Getting a Life

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/R._N._Taber

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