Deep Inside

 

So many gentle souls here at the café.

But so much pain too. So much hurt.

 

I do know writers can be a moody bunch

and I’ve thought about that often.

 

I know how life affects me.

And some days I could just… well you know.

 

If not for the one little trick I have up my sleeve

I would likely be in a far different place.

 

Living a far different life

if still living at all.

 

I learned as a young man that I cannot do it alone

but I didn’t know where to look for help.

 

So help found me one evening

in a most remarkable and overwhelming way.

 

And since that night in 1976

I have been hopeful.

 

And life became a wonderful journey

instead of a endless sea of disappointment.

 

I know we each have our experiences

and we each must decide for ourselves.

 

But I wish I could show some of you

what I discovered seemingly by accident.

 

Although it was no accident at all

as it turned out.

 

I know there can be emptiness and grief

and remorse and pain and hopelessness and doubt.

 

But it doesn’t have to be that way.

There can be fullness and happiness.

 

And joy and hope and confidence

and laughter and friendship, really!

 

I guess I would just ask

that you not give up

 

Please don’t surrender…

Don’t give in to adversity.

 

There is a spot deep inside of each of us

that is reserved for only one thing.

 

And there is still an opportunity,

even today.

 

To fill that spot with what you need

to get through this life in one piece.

Reviews

[Martin S]

The spoken work in poetry. I know what you discoverered AK and I know it's what gives you the talent and inspiration to put together a piece like this thats just inviting a distressed soul to inquire for more. Just like the old lady in Forret Gump that missed her bus to hear more about life and a box of chocolates.

[Emily B]

I miss you, Dale. So many come and go . . . but your going was so sudden. And well, it's no wonder when we look around through your writings that you would leave a huge hole down here in our world.

[Carole]

Awe...I was lost and then I was found! 1976...A magic year, indeed! It was yet 10 years later for me but that year I will never forget. Very well said, Ak! Thank you for the encouragement. This reaches right down into the heart of man and lifts him/her up...It's what you do best. Hugs, carole

[[untitled]]

Inspiring write. Definitely motivates me to keep fighting on.

I agree with the opening stanzas about how some of us write about pain and hurt. And it sadens me that so many brilliant poets have taken their lives.

But I like to think of poetry as free therapy. Putting the pain and hurt into poetic form is my default coping mechanism.

[Akaila]

im touched man! this was beautiful! im not crying though!this is really beautiful though!
amazing write!
~akaila~
i dont understand y u dont have more comments!

[J]

I won't play stupid and pretend that this did not touch me. I cried. What comes from that heart of yours makes me mostly stupid, but this .... almost as though you were speaking to me alone ... just talking over a cup of coffee ... a special blend ..... ~j