By Breath

Within every expanse there is pain

My pain

It is the exiting of me, slowly

Dissolving

It is more than being washed by rains or wind

But by breath

Both soft and uncontrolled

Here in this darkness

This solitude

Amongst all of you who watch

And who smile

While well wishing

But don’t understand

Those who have never had the nerve or guile

To hold the eyes of ruination

With courage enough to keep looking

Even though

And despite all effort

Knowing I will pass by his hand

I continue

I continue breathing

Losing myself in pieces

With every exhale

I am lesser

Weaker

Yet I still remain, me

That is the payment and the joke

The pain which radiates

From laughter

My pain

It is the exiting of me, slowly

Dimming

By breath

Reviews

[Fabian G. Franklin]

I understand and I empathize. Do you like Van Gogh? If so, read my poem, Crows. It says the same thing, only differently...not better (is there a good way to say it?) I don't think so. We know what we mean, perhaps that is enough. Sad that nobody cares enough to even offer a review... and I'm sorry this one is so lonely. Nice work.

[writing mojo]

and if breath be your rapture from pain then, let it exhale slow, you learn from your experiences that blow, a timing of the someone you explain separating in an exasperating flow, a trial and tribulations poem which brings to cross roads, staying on until the end is pronounced out loud or a release in just letting go...

[J]

i don’t think – back then, i could have held your eyes. without you seeing right through me. to the ruination of life …….. without.you. indeed i was one of “those” who could not understand, though i stood in the dark with you. devin, you have always seen the joke ~ one of your more endearing [albeit maddening] quirks. and laughter always hung from the walls, even when it hurt. so ….. to stand back and watch you live to the very edge of sanity, i know it is not you i need concern myself with. you run around with a powerful dispensation dangling from your neck. and maybe, oh just maybe, before i lose track of the joke, our words can entwine and engender another voice.
always yours, d.
sb

[Emily B]

this is absolutely amazing, I read your words a little breathless, as if I were standing too close to that dizzy edge