I'm Sorry

The journey of self-discovery can be dark at times and it can only be made alone. Having someone waiting for on the other side of darkness is essential.

When darkness takes its hold on me

The space between us grows.

The inches become miles,

And time no longer flows.

Even as you hold my body close,

My fragile spirit drifts away.

I’m sorry you can’t be my anchor,

Or like a compass lead the way.

You can't meet me at my dark place.

I wish you could be my torch.

But the demons hunting me

Are too mighty to scorch.

In life you are my everything,

In darkness your presence is hollow.

I’m sorry you can’t come with me.

I’m sorry it’s too dark to follow.

When I eventually return

Gently you whisper hello.

I’m sorry I had to leave you.

Thank you for not letting go.

Reviews

[emipoemi]

The message is strong! The ending is killer! There are numerous juicy lines! However, the musicality is choppy in a few places (including some words falling on the wrong sylLAble), and it would be advisable to look into tweaking those lines. But this is otherwise beautiful. Well done.

[barleygirl]

This is a startlingly unexpected (fresh) way to approach this topic. I've always been a person that goes within in solitude, but it never occurred to me to be considerate of whomever was left behind waiting for me to stop feeling incommunicado, the way your poem is apologetic. It just didn't occur to me to apologize for claiming what I need to thrive in life. This "going within" could be self-discovery or mood swings, such as with me being bipolar. I think most people are more connected than I am, so I understand your apologetic approach. Just showing a different POV to compare. The mechanics of your writing is not as strong as your ability to convey a powerful message. For example, the rhyme & rhythm feel a little choppy . . . could prune/add a word here & there to even up the cadence. Not distracting at all, just an observation (((HUGS))) Fondly, Margie

[@_av_poetry]

You're spot on Margie.
I am aware that I need to work on the "mechanics" as you call them, I am after all only self-taught.
However I'm so happy that I can convey those messages despite my flaws.
I love your interpretation. It is indeed about the other people and what happens when we "go away" and they're left behind waiting for us. In my case the "going away" is panic attacks and how helpless it makes my loved ones feel for not being able to make me snap out of it. Thus comes the apology. To see someone you love suffer and not be able to help is horrible. It's amazing how you could find your own way to relate to it.

Thanks for reading.