The Streets of Birmingham

We are what we fear

A gypsy who doesn’t like to wander
A pilot afraid to brave the air
A bolt afraid to ride the thunder
A woman not choosing what to wear

A chandler afraid of striking matches
A dreamer afraid to close her eyes
A fisher afraid of what he catches
A harpy who fears to criticize

A miller afraid the wheel will crush her
A woodsman afraid to strike the axe
A child afraid of his own mother
A lawyer who cannot gather facts

A madman who fears his favorite voices
A watchman who fears approaching night
A judge afraid to weigh the choices
A boxer who has lost the will to fight

I am frozen by a past that fears the future
Somewhere outside the streets of Birmingham
I am captured by all that seems familiar
There is nowhere left to go but where I am

-Zoe Richardson

Author's Note

We carry our fears with us no matter where we go. Until we don't.

Reviews

[Julian]

Masterful piece of writing- rhythm, rhyme, meter and pace, all flow smoothly, never a strain or stretch to force a word in place; an indeed the streets of Birmingham and the sub urban environs, may yet hold a few fears, shadows, portents and walking nightmares these days and nights.
Great writing, thanks for sharing!!

[Zoe Richardson]

This poem is about confronting those fears, realizing we carry them with us no matter where we go or who we are, and until we face them, they own us. How clever you are to realize this! I am glad you liked this poem, and chose to spend time giving such a thoughtful review!

[Stu. T.H.]

A bit sad but lyrical work with a powerful message. It does paint the picture of one's inner conflicts through the description of their perception of relatable people around them rather than painting the city awhile with just one stroke of grey. That signals an understanding despite the given nuances, "The world can't be synonymously dyed in pitch black, but I see in others the same struggle as I do bear", thus allowing us to truly feel the brief but evoking feeling of being trapped in an unmoving scenery.
Powerful work, author Zoe Richardson!

[Zoe Richardson]

Our fears are part of us. Of who we are. We take them with us and they define us until we confront them. They are contradictory, and yet they are sometimes the only thing that makes sense. We can see this same struggle in others if we open our eyes. Thank you for recognizing this and for connecting to my poem in such a unique and special way!

[Ken e Bujold]

I like the sentiments of your note Zoe. We do indeed carry our fears until we don't. Your poem has a rhythmic heave to it's lamenting call to each and all. A plea to be not what we fear, but what we could/can be

ken

[Zoe Richardson]

Yes! Exactly. We all fear, and yet, those fears often take us to where we need to be. Thank you for your review. Please don't be a stranger!

[Bhuyanshi Talukdar]

This poem is a poignant exploration of the ways in which fear can hold us back and prevent us from fully living our lives. The use of vivid and specific imagery, such as the "gypsy who doesn't like to wander" and the "fisher afraid of what he catches," creates a sense of intimacy and immediacy that draws the reader into the speaker's experience.

The repetition of the phrase "afraid to" throughout the poem underscores the pervasive nature of fear and the ways in which it can seep into every aspect of our lives.

The final lines of the poem, which describe the speaker as "frozen by a past that fears the future" and "captured by all that seems familiar," are a poignant reminder of the ways in which fear can trap us in patterns of behavior and thought that prevent us from moving forward.

Overall, this is a beautifully crafted and deeply moving poem that speaks to the universal experience of fear and the ways in which it can shape our lives.

[Zoe Richardson]

This poem is and is not about fear. While fear is a common thread, it is also about being realizing you have to stay where you are and face that fear. Fear is a universal thread, binding us all together. But realizing you can't run away from it gives us great freedom. I thank you for your kind and thoughtful review. You have a gift for insight, and I am glad you chose to share it with me!

[Ken Simm.]

I think this is a wonderful idea. I really enjoyed this flowing write. And I find I can empahtise with the whole lovely conceit

[Zoe Richardson]

Thank you so much! I appreciate your time and your contributions!

[Sami Khalil]

So true and well said. A powerful message in a wonderful poetic form. Fears can hold us back from achieving many things in relationships and professions. Some overcome them, some master them and others use them for their advantage and survival.

[Zoe Richardson]

If we don't master our fears, they master us. I learned this as a PTSD survivor. Your fears are always there, and you never know when they will raise their heads. But you can refuse to let them control you. I appreciate so much you sharing your thoughts. Please come back!

[Sami Khalil]

All true and well said. You are welcome dear. Will visit soon fearlessly.

[willweb]

Your poem was wonderful, it highlighted the fears that many in those professions or situations do fear. and it did so in a melodic and enticing fashion. I know I fear many things, but that list does change and hopefully gets shorter as the days pass by. Nicely penned.

[Zoe Richardson]

Thank you! I wanted to convey the message that sometimes what we are most familiar with scares us the most. I hope I succeeded!

[W. Barrett Munn]

This has lots of positive value, the repetition intrigues, the diction sparkles.

Winston

[Zoe Richardson]

Ah! How lovely. I appreciate your praise.

[Chris Shaw]

A wonderful write Zoe. We do indeed have to face our fears full on to be able to deal with them. I feared dragonflies as a child. Was terrified by them until a ten year old boy at school showed me how to hold one in the cup of my hands. It worked. I have another fear that I need to work on. Thank you for posting. Such an intelligent read.

Chris

[Zoe Richardson]

For me, it's anything that stings and buzzes. A childhood trauma, I must confess. Otherwise, I try to make friends with my ghosts. So glad you liked this one.