not let me be
why did my beloved try to end me
when he promised to always love me

Silver span of sparkling sand shimmers
sizzling heat simmering on my skin
a paradise stretched out before me
but torturous thoughts in my mind spin

At last a ship landed on my shore
to bear me to my kin for a price
I will look my lover in the eyes
drive in my knife and find paradise

Photo by Asad Photo Maldives on Pexels.com

Written in response to the W3 poetry prompt. I hope I have obeyed the rules and given you a narrative poem.

©2025 Lisa Paul

Lesley’s prompt guidelines

This week, you are the inhabitant of a realm set apart.

You’re alone on a desert island. It may be literal—or metaphorical.

Why are you here? What led you to this dilemma? How do you feel, truly? How are you surviving—physically, emotionally, spiritually? What are your hopes? How might you escape? And crucially: do you even want to?

Let solitude shape the rhythm.

You inhabit a castle—not just any, but one infused with fantasy.

Who are you? Are you a monarch weighed by secrets, a dragon curled beneath the stone, a gargoyle watching centuries unfold, a princess awaiting—or resisting—destiny… or something else entirely?

Your protagonist can be you, he, she, they, or it. Let mystery guide the voice.

Choose Your Realm

Write a narrative poem in any form. Anchor your words in who you are, where you are, and what keeps you there.

W3 Prompt #169: Wea’ve Written Weekly
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Published by lisaapaul

I’m a paralegal, a widow, mother and grandmother.

Published

32 thoughts on “Paradise”

  6. Lisa – your powerful narrative arc transforms pain into strength beautifully. The alliterative imagery and ironic juxtaposition between physical paradise and emotional torment creates haunting, memorable verse that speaks deeply.

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  8. Lisa, the true grit and determination of your character is wonderful and her resolve to extract her own “payment” from her lover is a delicious twist that takes her from victim to survivor!!

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  10. Lisa, this gripped me from the opening line. The steady rhythm carries such quiet fury, and the final stanza delivers a chilling promise that, to me, turns the idea of “paradise” entirely on its head.

    ~David

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  12. And there I was, thinking, “Poor character—marooned and alone; I hope she gets rescued.” Only to discover her heart is filled with revenge and evil intentions! 😁
    I love the rhythm and rhyme in your poem. Bravo, Lisa!

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