New Day

from the archives, reworked after reading gram's cancer poem

I feared darkness most of all

when I believed I might not survive.

When the elasticated hours of

nightfall stretched with ease 

into death's oblivion.

When morning light

hid behind the silk black skirts

of last night's kiss,

where dreams were left

in limbo.

It's not until your life waivers,

till it wobbles with weakness,

when it becomes compromised

with uncertainty, that clarity

makes her appearance, her eyes

wide open and window cleaned.

When question marks hang

like a noose over your survival,

the simplicity of waking up

to a brand new day breaking,

it starts to dawn on you.

Reveals a whole new meaning

to morning has broken.

Reviews

[jacob erin-cilberto]

what an image..."question marks hang like a noose over your survival"
and the ending had me singing Cat Stevens...
and "dreams left in limbo" i like the religions reference in talking about the disease...and how when we realize we may be dying...we start believing even if we didn't before...or we believe stronger than we ever did...
this is so Good, Chris. and yes, it is poetry! :)
j.

[Chris Shaw]

Many thanks Jacob. Quite some time ago now, but you don't forget the vulnerability. Pleased you found merit in these words.

Chris

[drew garner]

I love this poem. may add more after I think about it more.

[Chris Shaw]

Many thanks for your visit drew garner. I am delighted that you enjoyed my lines. That means a great deal.

Chris

[Eilis]

This is such an impacting poem, Chris. It really communicates the dread and uncertainty of serious illness.

I was seriously ill a few years ago and after a stint in the hospital came home feeling like I was teetering between life and death. The vulnerability of that time I don’t think will ever leave me.

As I read your poem, I felt like it articulated so well how our power is usurped by illness and we can so easily feel lost to the tide of experience.

Since your caption says you were inspired to rework this after reading Gram’s cancer poem, I’m feeling this must refer to that dreaded disease that touches so many lives. The uncertainty of recovery and the agony of treatment. It’s like a monster haunting our times.

Your descriptions are appropriately haunting and exact. I appreciate the precision of them. And leave feeling unsettled and impacted by this poem. Excellent work. I’m happy you are here to share this with us.

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Eilis. Nearly fifteen years ago, but that feeling of vulnerability you don't forget. Knowing your life is in the balance and it could go either way. I lost some good friends who were on the same journey. I appreciate your thoughts here.

Chris

[Jimmy Yetts]

Unsettling portrayal.
One poetic weeping willow adorned with glittering creativity.
Imparts a stunning impact, Chris!

[Chris Shaw]

Many thanks Jimmy. I appreciate your thoughts here.

Chris