Backbreaker

As a snow-drift is formed where there is a lull in the wind, so, one would say, where there is a lull of truth, an institution springs up. - Thoreau

Flakes fell from the night sky like dandruff.

I stood in the driveway.

Shovel in my hands.

Gotta' free up the car.

 So I can go far.

Far away.

Nowhere in particular.

Just away.

Leaving these burdens behind.

Wasn't the snow that was weighing me down.

Where's my head and shoulders when I need them?

Heavy years.

Holding back tears.

'Cuz they'll freeze.

Help my dear Lord ...

... please ...

Author's Note

"Let a slight snow come and cover the earth, and the tracks of men will show how little the woods and fields are frequented." - Thoreau

Reviews

[John the Baptist]

Interesting use of symbolism in this one. The falling snow is seemingly some sort of problem and is likened to dandruff as it falls on the speaker, who is apparently dealing with an unspecified crisis. He has to clear a path so he can use his car to get himself away from the trouble. Liked the play on words involving head and shoulders, which is seemingly not a reference to the anti-dandruff shampoo, as evidenced by the use of the plural "them." The head probably stands for thinking, which he knows he must do, and the shoulders may mean responsibility, which he fears he can't assume at this time. That the difficulty is serious is shown by his nearness to tears and his prayerful pleading for help. Sure hope things turned out all right.

[Pete]

bullseye. that is why there are snowblowers, plows and melting agents to ease the burden of life's blizzards. catch 22's and being cornered in an alley are not easily extricated. something undesired will have to be experienced. leaving it in the strong, ample hands of the almighty is called for - psalm 69. situation is tbd. thanks j. the b. ... :)

[barleygirl]

Your opening with "flakes" and "dandruff" really sparks the pondering right off. I love how your writing feels looser than usual, casual, conversational . . . but still with your sharp sense of word crafting . . . popping more with meaning than how words sound (this time). My takeaway: we always seem to be lugging around some misconceptions that manifest as a blizzard (to blind us) or as snow-clearing tedium (cleaning up after our misconceptions). Not feeling very philosophical lately, so I'm sure there are a few layers I missed! *wink! wink!* Here's hoping you're headed into a new year that suits you perfectly (((HUGS))) Fondly, Margie

[Pete]

hmm, you're a great coach. i really appreciate your reviews, critiques & encouragement. i guess this one's better than a ballbreaker or being the flake. wishing you a blessed, dandruff-free, happy new year ... :)

[barleygirl]

Never had a problem with dandruff myself, but I would love to live without dog hair on everything! *wink! wink!*

[Beccy]

I have always found comfort in knowing, that even in the darkest hour, there is someone to turn to.

'Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.' — Galatians 6:2

Beccy.

[Pete]

indeed. thanks for the encouraging reminder beccy! ... :)

[Giulia King]

Wow! I have never felt such a powerful connection to a poem before. I love this write! It describes how I'm feeling right now. Amazing job, bro!

[Pete]

whew, literally just finished it. you & i seem to be on the same page a lot (my soul sis). thank you giulia for thoughtful review ... :)