Not Afraid of the Dark

desolation seeps deep into the skin 

creeping around bones to 

settle within the cavity of the chest 

interior suffocation weaves darkness

dire thoughts become entangled 

light evaporates at the bequest of the dark 

happiness seems and intrepid quest

normality exhaustive 

to idle in darkness the

only option left on this 

grim frontier

why move forward or even back?

necessity holds no validation when 

life itself is burdensome on 

every which trajectory

to keep fighting the fight -

unfathomable! 

light has be exhumed by 

his old friend dark

Reviews

[Travis Gibson (poetic h..]

I used to find such comfort in those dark spaces, they truly can be more giving and restorative than light ever could. Really enjoyed this.

[Davidgeo]

Ever hear of a fellow named Stephen Carrol? You'd like how he describes things.

[KWP]

The Aussie Novelist?

[Davidgeo]

Nah, the American physicist.

[KWP]

HAhaha and right there is the difference between you and me 😬

[Davidgeo]

It certainly is one of them. But, if you do choose to get into what Sean puts out I think you might like it to the point of changing who your goto Sean Carrol is.

[Davidgeo]

... You might even break down and want to math with me afterwards. (that sounded more sexual than it is)

[KWP]

you and getting me into math - ahhhhh - but there is a blood red supermen tomorrow !!!

[Einstein Noodle]

comes to mind a very wise teaching ... careful of peering into the void to long as it may look back .. terror can strike the soul with piercing arrows and great turmoil of confusion, anxiety and that fear .. crippling one without the comfort of Faith .. a tiny mustard seed i have read ;) again .. something i have been taught and read ... we can give up on God .. but God does not give up on us .. yielding to the "voice" of darkness can and does bring one to a place so far into it there is no coming back... the greatest human tragedy of all says i!? as always .. deeply thought provoking poetry Elizabeth .. thanks so much for sharing ... i like the brevity ..it belies the story and theme .... quite a bit of twisting in the closing ... i can work it out and understand what you are saying but on its surface it is a bad choice says i ...to take such a position as "exhuming" the Light of truth in order to keep fighting the fight ... seems far too dangerous ... St. Paul a stout sojourner wrote in his letter to the Ephesians "For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places." ... very intriguing poem my friend! right down your alley and my cup of tea :)) hugs ... be careful out there!
E.
ps. nice balance in the title says i! ;)

[KWP]

Hey You,

Well you know its something I have been wanting to explore for a long time, I remember very clearly when my friend, who suffers from depression told me, no-one can understand this state unless you have lived it. This has played in the back of my mind for a long long time. How to write about this almost catatonic state in a true and relatable way - how to describe its inners. I am intrigued - the tiny mustard seed? I need to look that up. I have read The Mustard Seed by Osho -which was fabulous and very thought provoking - have you read that?

This review has many depth that I would like to offer myself time to sink into.

However the friend I mentioned above, is flying in today to attend a three week clinic to explore and hopefully help to ease some of t hat darkness and I have promised to pick her up from the airport and drive her there.

before I was though I will look up - perhaps you can send me a link.

PS: I agree it's a bad choice - but - how many choices does the mind allow when in this kind of darkness?

LUV YOU MUCH X

[Einstein Noodle]

i have not read Osho, tho you have mentioned him a couple times .. I will have to check him out. the mustard seed of Faith that moves mountains as taught by Jesus Christ is what I was referring to. Yes .. depression at its depth sees now way out .. i think that is why suicide becomes the only answer those suffering such darkness can take. Sending up my little prayers for your friend right now. It must be some clinic for her to be flying in for. She will have an excellent shoulder to lean on in you my friend .. I sure would trust it .. any day.

[emmajoy]

Your words are gifts to those who need ears to hear, hands to hold and more. So many people are living in darkness right now, have been - probably will Sometimes the light displays a life we need escape, others show what we are missing and so much can show things inexplicable because alternatives are unknowingly impossible Am also sadlly aware that being in darkness is a comfort blanket.. but..but.. as you suggest: ' ' to idle in darkness the only option left on this grim frontier.. .. life itself is burdensome on every which trajectory ' That then is the worst of tragedies a world sans light.

Such a sensitive, intuitive piece of writing, You've so often carried a bright light. Thank you.

Take care, keep safe, always. Please

[KWP]

hello you - nice to see you here. you know me, I just like to explore the everywhen in everywhichway :D

hope all is well with you over there ... sending much love X

[jacob erin-cilberto]

I embrace the dark, too. Living without light allows us not to see the state of the world.

No TV, no pandemic, life can be what we imagine....we can imagine love, peace, health.

I am not turning the lights back on....
j.

[KWP]

Hey Jacob. yeah thanks - I agree - we are here to live and learn in every way - in learning comes growth :D

[Coyote Poetry]

Hello dear friend.
"why move forward or even back?
necessity holds no validation when
life itself is burdensome on
every which trajectory"
I liked the hardness of the above lines. Maybe we suppose to find the darkness? Thank you for the amazing poetry and your thoughts.
Coyote

[KWP]

I agree with you - maybe sometimes we do suppose to find the darkness - after all, it's all about learning.

Thanks as always for your time XXX

[Coyote Poetry]

You are right my friend and you are welcome.

[John the Baptist]

I'm going to go out on a limb and suggest this one is not your basic Pollyanna. In fact, it might have been penned during a depressive episode, assuming one could summon the energy to do so during that dire situation. I sincerely hope you have access to the right medication.

[KWP]

Hey John - well, I am of a strong mind and what I was trying to do (and have always wondered about) getting into the mind of someone who suffered depression.

I was listening to a podcast yesterday where a Doctor committed suicide and that made me start to wonder again.

The only medication I need is the good stuff :D got any of that ???

[John the Baptist]

Sorry, two glass of merlot or cabernet per day is the extent of my medication.

[KWP]

... well that's a good start :D