What to do, what to do, what to do?
Beneath the veneer of calm
and calculated actions
lie the desolate turbid waters
of despair and abandoned dreams.
Unanswered questions echo
through forsaken canyons of loneliness, while
impending fate looms on the horizon
like the mist that cloaks the moors.
Frozen compass needle paralyzed to inaction;
energies shunted through fading hopes,
disappointments linger
while wounded faith writhes on the floor.
Wall edges fall under scrutiny
in vain attempts to find
the cracks in the seams
of this box.
What is this stuff we reach for
when we’re digging deep?
And how do we stoke the embers
when they’ve faded?
What is this self created hell,
and why do we visit here?
Why is this our choosing?
The places we’ve all seen.
Copyright © Henri Ferguson 2003
Author notes
Life changes and their concomitant trials are the bumps in the proverbial road of life. "Thinking outside of the box", and "choosing our own reality", are truisms that, although eloquent and steeped in wisdom, can sound painfully hollow when we find ourselves totally consumed by despair. Thankfully I have found the presence of mind to transmute these feelings into verse. Not an answer, but a catharsis to be sure.
Written April 12th, 2003
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A moving write, Henri, and I think we would all recognise these places, as we have all seen them, in some aspect or other. From the panic looping opening line, to the pensive and sorrowful last verse, this charts a course through some very turbulent waters, some dark places of the soul. Glad it was cathartic for you. 'Canyons of loneliness'and 'wounded faith writhes on the floor' - phenomenal images.
May you grow to no longer recognise these dark and chilly places. -
A very thought provoking write Henri...and such beautiful words of expression to convey your thoughts and views to the reader...searching for something ? Anything ? Seeking answers ? Dwelling in the loneliness of the moment ? Reflection ? Personal internal hell as opposed to a falsely perceived external heaven ?
Mmmmmmmm.......lost in my thoughts now after reading this eloquent write....its kinda thrust me into a pensive moment...
Some gorgeous words too...loved them all...but this stanza must be my fave :
" Unanswered questions echo
Through forsaken canyons of loneliness
Impending fate looms on the horizon
like the mist that cloaks the moors "....
Poetry perfected ( in my humble opinion ).......keep writing Henri...your talent astounds
~ Sonia ~
Edited on May 28, 10:32 because 'SUPERB !!!'. -
This is what I really like, poetry which not only creates powerful images to support the subject, but questions as well to keep the piece fresh and active in the mind after it has been read.
Very good piece, I enjoyed this poem.
Andrew -
What is this stuff we reach for
when we’re digging deep....the strength of these lines lie in their simplicity and ability to communicate to the reader...I felt like reaching out to grab something...not so sure exactly what...yet...I observe and 'hold infinity'...thank you, maria
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ahh this left me thinking...
why do i self sabbotage myself sometimes...
liked this and where it took me..
many different places! -
Henry, this is an excellent piece, and I enjoyed the images you weaved in this poem, esp. the two first stanzas!
Thanks for sharing this one.
Ali -
Profound in its Grasping
Hallo Henri
We are not complete without the empty sound of hollowness - and sometimes it needs to be filled with the wondrous echoes of ancient thoughts, rediscovered in recurring moments. I try to see the Hand of Opportunity within new day. If my heart despair, then it is good, if it rejoice, then it is good too. There is a time for All. And yes: poetry is a therapy by words, beyond words.
Hugs,
Myra -
Hi Henri...a little different, this...but I like the edge and depth of thought. Good to see new words from you.
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Astounding job in the way you described everything in this piece. You were very descriptive and had the flow very well done in this piece. We all do seem to make our own choices, don't we? Thanks for the read. Love this poem much.
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I have to put this with favs..an absolutely incredible write!!!!! We do all get these never-ending bumps in the road..yet somehow we manage to continue on our journeys...Fantastic write, loved your comment as well!!!! superb!!!
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um. (ahem). Guru...isn't the answer then to chop more wood? carry more water? do more yoga? or, as you told me not so long ago across a table in E-town, sometimes angst can be grist for the mill. Funny that. True nonetheless. Turns out that angst has served
me incredibly well creatively. I'm sure this will be the case with you too. -
it might not be the answer, but its acknowledgment... and that's half the battle.
Nice to see you posting again
CM
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