The Confidante
I should
like to say a big thank you to those readers who email me now and then to ask
how I am coping with my prostate cancer. Generally speaking, I feel fine
although I get very tired some days, not that winter is a particularly
inspiring month anyway.
Now, being
philosophical about my prostate cancer is one thing, but I have to confess to
moments of panic and low spiritedness. That’s when I turn to spending time with
friends…
Looking
back on my life (very selectively) I can recover peace of mind whenever I want.
Writing helps. Oh, there are plenty of bad memories too, but that’s where the
art of careful selection comes in. I guess it’s the same for everyone.
Difficult times can make us vulnerable, edgy, and even scared. So what better
course of action than to create another good memory to add to those we already
have? Hey, presto! Suddenly, it is easier to stay calm, reach a more positive
perspective on life, reap the finer rewards only peace of mind can bring.
It may
not last long, peace of mind, but there is always recourse to the same archive
of happy memories to restore it again and again for as long as it takes. Yes,
probably a lifetime. Oh, and we should never forget that life is not about
pleasing other people all the time, trying to be being a good friend and confidante; we need to make time for ourselves too.
We should all remember, too, that there is no shame in asking for support, physical and/or mental. Sadly some of us, especially men, seem to feel that it is an expression of weakness; on the contrary, realising that we cannot cope on our own and seeking help, even it its just means confiding our fears in someone, is an expression of inner strength, not to mention common sense. As well as or in the absence of anyone close, there are also support networks available where professional counselling can help; no need even to ask, just go on the the Internet. (Help - and computers - often available at your local public library.)
We should all remember, too, that there is no shame in asking for support, physical and/or mental. Sadly some of us, especially men, seem to feel that it is an expression of weakness; on the contrary, realising that we cannot cope on our own and seeking help, even it its just means confiding our fears in someone, is an expression of inner strength, not to mention common sense. As well as or in the absence of anyone close, there are also support networks available where professional counselling can help; no need even to ask, just go on the the Internet. (Help - and computers - often available at your local public library.)
This poem
is a kenning.
THE CONFIDANTE
I wait
in the
wings, ever willing,
never
failing to relieve
a fellow
player stumbling
into
everyday dramas,
comedies,
darker scenarios
and Mummers' Plays
reaching
out to an audience
up for empathy
I help
clarify
those arguments
between
mind and
spirit
ever turning
over choices
of words,
trying
to keep to
a script of sorts
reworked
more times
than
memory dares mull over
its
mistakes
I lead
from the
heart where heads
make ever-increasing
circles, a
fragile conscience
debating intention,
direction,
and motivation
without
coming to a conclusion
most likely
to earn a standing
ovation
Rely on
me, a friend of the kind
arguing for Peace of Mind
Copyright
R. N. Taber 2014
Labels: confidante, crises, friendship, guidance, help, human, life, love, mind-body-spirit, nature, personal, poetry, positive, reassurance, relationships, space, spirit, support, survival, thinking
posted by R. N. Taber | 19:10
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