This chain that holds me
here in place,
this block of stone
and the metal ring
fixing me to it,
tighten and firm
as I struggle to pull away.
If I give up
if I give in –
might the stone soften,
a bed for my rest?
Could the heavy shackle
open into a door?
And where would that door lead?
And where would that door lead?
Written for Poets United's Midweek Motif: The Door
Where there's mystery life
ReplyDeleteThanks for dropping in to read mine
much love...
the lines tug at the heartstrings....
ReplyDeleteSomewhere you are not ready to visit yet.. Hang in there....Think through the centre of pain and blur its edges. Ride it like a wave.Pop some pain meds and think thoughts in the colours of the sea.
ReplyDeleteThanks for this excellent advice.
DeleteOh this is so very poignant Rosemary, makes me think what would happen if we gave up.. hopefully such a time would never come..
ReplyDeleteinto the green area of peace...never give up hope
ReplyDeleteYes, these lines are very affecting. This poem resonates with me, since we both are walking through years that are finite. We shall both hang in and hang on......ride the wave, if only in our dreams.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful....I am going to read this lovely piece again...and again, Rosemary!Tough situations build strong people in the end. Never give up hope...!!
ReplyDeleteExactly the right questions, and in metaphor that truly speaks to me. An aikido instructor once showed me how to go with the attacker/obstacles' force to defeat them, but I didn't stay long enough to learn. As long as I can ask the questions, I tell myself, I am not closed to growing into the answers.
ReplyDeleteA number of people who have experienced long-term severe pain have told me it is easiest when one surrenders to the pain.
DeleteI'm trying now with FM Alexander Technique. It helps a lot, but only, I think, because I've held my body tight with stress.
DeleteWhat an enigma whether to stay still or keep moving with the risks inherent in both options. Poets however are lucky that they can do both stuck in their studies scribbling away all the while having adventures no one would believe!
ReplyDeleteYou are so right, dear Robin, on all counts!
DeleteI've never learned how to give in to the pain. I fight it, ignore it, medicate it. Wonder if my body would do better to soften and accept? I hear you so well in this poem. Hope you find the answers. Feel better.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Myrna. Clearly you do hear me well. Unfortunately, at present ignoring is not possible.
DeleteYou can still express yourself. There is an added mystery. All I can do is wish you well...
ReplyDeleteWhat will be behind the door? No one really knows...I hope you find the answers you seek
ReplyDeleteI read this poem several times, Rosemary. Who knows what is behind that door, or even if there is a door. I am sad to learn of your pain, and hope you keep writing and wondering.
ReplyDeleteMade me think how our perception of normal shifts - how pain can become so familiar we almost miss it when it's gone..hmm..
ReplyDeleteYou never know/
ReplyDeleteOne never knows where any door will lead until one opens it and starts to walk...
ReplyDeletePain is definitely debilitating; long term pain a curse. One door closes, another opens.....
ReplyDeleteExcellent poem, Rosemary. :-)
Having hurt my back recently, I can sympathise with your pain, Rosemary. I think having to deal with constant severe pain has made me more aware somehow. As far as opening unknown doors are concerned, I am sure may people in constant severe pain are tempted to open that final door and be liberated, but then again, where there is life there is hope!
ReplyDelete