This poem is a lyric narrative in the confessional and trauma poetry genres, with gothic undercurrents. Its central theme is the aftermath of sexual violence and the profound, shattering psychological damage inflicted upon a survivor. The poem also explores the role of the empathetic witness who bears the weight of her confession. The voice is a first-person confidant and listener. This speaker is compassionate, physically attuned to the distress, and ultimately resigned as helpless to wash away the stain of what occurred. Structurally, the poem uses a repetitive, chant-like form across five stanzas, with recurring lines that create a ritualistic, almost mournful incantation. The closing stanza acknowledges the limits of healing: The title, “IRON MAIDEN,” creatively evokes both the medieval torture device and an image of a heart turned into a locked, punishing cage. Written for the novella “A Shattered Cup of Doom,” “Iron Maiden” is newly produced has not yet been assigned to a chapbook.
“IRON MAIDEN”
molly swore me to her secrets
i give my best and nothing less
i hear her
her heartbeat staggers in her chest
a shimmery star amulet
i hear her
molly told me that october
a horrid tale she won’t get over
how once a stranger got to know her
how once a stranger got to know her
what, by god, might a heart do
iron fisted, torn, abused
overdriven insane, bruised
what, by god, might a heart do
i know because she told me so
the numbers, names, her every tear
i could write a book about
the things she wanted me to hear
molly, molly, made insane
the darkness of that night remains
how many tears might lift the stain
even she, herself can’t say
Copyright © 2026 Robert Myrnyj | All rights reserved.
The poems and literary works presented here are original creations by the author.
Unauthorized copying, reproduction, distribution, modification, or public display of this
content is strictly prohibited without the prior written permission of the copyright owner.