Achluophibia

Who's afraid of the dark?

Achluophobia   7/20/09


Let's not tell our sad stories.
Lately, it seems that is all I have to offer.

I suppose strength and comfort is drawn
from the telling of the tale.
I cannot deny your catharsis. 
For I, too, am alleviated with the
release of this rush of emotion.

Too much darkness blankets the
flicker of light we all hold deep inside.
Keeping despair wrapped around us.

I am afraid of the night. I am at an impasse.
My foundation has been laid before me in a flash.
I feel it teetering and crumbling.
What kind of weak ground is this?
I easily leave an impression and slowly
sink through the harsh, suffocating dirt.

I deserve nothing less then the worst death.

Why do you look at me with eyes of pity?
Leave me be! For I will take you down 
to the depths of grief with me.

What's keeping me alive is thin and fading,
like my heart's will to keep beating.
My mood is painted black and there is no turning back.

My path ahead is blocked - full of dead ends
and rotting, choking vines.

You wish to delve into the pits of my pain?
Reveal the riddles of my rage?
Search for solutions to my suffering?

Reviews

[Kathy Van Kurin]

Jamey,
"Achluophibia" -Who's afraid of the dark?- Your title and author's note up at the top is really a great signal of the meaning and direction of this poem. I think that all humanity is plagued by some hope, desire, unmet dream and/or desire. We cling to things some how connected to what we wish could be or what we felt we should of been. Dark times are many times connected somewhere in life and we continue dealing with the aftermath later as the layers just can accumulate. So much dark struggle in this piece of work! I cannot say yea or nay, for people are complex and wonderful. Our struggles many times are the reverse side of light that will later shine and be our strength. If we can sustain ourselves and question the vascilating nature of emotion. Feelings can be such bullies after all.
Bless you in your wonderful writing......
I loved analyzing it! Have fun! kathy

[Coyote Poetry]

Powerful use of description. I felt the fear and the anger in the words.
"My path ahead is blocked - full of dead ends
and rotting, choking vines."
The above lines. Solid. I liked the honest and the direct tone of the poetry. Thank you Jamey for sharing the excellent poetry.
Coyote

[Jennie Baron]

Emotion and despair are so evident in this write, so close to the surface. And it's relatable, for darkness descends upon us all to some degree and for some length of time. Excellent work.

[Dr. YumnaKay]

"Too much darkness blankets the
flicker of light we all hold deep inside.
Keeping despair wrapped around us"
These lines are so relatable. I loved the emotions expressed here. Deep and engaging.

[Giulia King]

I love this poem Jamey!! You got me hooked instantly. I love how dark it is and so well written

[Jamey]

Thank you so much! I wanted to write a series about phobias but never got around to it...maybe I will :)

[Cyprian Van Dyke]

Wow, bro. First off, loved your way of explaining yourself, great choice of words and buildup of material. Great title, it's so amazing when you have that one word to explain everything. I also enjoyed the very first line, introduction is so important, and yours seemed to vibe everything that followed in genre and emotion. Great work!!!

[Jamey]

Appreciate it so much!