fine

"the waiting room" by ron hicks

sleep is a foreign country

and my visa has expired

stress wrings every droplet of happiness

out of my soul

and look

there they are

my nerves

all clean and shiny

and dripping dry 

in the dish rack on the counter

and yet when you ask how my day was

i smile sweetly

and whisper, "fine"

Reviews

[jacob erin-cilberto]

wow, this is different for you, but makes so much sense. And like me, you say fine...we don't think others really want to know how we are doing unless we can just say "fine" and move on.
So much kept hidden inside as we churn with pain or anger or sadness.
excellent write so many of us can relate to...
j.

[Lydia Shutter]

Thank you for your understanding review, Jacob. Lydi**

[Neville]

just caught sight of jacob's opening remark and find myself echoing his words.. I have never been disappointed in your poetry Lydi** on the contrary, you are an inspiration .. and so bloomin versatile.. every now and then you surprise your admirers (of which I am most certainly one) by pulling something different and quite extraordinary out of the hat... this is such a good example of what I am trying to say and the picture used fits so bloomin well as always...

Neville x

[Lydia Shutter]

Thank you, Neville....such an honor to get a review like this one. Lydi**

[Neville]

becuz ya worth it :)

[Lydia Shutter]

merci, mon ami!

[Neville]

...... Nis :) ing

[Robert Trakofler]

As much as we are masters of communication we do tend to not express ourselves to well:( just ask a cat how his day is going he will tell you same for a dog:) but ask a human... nope not a word:( Hmm superior species us humans... LOL

[Lydia Shutter]

How true! Thanks for the review, Robert. Lydi**

[Lale]

That's probably the best thing to say.. "fine".. because people are not ready for the true answer of their question. This poem is dark. I love it.

[Lydia Shutter]

Thanks so much, Lale. Lydi**

[barleygirl]

This is very powerful becuz I'm feeling a strong snarky tone that makes it seem as if this narrator is on verge of going unhinged & failing more & more at hiding it. This is delicious extended metaphor, giving the master Jacob a big ole run for his money! *wink! wink!* Fondly, Margie

[Lydia Shutter]

Nah, Jacob always wins the metaphoric race! Thanks for the great review, Margie. Lydi**

[gram linski]

thought this was great, Lydia, being sleep deprived myself most nights, can relate to this, some fairly raw graphics, mixed with great imagery, and that final word, was class, a small word with good and bad connotations

[Lydia Shutter]

Thanks so much, Gram. I appreciate your review. Lydi**

[Einstein Noodle]

holy moly ... raw to the bone .. i am right there .. such a setting and scene .. her character instnantly defined ...she is all women ... carrying on .. bearing the world .. and "i smile sweetly and whisper, "fine"...its from another generation Lydia .. my Aunts, Grandmothers and my Ma ... gentle and kind always .. my daughters on the other hand .. will not hesitate to express their jagged nerves ;) especially my oldest ... she learned herself to speak up .. demand respect and affirmation ... i love this poem for many reasons .. poetically there are no tricks up your sleeve ...the story is instant .. it flows beautifully .. builds to a sublime close .. i would like to share this with all my kids if i may ... pic is perfect as well says i!
E.

[Lydia Shutter]

Oh, E, you are more than welcome to share this with whomever you choose as long as my name is on it! Thank you so much for the wonderful review. You are a good friend. Lydi**

[Einstein Noodle]

of course ... due credit .. i have a "Dad's Corner" i use to say dumb stuff i think is smart for me kids .. but this is a gem ... lots of deep pockets .. going to put it our and i will let you know any reactions from them ;) thanks so much for sharing!

[gabrielle]

This piece strikes a chord. Sometimes we choose to conceal our pains and anxieties because we don’t want others to be burdened by it.

[Lydia Shutter]

Exactly, Gabrielle. Thank you so much for stopping by and for understanding. Lydi**

[Dave Brown]

this strikes home
that thing called sleep is something I wish I could recapture at 2:30 every night.
These brighter nights are a bit less sufferable and birds at 4:00 are a pleasant diversion but sleep is becoming an ever rarer commodity and as you say, who wants to hear other people complain about their increasing frustrations
Pleasant dreams

[Lydia Shutter]

Insomniacs of the world unite! :) Thanks so much for the review, Dave. Hope you get some sleep tonight. Lydi**

[Chris Shaw]

It's strange how we say that. Yes, we say we are fine when asked, when we may be far from it. We hide our true feelings, maybe because we don't want to burden others with our baggage. If only we spoke about our true feelings we may find some release. That old saying, 'a problem shared is a problem halved' has much merit. A poem which has a universal theme Lydi*. Well conveyed.


Chris

[Lydia Shutter]

Thank you, Chris....always appreciate your warm reviews. Lydi**

[Cassie]

So many times people say they are fine and they are not but the good thing is things eventually come around, like today, yesterday, the day before that am Fine, the fine you are speaking about

[Lydia Shutter]

Cassie, thank you so much. May your days truly be fine. Lydi**