Wrecked

It’s something I’ve lived through metaphorically. Maybe I captured the feelings?

The waves seemed to break
in a constant rhythm pounding

thrusting their will upon me

only to be suddenly pulling back

my world is fully consumed
Into a painful churning black,
mercy, as vacant as the light 

blistering, stinging, burning, throbbing,
searing, Pain


yet a calm gathers me

rolling me in this morning’s cradle

I begin to see
 ~

there is a rise and fall

spasms are only circumstances

whims of temperament battle me

as winds twisted by changing temperatures

torment my very guts to liquid

then the dreaded calm…
in this calm, this dead calm, is death

within my isolation I am lost

the storm will have its way

oddly, the chaos of proximity gifts life…
and when the tree line disappears

when water is no longer fresh

citrus withering on the boat’s deck

I finally understand…

Destiny takes form 

as the wind shapes these sails

and I fall to my knees

whispering a prayer

to feel once more


the blessed pounding, thrusting, pulling, crushing, churning

of some unknown distant shore ~

Reviews

[Fabian G. Franklin]

I often entertain the thought that life and death, as we perceive them, are nothing but imposters of a greater truth, in which all is life and nothing ever dies. If I search the transient in the natural I find evidence to support my assertion. Flowers bloom once and die and while many spread their seed or leave bulbs behind in hope of new growth, even the old stem and petals replenish the earth from which they sprang. In death is life and all life must know death to become life again. I am somewhat a transcendentalist, believing that all things in the physical realm represent a higher spiritual truth. The lessons are there and this world is our classroom. The Master is the Teacher and there is much to learn and understand. Bless, F.

[Fabian G. Franklin]

I apologize for my rather personal input here. I should be praising your excellent verse instead of relating my views. Suffice it to say that it moved me so much that I immediately felt an empathy with the author which brought on my own outburst of expression in solidarity. I greatly enjoyed the read.

[Scott Kris]

I’m happy to have stimulated something beyond words. Any response of sincerity is a gift. I appreciate both your comments.
Thank you kindly.

[andrew mitchell]

What is life but peaks and lows on living and the knowledge we gain from these lessons. Nice writing Scott, a pleasure to read.

[Scott Kris]

Thank you Andrew. One never knows for sure how they will be read.

[Chris]

A good depiction of mid-life crisis... joking but... life does happen as it will - not as we will it.

[Scott Kris]

Ha. I’ve a few I think.
Thank you for reading and commenting.

[Betty Hermelee]

the rise and fall of the ocean currents are a reflection of your moods, emotions.... as many of us experience.... and when the big roll comes in, it can cause enormous chaos in our minds, souls and plays with our psyches in horrendous ways.... then the calm seeps in and it is a deafening silence, not so great either....this is a very thoughtful piece and very honest, and I appreciate this.....
Best, B

[Scott Kris]

Thank you for reading and leaving your kind, understanding words.

[Betty Hermelee]

You're very welcome Scott!
Best, B

[John the Baptist]

The fierce natural elements, I must believe, are a metaphor for the speaker's emotional states. In the first stanza, he is at their mercy, but in the following stanzas he begins to see they are only part of a pattern alternating between highs and lows. Oddly, the calm is the part most dreaded, because it symbolizes death.In the end, it seems he is reconciled to this alternation, actually looks forward to the next place it takes him.

[Scott Kris]

Yes John, you understand my intention well.
I do hope it stimulates your soul as well. I believe we all go through our own trials.
The true joy we lo be finding Heavens shores, but I doubt we would enjoy them if we cannot find joy during this journey.

Thank you reading and for leaving a comment.

[D]

The blistering, stinging, burning, throbbing, it is pure agony but it makes one feel alive!
That's the chaos of life, of living. Indeed, we must pray, to keep feeling, to be able to live through storms.
I felt the emotions very strongly here. So well written!

[Scott Kris]

Thank you for the comments.
It’s funny, I posted this on my IPhone over a lunch break and it copied all jumbled together. Oddly, it made sense to let the lives collide and crash together, but alas, my sense of order took over and I had to clean it up. Ha.

I suffer physical pain most days from a spinal condition. It’s difficult. It wears me down and stretches the emotions thin too. Yes I would rather have surgery without anesthesia than suffer true heart break. I’ve been tough as nails with the physical pain and heart break almost killed me off.
So, at least I’m prepared to be one the tormented poet. Ha.
All in all, life is a blessing still. Daily gratitude has saved me.

[D]

A strong spirit, they say, can get us to through almost everything. Almost, I say, because I am myself not sure of the extent of our tenacity.
Physical pain can be emotionally very tormenting and I admire your fortitude for coping with it on an everyday basis. I hope you get the remedies you so deserve.
Wishing you a great day. :)

[Einstein Noodle]

powerful write for me .. yes .. i feel it for sure ..pain and suffering is a much larger river than that of joy .. in this life anyway ..but as your poem suggests .. it is most certainly the thing that shapes and strengthens us .. gives us patience .. long suffering ... tangible things of our souls
E.

[Scott Kris]

Thank you Einstein.
The suffering is as long as it is. Might as well outlast it. Ha.

[Einstein Noodle]

ahahaha ..yes indeed .. might just as well ... love that thought sir .. i'm planting it in the recesses of me noodle to draw strength from

[willweb]

I believe we all have storms in our lives but being sure footed, even when an angry sea reaches across a frightened shore, is the sign of one who is not ready to give up. I really enjoyed this my friend. Keep'em coming.

[Scott Kris]

I must apologize for posting this in such bad form.
It copied all jumbled up abd I didn’t realize it.
It must have seemed odd.
Yet you were kind.

Thank you.

[willweb]

No big deal...I was able to read it just fine. Now that I see it changed, it does look much better but it still says the same thing and it is cool either way.

[Brad Dehler]

I hope you found that shore. This is a good poem, thank you for sharing. Really feel your anguish, I truly hope you find solace.

[Scott Kris]

Thank you.
The format got screwed up.
I posted it quickly on lunch break and did not realize it was such a mess.

Yes! I actually found I was already at home on my ship. Ha.

[Brad Dehler]

haha very good Scott. Not so metaphoric any longer

[Scott Kris]

The poem was a shipwreck. Ha. It could hv been ironic intention.

[Brad Dehler]

you have me Lol. Thank you for that