The Willow Weeps...

Dark and somewhat twisted late night musings of a cancer patient

Out of the window the shadowy ominous figure

Of the weeping willow, outlined by moonlight

Bright beams shine upon its twisted branches

As its leaves gently sweep across sullen ground

 

The corkscrew branches buckled and warped

Much like the distortion that fills my mind

Much like the contortion that plagues my body

Ravaged by darkness even during sun kissed day

 

My body and mind misshapen and bent

Afflicted by the cruelness of the world

Forbidden, from beauty that daylight brings

I ceased to exist in such a merciless reality

 

Gave in to the arduous journey that led me here

Succumbed to the awry thoughts that consumes me

Death… lingers, often near, its cold breath whispers

Through the trees beckoning me with promise of peace

 

Body riddled with blackened disease which spread

Much like the wild fire that burnt the willows bark

Tarred, scorched, remnants float listlessly to the ground

Like charred black snowflakes falling from a smoke filled sky

 

Weighed down, the weeping willows branches hang

Much like me, the languid encumbrance that death seeks

Its dark eyes watch me enticingly, as it silently plots

To rob my perishing body of any life that remains

 

The willow, seen for its beauty during daylight hours

Shade for the river that drifts and flows freely

Becomes an entangled embodiment of deformity

Through the darkened lenses which veil my weary eyes

 

The only difference in that moment, between the willow and I

Is it weeps yet is alive, greenery freshly exposed in morning light

I do not weep… cry no more for death has knocked upon my door

My soul escaped the contorted body that now lay underground

 

The willow weeps and sweeps gently caressing me,

My soul set free, blowing through the trees and across vast lands

Like the willow my loved ones cry, yet I will always be near

Cancer stole my body, but my soul it cannot keep…

 

Peace… is here, finally, found under the willows gentle touch

As daylight shines upon it’s winding, twirling branches

Death has passed but life carries on twisting and turning

My spirit lives on, residing in the solace of the willow’s weeps

Author's Note

Pretty self explainitory really... dark expression of night-time thoughts, a bit of a purge. One of the only poems I have written that doesn't have a consistent rhyme scheme through-out... I am so used to rhyming that some did creep in here and there, but I thought I'd try something new. A dark tale...Let me know what you think, what are your interpretations or thoughts? I think it needs editing, not sure if I like it but I'll see when I am awake and can think lol. I love hearing from you all. Thank you for pausing on my page and sharing some of my journey with me.

Reviews

[Bgbradley]

The willow tree is not the only one weeping. That was so touching and brave!
Your wring must free your soul. It doe that for me. I recently lost touch with my
Grandchildren and it like a death to me. Writing is therapeutic and you do it
Beautifully. I hope you are doing as well as possible under these circumstances.
Your friend Bernadette

[DJ]

I'm sorry for your pain my friend. You are right about writing, it really does free your soul. I hope that words give you solace and peace. Thank you for your kindness. You really don't know how much it means to me.

[bobc]

C...I like the effort very much. Rhyme not needed really.

With regard to editing, I agree it could use a little. For a bit of fun, you could try naming the tree...like Old Man Willow from the first book of Lord of the Rings. Maybe just Old Man in your piece...that could help you avoid the repetition of 'willow', open up opportunities for using synonyms for 'weeping' as well and provide you with a partner to have a conversation with...metaphorically of course. That just might work but it's up to you. ...bobc

[DJ]

Thank you so much Bobc, I agree that the piece needs editing and will take into account your suggestions, I like getting productive feedback like this and really appreciate your time and your thoughts.

[Douglas White]

This is some superb imagery and nicely done comparisons between yourself and the willow. I also like the night/day comparison - things that are beautiful during the day can absolutely become ominous in the dark of night. Honestly, I wouldn't change a thing with this. This is great as is. The words flow well and the feelings are clear - it doesn't need to do more than that.

[DJ]

Thank you so much my friend, your comments mean a lot to me. I like your insight too. All the best, Cairo.

[kera moondust]

Ah yes the art of writing poetry without the rhyme. The imagery of this piece is raw and gorgeous in its own gnarled sense. It's a very dark piece but sometimes we need the ability to let those darknesses out, writing poetry of death and heart break... Over all I think this piece is lovely, and I can still feel your flow even without the rhyme it's a perfect stream of consciousness type writing.

[DJ]

Thank you so much my friend for your kind words and your insight. I like reading your comments :)