Having a good clear-out some time ago, I discovered a forgotten poem among a pile of old notes and scrap paper; it is what was then an unusual departure from my predilection for rhyming verse, and possibly – if subconsciously - why I have returned to blank verse more often in later years.
As regular readers will be aware, writing poetry is as much a form of creative therapy for me as an art form. Today’s poem was written during the latter days of a nervous breakdown I had in 1979, just as I was beginning to see a glimmer of light at the end of what had been a very long, all but pitch black tunnel. By the time I had finished writing it (albeit untitled), the glimmer had become brighter, clearer, and promising better times ahead; a promise that was fulfilled although it would take some time yet.
By the way, some readers might care to take a look at my fiction blog where I have serialised several of my general as well as gay-interest novels:
https://rogertaberfiction.blogspot.com/2016/05/news-updates-fiction.html
“Darkness cannot drive out darkness: only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate: only love can do that.” - ― Martin Luther King Jr., A Testament of Hope: The Essential Writings and Speeches
GETTING A LIFE
I used to so-dread storm clouds,
always ganging up on me
I used to slump as years flew by
wishing, hoping, regretting
I used to let one tear shipwreck
an all but despairing self
I used to endure a so-heavy rain,
for its displaying empathy
I used to, oh, so fear a red sunset,
for signalling nights alone
I hated dawn for its insensitivity
to an ever growing distress
It took a blind child's bright smile
to change my way of seeing
I saw the moon, it has a kind face
and now let dawn embrace me.
Storm clouds, precursors to kinder
times ahead (fingers crossed)
Inspired by nature’s kaleidoscopic
backcloth to the world stage
A single teardrop, cue for restoring
a more positive-thinking self
Heavy rain, leaving a misty rainbow,
icon of hope and peace for all
Sunsets, promises of peace of mind
and love, too, but seek to find
Come dawn's first light,a lark's song
welcoming a brave new day
Copyright R. N. Taber 1982; 2018
Labels: creative, depression, fiction, human, identity, life, love, mind-body-spirit, nature, personal, poetry, positive thinking, space, spirit, therapy, writing
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