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**

[AJNJ]

Keeping one's stresses to oneself, not sharing them with a loved one is selfless. There's much pain suppressed in that sweet smile. Perhaps, one that only a discerning eye could see. The conclusion comes almost like a twist and intensifies the poem's message. Beautiful poem Ms. Lydi!

[Lydia Shutter]

I appreciate your lovely review, Peston...thank you. Lydi**

[AJNJ]

It’s my pleasure!

[Lorry]

That all encompassing word fine is like the go to band aid to cover the abrasions of a mind, heart and soul finding a new, never before felt level of perplexity of how something unseen and unknown mere months ago can turn our lives into an Orwellian novel in one fell swoop, leaving our homes prisons, holding the prisoners body, which itself imprisons that very mind, heart and soul.
I think it is more than fair to say that we all feel your pain here Lydi.
But at least all the empty buses and trains are running on time 😀

[Lydia Shutter]

Indeed, that is the silver lining, Lorry....and someone pointed out to me that if we have a hurricane in South Florida, the rioting will end. Always something good to hold onto! :) Thank you for the review. Lydi**

[Patricia Wedel]

Living is providing nourishment for our
body and soul. The sound of Crystal and China where dinner is served. To feed our Soul would be the Music of friendship where sharing is letting go. Perhaps a smile with your eyes and somehow a 🌈 rainbow appears and 🦋 butterflies sing. Sleep is for dreaming and
to imagine a peaceful world where love unfurls.
tenderly, Pat

[Lydia Shutter]

Your words are so peaceful, Pat. Thank you very much. Lydi**

[kevinjboconnor]

great poem. i like the opening line, "sleep is a foreign country"

[Lydia Shutter]

I appreciate your review, Kevin. Thanks. Lydi*

[John the Baptist]

A terse, powerful portrait of anxiety here. The travel and domestic images both bring it home to the reader. Then there are the last two stunning lines, which convey a tragic truth. Many of those in deep pain keep it inside.

[Lydia Shutter]

and that pain eats away at a person. Thank you so much, John. Always appreciate your kind reviews. Lydi**

[Papaya]

First off, your poem is brilliant, Lydi. You're not your usual self and while you might hide what's inside from loved ones, at least you have this family to share with. My whole family is very much as you described.
I think sometimes it's that we don't want to burden others with our worries. Hang in there, sending you hugs and smiles. Nice chilly ones from Canada, because for some reason Mother Nature forgot to turn the heat up here.

[Lydia Shutter]

All the heat is down here in South Florida....89 already this morning! Thank you so much for your review, Ana. I appreciate it. LydI**