i am a woman
in a large
glass box
that is slowly
steadily
filling with water
covering my feet
my ankles
my knees
padlocks of my
own design
keep me trapped
in this watery prison
the opaque panels
block me from view
murals painted with
images of my placid
face doing routine things
deceive the world
inside the box
the water
has reached
my hips
my waist
this water has weight
has heft
presses against me
locks me in place
speakers outside the box
play my prerecorded voice
soft
calm
lulling the audience
while the water
the soothing temperature of my bath
continues to rise
covers my chest
suffocates me
part of me fights
struggles to break free
longs for fresh air
longs for the light
part of me is tired
so very very tired
how easy it would be
to just let go
relinquish myself
to the darkness
the clock is ticking
as the water rises
dangerously high
up to my shoulders now
my voice will soon be gone
can I pull a Houdini
or will I drown
in this unholy
flood of my tears
my blood
my liquid pain?
A powerful poem that really struck me. Thank you.
LikeLiked by 1 person
You are welcome.
LikeLike
What a brilliant poem! Loved it.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thank you!
LikeLiked by 1 person
“murals painted with
images of my placid
face doing routine things
deceive the world
inside the box”
Yes, this is it, isn’t it?
The truth in your words is what generates the gravity to your work. It’s very real and eloquently expressed.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thank you. It is reassuring to know that I am capturing the truths in these moments– they are often very vulnerable times for me.
LikeLike
Wow! Beautiful writing! Like any excellent writing, it makes me relate with and care about the protagonist; it creates in me a desire to know….Did she make it? Did she survive? Did she pull her Houdini and escape? I gotta know! I hope so. And the eternal optimist in me believes the best: that she did… that she emerged… that she still lives to write yet another awesome poem for me to enjoy. Thanks for the experience!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you! Let’s just say that she is still treading water. . .
LikeLiked by 1 person
This. Oh my, this. Brilliant. It speaks to me in an eerie pinpointedly way right now. 💙
LikeLiked by 1 person
Synergy is an interesting thing. Good luck escaping the waters
LikeLike
Powerfully written, you capture that moment of being overwhelmed so well. Take Care D.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thanks D! Hope all is well with you.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Things are OK, bit hectic home life, little one had chicken pox! So yeah haven’t really kept up with my blog. Personally I’m feeling better than I have in many months, hope it continues 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Glad to hear that you’re feeling better- that’s awesome!
LikeLiked by 1 person
You have a way of expressing something dark that makes it beautiful. You are Truly gifted! I like this a lot. Thank you for sharing.
LikeLiked by 3 people
It is very therapeutic for me to write about these experiences.
LikeLiked by 2 people
I’m glad. It’s wonderful. Thank you for sharing your amazing talent!
LikeLiked by 1 person
truly my pleasure
LikeLike
Sometimes, I feel exactly like this.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I think that from time to time we all do
LikeLiked by 1 person
Excellent, Christine. Very visceral.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I could picture my life while reading that. And well it is the truth….letting go seems to be the easiest thing to do. And knowing that I’m not the only one facing this makes me feel a little less alone. Hats off!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Your welcome
LikeLike
I could picture my life while reading that. Well it’s true that letting go seems to be the easiest, but I’m not sure if that would get us somewhere better.
It’s really well written…I’ve also set course on the same road but I’m far far behind. Hope to join you someday. Hallelujah!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you. I’m still treading water!
LikeLiked by 1 person
This is honestly really beautiful. It’s simple enough in the style, however you’re still describing something that I think is very real for many people. You’re meaning is clear, though you aren’t saying it outright. Definitely a poetically strong piece, you did an amazing job with it.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you.
LikeLike
This is so beautiful. I love it. I have felt this way before. Thank you
LikeLiked by 1 person
You are welcome!
LikeLike
I know that your very busy, at some time could you give me your opinion on my writing?
I’m just starting and would love some feedback from such talent.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Such flattery! I took a look at some of your posts. You use some beautiful and evocative imagery and I quite liked several of your pieces. I did think The Abyss you Left was a little long and was kind of itching to be several more focused pieces. You have gotten likes from some well-respected WordPress poets. I think you have great potential. I would be willing to talk more offline about this if you want to fill out a contact form but will have limited time before next weekend as I am running a conference on Friday!
LikeLike
I did some editing on The Abyss you Left 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
I will look forward to reading it.
LikeLike
Also I sent you a contact card. No matter when you squeeze me in, I am honored
LikeLiked by 1 person
If I haven’t gotten back to you by next Sunday, send me a reminder. My memory can be swiss cheese.
LikeLiked by 1 person
The scenario reminds me some of my exact situations. Yes, we feel like this a lot at times. It’s so accurate and pure!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you
LikeLiked by 1 person
That’s deep. Your piece of writing speaks a million words. I hope I could write like that
LikeLiked by 1 person
Good luck finding your own writing voice
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks
LikeLiked by 1 person
It’s painfully beautiful! Loved the way you penned it down 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you!
LikeLike