about things not named

and miles to go before I sleep

I never write about fear.

I don't describe

those emotions that spilled over

into adulthood.

The panic that was deeper

than the darkness.

There were never enough

flashlights or nightlights or porchlights

to ease my fears.

Eventually I started leaving

all the lights on

all over the house

all night long.

I still couldn't explain

the root of the fear

for which I didn't have a name.

It's almost funny

how quickly fear evaporated

once I had a word

for all those things felt

but never seen.

I've heard there is power

in a word.

I guess that's true.

 

Reviews

[emmajoy]

When small and petrified of thunder, our daddy, who would lie to his children, would wink then say, 'Chick, I've heard that thunder's the naughty angels slamming Heaven's' gates.' As I grew up I realised that there's postcard read for everything. We have to find Truth or create a comforting Excuse. Can still remember what falling/slipping was like when trying to copy my older siblings - was so darned crazy, left me with a height fear for ages. Still gasp when i look after an edge into near nothingness BUT... that gasp gives that precious second to know i can't fly, don't want to fly, want to stay safe. And that's what matters, staying literally grounded, physically and mentally - somehow. Perhaps my word is 'safe'

As they always have been, your words are subtly and beautifully laid, Emily. Phrase by phrase you've said your say, and gradually, logically and beautifully found your own truth.. And you know, you've guessed right, it is TRUE. There's always power in a word; it's the search for the right one that takes time. 'Power' is a truth, isn't it?!.

[B]

Waw
Yes words heal
and a listener does wonders for the soul
God bless that person

[Philip Muls]

Those fears are universal. Fear of being like an animal, being mortal.
It is true that, when put in words, fears and 'things felt' take on another shape, less threatening.

Love it how you use 'There were never enough flashlights or nightlights or porchlights to ease my fears.' Like whatever you tried, it was never enough to really ease the fears.

Great!

[sweeptheleg]

I really connected to this. leaving all the lights on does something... great job

[A.A.Romanczuk]

You bring to mind the way we shape our fears...I fear the heights...I guess some would say it's more the fear of falling... and yet the looming mountains offer such a wondrous view that I often convince myself to close my mind and take the hike up. Analysis

[Emily B]

Seemingly irrational fears all have a root somewhere

[kmartell]

the night, the night. I have this spot far out in the woods, with good horizons and perfect for using the telescope, no porch lights, very dark. but at times I cannot go there because I hear owls and feel bats overhead. OR it is just the darkness I fear. I am 62 years old afraid of the dark? I refuse it, and so I go there anyways. And once the constellations rise in the east sky and the stars fill the rest of the sky, I forget my irrational fear. completely

[Emily B]

You understand

[ShayElexis(:]

I love how this shows that when you are younger and even into adulthood sometimes you have these huge irrational fears that once you learn of their origin they are no longer scary. It reminds me a lot of when I was little and would hear an owl outside my window and I would fear it would come swooping in through my window because it was someone using an owl call as a code. Strange I know. Good job though!

[Roxie M]

Engaging, well written and wise. Fear steals life. I enjoyed this. Thank you, Poet.

[SkinlessFrank]

your words remind us that fear is that shapeless monster that thrives in the pit of us, but that we also have power and control over the beast ... you make things so damn clear .... as only great poets can do

[h d e rushin]

and this poem is why I consider you the most remarkable of all American poets Ms Emily.
The things we cannot name are not real things at all. And poetry is the process of naming
real things.

you'
re
remarkable. dana

[OT]

much power in a name or word - it's how we classify and rationalise things - it is the unknown I believe which frightens us most - well noted here! great work as always Emily!