I ... entered the poem of life, whose purpose is ... simply to witness the beauties of the world, to discover the many forms that love can take. (Barabara Blackman in 'Glass After Glass')

These poems are works in progress and may be updated without notice. Nevertheless copyright applies to all writings here and all photos (which are either my own or used with permission). Thank you for your comments. I read and appreciate them all, and reply here to specific points that seem to need it — or as I have the leisure. Otherwise I reciprocate by reading and commenting on your blog posts as much as possible.

12 January 2017

Pain

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?


Written for Poets United's Midweek Motif: The Door

23 comments:

  1. Where there's mystery life

    Thanks for dropping in to read mine

    much love...

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  2. the lines tug at the heartstrings....

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  3. Somewhere 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.

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  4. Oh this is so very poignant Rosemary, makes me think what would happen if we gave up.. hopefully such a time would never come..

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  5. into the green area of peace...never give up hope

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  6. Yes, 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.

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  7. Beautiful....I am going to read this lovely piece again...and again, Rosemary!Tough situations build strong people in the end. Never give up hope...!!

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  8. Exactly 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.

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    1. A number of people who have experienced long-term severe pain have told me it is easiest when one surrenders to the pain.

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    2. I'm trying now with FM Alexander Technique. It helps a lot, but only, I think, because I've held my body tight with stress.

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  9. What 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!

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  10. I'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.

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    Replies
    1. Thank you, Myrna. Clearly you do hear me well. Unfortunately, at present ignoring is not possible.

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  11. You can still express yourself. There is an added mystery. All I can do is wish you well...

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  12. What will be behind the door? No one really knows...I hope you find the answers you seek

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  13. I 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.

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  14. Made me think how our perception of normal shifts - how pain can become so familiar we almost miss it when it's gone..hmm..

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  15. One never knows where any door will lead until one opens it and starts to walk...

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  16. Pain is definitely debilitating; long term pain a curse. One door closes, another opens.....

    Excellent poem, Rosemary. :-)

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  17. 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!

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