Sweet Sadness

Embracing sadness.

It used to be

When she showed up

I wouldn’t recognize her.

As soon as I saw her

I would feel uneasy.

I’d try to slam

The door in her face,

Still, she’d push her way in.

I’d fight to get her to leave,

I’d try to ignore her,

But inevitably

I’d wallow in her presence,

Exaggerating the importance of her visit,

Dying for her to go.

Now when she knocks,

I open the door wide

Recognize her immediately:

My melancholy friend.

I throw my arms around her

And hold her close

Until she’s ready

To go back home,

Knowing she’ll only stay

As long as she needs to.

Reviews

[barleygirl]

"She" (sweet sadness) must be depression. Being bipolar myself, I've had much experience with depression & it's like you describe so realistically. The part I love the most about your message is how, at first, the narrator tries to fight it off, but eventually depression can become someone's identity. Many people get beaten down by depression & slowly come to the point of welcoming it. It can be a surrender, when one is too tired to try anymore. You've pegged it perfectly (((HUGS))) Fondly, Margie

[PamiAnde]

Margie, hello. Thank you for reading and thank you for commenting. Your insight is right on. I too experience depressive states, and this poem serves as a reminder to me to acknowledge them, and know they will not last. Your post is timely, in that I am weaning off Lexapro, and have that sadness slipping in. I haven't been on this site for a while. Seeing that you had made a comment, brought me here. Thank you. Hugs back, and take care of yourself. Ande

[Paul Bell]

It is quite strange how you can wake up one day feeling great, yet the next day you feel like the world has descended upon you. I suppose you have to accept this is how it is. Probably why we write to cheer us up.

[PamiAnde]

Yes it is, Paul. Humans are funny creatures. And writing has helped me through many tough times through the years. It's probably why I haven't written much lately, I write more when I'm sad. But not too sad! Hmm...

[Paul Bell]

Not sure if I should be wishing you sad to get you writing, but I know what you mean. Happy days ahead for you.

[John the Baptist]

I get the feeling an illness is being described here, possibly depression. Then again, maybe it's just loneliness. Whatever, the friend mentioned here seems exceptionally needy. It's as though she is using the speaker to calm herself when her fear and isolation become unbearable. It appears the speaker has grown through her efforts to be supportive.

[PamiAnde]

Interesting perspective, John. The speaker is speaking to herself, to the sadness personified (and, yes, possibly depression) that wells up inside her. She has come to an acceptance, understanding, compassion for her own feelings. Thank you for showing me how this poem (or any poem) can be taken literally.