Prelude to a Downward Spiral

I stand under a starless sky

and feel the weight of the world

square on my shoulders

anxiety rises within me

a feeling like ants crawling

on my bare skin

fingers clench into fists

because there is nothing

for me to hang on to

and from here

worries are fanned alive

rational thought gets cloudy

I begin to see fewer options

and fear grips my soul

now the cycle of despair

has begun

the doors of melancholy

are wide open

and I know that I’ll

cross that threshold

allowing the black dogs

to rip into my flesh

 

~ acrylic on canvas, M.C.S.

Reviews

[Jimmy Yetts]

Depression--especially, clinical depression--overwhelms; reason is no defense.
Your poem powerfully portrays profound melancholy's ominous descent.
An affliction I wish you did not know so intimately.
Impressive work!

[MCS]

Jimmy, thank so much for reading and commenting, it's so appreciated.

[Lana Huskins]

Very compelling, nicely written. Great job!

[MCS]

Lana, thank you so much for those kind words.

[Lana Huskins]

You're welcome! You deserve it. :)

[wordman]

powerful,little on the dark side,but just a hint
loved it !

[MCS]

Thank you for dropping in and reading its so appreciated.

[wordman]

my pleasure

[Philip Muls]

Very raw and authentic! Black dogs, powerful image makes for a great ending.

Could you read my story Angst which brings same emotions.

[Francis Orion]

Very powerful. My mind thought "Nine Inch Nails" with the title, and this didn't disappoint. The vivid description in this poem is uncanny. "A feeling like ants crawling on my skin". Such a real way to describe anxiety. I like this poem for dark elements. Nice one.

[MCS]

Thank you so much. NIN fitting sound track for this mind set.

[Jocie de Jaune]

Woah, what a powerful piece you've crafted! Yet I feel as if you've written this with ease. It reads like a dream or a a poetic thought. All I can say is well done :)

[MCS]

Thank you for reading and those kindd words.

[Sami Khalil]

"worries are fanned alive
rational thought gets cloudy
I begin to see fewer options
and fear grips my soul
now the cycle of despair"

A very powerful write on this condition that closes doors and opens others. I hope whoever is in this situation will get help or see the light at the end of the tunnel. An excellent write.

[MCS]

Dear Sami always a delight to see you and as always thank you for your kind words.

[Sami Khalil]

You are welcome...Always.