The Drowning Man

for my step-father...I wish you would free yourself!

he staggers through life

a shadow of the man he once was

he is slowly choking on amber fumes

his tangled mind twists and bends

the love and concern of family and friends

into stifling intrusion

his flame-filled eyes

blind him to the harsh truth

a truth that he doesn't want to see

his ears are closed

to his soul's cry for freedom

a freedom that is just one choice away

imprisonment in just a few sips...

he is bound in liquid chains

and he is drowning

Reviews

[Norma J. Jessee]

Carrie, this is a very heartfelt poem, that shows genuine concern for your step-father. It is beautifully written and I agree with Therisa as I have also saw a couple of my own family members sucumber to this demon. Sadly as Therisa says there is absolutly nothing anyone can can do for them except offer them their support and love. They have to first acknoweledge they have a problem, then they must want to get better, Only then can they be helped. The pressures of this world are tremendous and some are unable to cope with this pressure and therefore they drink, This way they don't have to deal with it.
a Very beautiful , heartfelt poem.

[waywithwords]

Well written indeed and the pain he is suffering is a pain we all know too well. You always speak from the heart Carrie and I pray for a better time for your step father. HUGS and HUGSxxxxxxxxxAnne

[alyssa]

alcoholism is a very painful thing to family... this is very well written!!! keep your hopes up and i wish you the best!!

[poddar kushal]

it is dense. this poem is a wave that comes out from within.

[THERISA]

The soul prison of alcoholism, can be a silent and deathly. Drinking to hide or mask the inner pain of life, which a person doesn't know how to deal with. Have seen two members of my family ruin their lives throught this liquid demon. Those around them are helpless, except to watch the approaching trainwreck. Until your step-father wants to heal himself, there is little that you do. Except to be there, as a source of support and try not to judge them. Thank you for sharing this very personal poem with us.

Therisa

[Prose-full]

brilliance....
i love this piece...a fav of mine from your collection....
i'm a sucker for talking of the soul..