The Difficulty of Tightrope Walking

For Robin W.

life flows in mirthful tones
bursting currents of euphoria
I falter at a closed window's edge
throwing light on muted imagery
only to envy my findings

terrifying relapses of joyful moments
that never lasted long enough
and this soul's burnt complexion
curses the devils who stayed too long
so I walk the wire...

balancing the burden of smiling
through sunshine's inescapable weight
and the blissful calm of dark rooms
divorcing me from fourth wall pretenses

moment's coveted relief, a simple charade
so, my grinning mask falls over brow
life elaborately coiffed on my crown
this burdensome spotlight is unavoidable
so I walk the wire...

the heaviest of contemplations
lack courage... always finding myself
asking Kurt to borrow his gun
knowing his answer won't change

sound reasoning trumps all justification
as I teeter along this razor'd wire
performing... The Masochistic Acrobat
beguiling my audience, or moreso myself
walking the wire... bleeding

Author's Note

Sorry for such a melancholy return. Had to get this out in order to move on creatively. As always, your thoughts are welcomed... Thank you for reading.

Reviews

[Frieda P]

I'm getting quite proficient at walking on high wires, I think this is one of your best to date Travis. You always seem to know how to touch upon a tender chord, seems melancholy does your creative spirit a grand gesture. :) Have missed you muchly my friend.

[Travis Gibson (poetic heroics)]

Frieda... I can't express how glad I am to see this review! Returning and learning of your departure was very unsettling. I hope you have been well, and will continue to stop by. ;)

[Cassie]

Frieda, I miss you too, you are one of the greatest rocks here on wc you need not disappear

[closed]

this is simply extraordinary
words cannot capture the skill implemented here

Count me as a new subscriber


-a friend named ''Dream''

[Travis Gibson (poetic heroics)]

Well, thank you new friend... Your thoughts are beyond humbling. I look forward to reading your work as well.

[Rita L. Sev]

*sigh* Your words weigh heavily, darkly true and deeply felt. A masterpiece of melancholy, so well expressed...

[Travis Gibson (poetic heroics)]

Thank you, Rita... I've missed your wonderful and honest thoughts on my work.

[Troy Henson]

Great write from you indeed. Very well done

[Travis Gibson (poetic heroics)]

Thank you, so very much... Your thoughts are always appreciated.

[Lyn Anderson]

Ah! Brilliant. Your writing has grown by leaps and bounds since I saw you last. Many wonderful lines, and great impact. Don't apologize for the melancholy, it is well stated. As per your question in your status, well, a lot of us are tired of the people who have come here to stir trouble and make this place into an overblown soap opera. Unfortunately, Frieda tried to return and was immediately attacked on a personal level. When we have our own lives to deal with, we come here for a release, not more of the same. Hopefully, these trouble makers will get bored and move on.

[Travis Gibson (poetic heroics)]

Thank you, you continue to humble me and my ability. I also thank you for clarifying my question... It's a very unfortunate loss to have to return to. I do hope things change for the better. If we can't find refuge within writers, where can we?

[Pryde Foltz]

A wonderful and melancholic write … and a write that understands that rhythm and flow need not be removed in free verse. Bravo.

[Travis Gibson (poetic heroics)]

Thank you, Pryde... You have a way of making me feel so accomplished as a writer. Your thoughts are always appreciated and held in high regard.

[Pryde Foltz]

My please, PH. You are deserving:)

[Baby Ricochet]

It's easier if you got a balance beam. No nets though. What fun would that be

[Travis Gibson (poetic heroics)]

What fun indeed, friend. Thanks for the visit and review.

[Coyote Poetry]

Powerful words and thoughts my friend.
"balancing the burden of smiling
through sunshine's inescapable weight
and the blissful calm of dark rooms
divorcing me from fourth wall pretenses"
It is good to read your words. I hope all is going well with you and family.
Coyote

[Travis Gibson (poetic heroics)]

Thank you, old friend... We are all well and I wish the same is true for you and your family. This was cathartic for me... It was written at a low point, unfortunately, Robin W. had just taken his own life. I was able to reflect and be thankful for being able to write and always find myself in a better space.

[Coyote Poetry]

Robin Williams broke many hearts. He is missed.

[Travis Gibson (poetic heroics)]

That he is.

[ANTO]

The melancholia is not the only thing I tasted here - there is inventiveness and insight - there is tenacity and power and yes...even humour here
- I especially liked the phrase
"balancing the burden of smiling
through sunshine's inescapable weight " - I felt like all 2 x 10^30 kgs was on your shoulders here.

[Travis Gibson (poetic heroics)]

Thank you, Anto... Your visit and review are very much appreciated. I'm glad to know the weight I felt whilst writing this is tangible, as well as the other aspects of this piece you've pointed out.

[Sami Khalil]

It is hard indeed walking those tight ropes, sort of wire thin and lacking reinforcements. It is hard being the acrobat who has to perform the real show with a possibility of falling to death. You share with us creatively and with sadness all these events in the life of the poet. Excellent, sir...:)..............

[Travis Gibson (poetic heroics)]

Thank you old friend... as always your thoughts and visit are most humbling. I'm glad to know this piece is able to relay my feelings creatively and accurately, because your words are spot on.

[Sami Khalil]

You are welcome. Any time...:)...