MELANCHOLY

anxiety, separation

MELANCHOLY

 

My spirit plunges to a dark home

At the notion of his impending leave

Once again

When alone, countless teardrops

Surge down my cheeks

My eyes cloud, my eyelashes weighty

Sinister circles below

 

I endlessly distress he shall not revert

Battles kill, will he render as a deceased soldier

In a wooden coffin?

Why do I have such fright and overreact?

I sense his agitation as well

Though he disguises it suitably

As I recall, three years of assignment

Across a vast ocean

    

I must dress up my bravest front

Else his mind may totter

I miss him erstwhile

Desolation augments upon my mood

Like a captain befalls with his ship

 

At nightfall covered with silken sheets

He notes my melancholy

His aspect comforts my soul

I gaze with blood red eyes

He senses my disquiet with consoles

He laments, tender strokes

His eyes shut, whispers “I love you”

I mouth the unerring words

 

 

 

 

 

Author's Note

Thank you for reading

Reviews

[Carlos Lorenzo Estrada]

I love the word Melancholy. It is such a poetic word if there ever was one. I recently wrote a piece with the title Melancholy moon and the wishing well. To me nothing defines blue or sorrow more than that word. And yet it almost has a romance to it. One that denotes sadness. A love not meant to be or unfulfilled. You use this single word magically in the inspiration for this piece. Excellent work B.

[Betty Hermelee]

Thank you dear Carlos, really appreciate your review...
Warmly, B

[Alla Antsis]

Betty,
You have embraced and channeled melancholy thru your poetry so beautifully.
All beauty is suffused with a kind of poignant sadness as I see it.

[Betty Hermelee]

Thanks for stopping by Alla and for writing such a lovely review; this poem is part of a series beginning with "Bridges End" (if you are interested)
Best, Betty

[Alla Antsis]

Thank you, Betty! Will certainly check it out

[Betty Hermelee]

I grew up in Manhattan! do you live there?

[Alla Antsis]

yeas, I am, Betty

[Patricia Wedel]

dearest Betty... Melancholy is what we feel when someone very close to us leaves and
becomes part of the Atmosphere. I love to listen to the Artist "Train" sing "Jupiter in her Hair"...
a song He wrote for his Mother after she passed... much too soon. You can find it on U-Tube with "Train" and a few other Musicians playing the background Music in Color with much Love and Compassion. "She walks like Spring and talks like June" and other expressions that warm your heart and Soul. tenderly, Pat

[Betty Hermelee]

An excellent example of melancholy, put in beautiful words...You're very welcome dear Pat
Best, B

[Ken Simm.]

Keeping our emotions in check is one of the bravest thing we can do. Excellent.

[Betty Hermelee]

Thank you Ken foe a spot on review.
Best, B

[Ladysue]

I can only imagine the many emotions that someone goes through when a loved one is called to serve. Your poem speaks bravely and genuinely of this. I felt the heartache in this poignant write..

[Betty Hermelee]

A wonderful, heartfelt review
many thanks
Best, B

[W. Barrett Munn]

sounds as if you opened a vein here, Betty. I hope it worked out.

Winston

[Betty Hermelee]

Were you moved by this W?
You're very welcome!
Best, B

[W. Barrett Munn]

It's not so much I was moved but sensed that the author was moved while writing it.

Winston

[Betty Hermelee]

you're right!

[John the Baptist]

This one reflects the feelings of those who are married to, or involved with, people in the military, especially in wartime. The speaker here is dealing with both fear and sadness due to a loved one's impending departure. There is no guarantee he will return. The assurance of his love is the only solace available. Unfortunately, it will have to suffice.

[Betty Hermelee]

I believe so John, and being alone isn't easy...
You're very welcome
Best, B

[jacob erin-cilberto]

I remember Viet Nam...so many who didn't come back and how the world changed for their loved ones.
And why? I feel melancholy just thinking of that war and the invalid reasons for us being involved.
So many young soldiers who either died literally or died in their emotion and lust for life.
War changes those who serve and those who wait...
powerful, Betty---
we all fear that "dark home"
it darkens our hearts.

[Betty Hermelee]

A powerful review J, much appreciated.
Best, B

[William Michael Reeves]

That period between lying down and falling asleep is treacherous. Where our minds go as we let it takes us to lucid memory and dreamy reality. I felt your heart breathe in those memories in this poem. 'Dressing your bravest front' was a powerful line. We don't want the attention, but in a way need it to validate what was and find a way to share it. Heartfelt poem Betty

[Betty Hermelee]

You're back ! YAY! and thank you for stopping by to give a very thoughtful review!!!
Best, B

[Soren]

I can feel the anxiety and fear that goes with watching a loved one go to such a threatening situation. All nights become sleepless and all days full of trepidation. Any call, or letter is a startling event. Anguish is what I feel in this. A moving write.

[Betty Hermelee]

You're spot on Soren, much appreciated.
Best, B