The Willow Weeps...

Dark and somewhat twisted late night musings of a cancer patient

Out of the window the shadowy ominous figure

Of the weeping willow, outlined by moonlight

Bright beams shine upon its twisted branches

As its leaves gently sweep across sullen ground

 

The corkscrew branches buckled and warped

Much like the distortion that fills my mind

Much like the contortion that plagues my body

Ravaged by darkness even during sun kissed day

 

My body and mind misshapen and bent

Afflicted by the cruelness of the world

Forbidden, from beauty that daylight brings

I ceased to exist in such a merciless reality

 

Gave in to the arduous journey that led me here

Succumbed to the awry thoughts that consumes me

Death… lingers, often near, its cold breath whispers

Through the trees beckoning me with promise of peace

 

Body riddled with blackened disease which spread

Much like the wild fire that burnt the willows bark

Tarred, scorched, remnants float listlessly to the ground

Like charred black snowflakes falling from a smoke filled sky

 

Weighed down, the weeping willows branches hang

Much like me, the languid encumbrance that death seeks

Its dark eyes watch me enticingly, as it silently plots

To rob my perishing body of any life that remains

 

The willow, seen for its beauty during daylight hours

Shade for the river that drifts and flows freely

Becomes an entangled embodiment of deformity

Through the darkened lenses which veil my weary eyes

 

The only difference in that moment, between the willow and I

Is it weeps yet is alive, greenery freshly exposed in morning light

I do not weep… cry no more for death has knocked upon my door

My soul escaped the contorted body that now lay underground

 

The willow weeps and sweeps gently caressing me,

My soul set free, blowing through the trees and across vast lands

Like the willow my loved ones cry, yet I will always be near

Cancer stole my body, but my soul it cannot keep…

 

Peace… is here, finally, found under the willows gentle touch

As daylight shines upon it’s winding, twirling branches

Death has passed but life carries on twisting and turning

My spirit lives on, residing in the solace of the willow’s weeps

Author's Note

Pretty self explainitory really... dark expression of night-time thoughts, a bit of a purge. One of the only poems I have written that doesn't have a consistent rhyme scheme through-out... I am so used to rhyming that some did creep in here and there, but I thought I'd try something new. A dark tale...Let me know what you think, what are your interpretations or thoughts? I think it needs editing, not sure if I like it but I'll see when I am awake and can think lol. I love hearing from you all. Thank you for pausing on my page and sharing some of my journey with me.

Reviews

[Bgbradley]

The willow tree is not the only one weeping. That was so touching and brave!
Your wring must free your soul. It doe that for me. I recently lost touch with my
Grandchildren and it like a death to me. Writing is therapeutic and you do it
Beautifully. I hope you are doing as well as possible under these circumstances.
Your friend Bernadette

[DJ]

I'm sorry for your pain my friend. You are right about writing, it really does free your soul. I hope that words give you solace and peace. Thank you for your kindness. You really don't know how much it means to me.

[Girl Friday (Sarah W.)]

Loved the imagery in this one. I have always loved Willow trees...they have such a beautiful, tender nature about them, and yet there is something gothic in thier shape and shadow. A bittersweet tale, haunted by the touch of tempered soulfullness. Darkness...? Perhaps, but I like the light in the last stanza; where peace is found and the soul lives on. Nicely penned.

[DJ]

Thank you Sarah... I too love willow trees, for me they always bring calm and peace, I used to read under one down by the river and just stare at the water or the clouds passing by. It always brought me peace. Thank you for your kind words I appreciate it :)

[Broken Wings]

This is a nice piece Cairo, I enjoyed it. Different from your normal style, but I like that you are branching out (pun intended) and trying new things. I like the flow and the imagery you use. You are very talented buddy :)

[DJ]

Thank you so much!

[Distantview123]

Dark indeed, and clearly personal! I did notice the incidental rhyme, here and there. Some powerful imagery and metaphor throughout this piece. Well penned. ~ Robert.

[DJ]

Thank you so much for the time and review Robert, it is appreciated, Cairo.

[Great Aunt Astri]

The willow has often been used as a metaphor I don't think your poem is really dark. I think it is very deep. Perhaps could be edited a bit. But it is quite nice to read a long poem. I like your use of similies
I like the ending .. it's Mother nature wrapping you up in a hug!!!!!

[DJ]

Thank you Aunt Astri, yes I agree it could use some editing. I like the way you put that- Mother nature wrapping me up in a hug- great insight :)

[J. Kell]

Your imagery was vivid and melancholic. I like this without the perfect rhyme scheme. It was truly a fantastic write. I can't wait to read more :).

[DJ]

Thank you so much Justink, your words and review mean a lot my friend.

[Me]

wow...despite it's darkness...what a brilliant read, fantastic imagery...I found the ending quite beautiful :) x

[DJ]

Thank you so much my friend, I really appreciate your kind words and review, they mean a lot to me.

[Tom]

A dark muse indeed Cairo and given what you are currently going through, totally understandable and while the subject matter is basically somber, I see rejuvenation through nature, the striking willow tree, the eternal flow of the river close by and of course, more so in the quality of another great, emotive, heartfelt write by you!

A top quality, imaginatively, penned poem good sir ! Absorbing as ever !!

[DJ]

Thank you so much my friend, your words bring me comfort and I love your insights, you are right about the rejuvenation through nature, I find nature to be the most calming and beautiful places of all to be.

[Vani Jalagar]

"Death has passed but life carries on twisting and turning
My spirit lives on, residing in the solace of the willow’s weeps" it is so true..soul lives, it only betrays the body of a dead person . soul never dies.. Excellent thought dear friend......thank you for sharing.

[DJ]

Thank you so much Vani, your comments are always nice to read :)

[Hana Saemon]

It's really dark. As someone with a partner who has cancer, i realllly do not like the imagery of death, even though there seems to be peace that came with the death. Cause the dead found peace, those they left are still living. Dont get me wrong, it is realllllyyy good, but it hits too close to home.

[DJ]

I'm sorry that you found this one hits too close to home, there is some comfort to be found in nature however dark the subject matter is for you. I wish you and your partner all the very best.