Caged

Some are sad, others have sadness cast upon them.

My fragile bird

with broken wings

cannot fly,

but she has left

my garden,

gone to nest

elsewhere

as she hides beneath

the shrubbery

of grief and

self doubt.

 

Now she lingers in

dark caves

of make believe

and fantasy,

where black mirrors

feed upon her blood

and tell her such lies,

as she stares

at the stars

through sleepless

eyes,

and a damp

and sorry

deflated heart.

 

There she is,

alone

and sad,

perched upon

that cold

and distant mountain top,

waiting,

simply waiting

for deaths kiss

upon her lips.

 

21/08/19

Author's Note

Reviews

[gram linski]

Black mirrors feed upon her blood, yea godz what a line, the crux of the poem for me, as the (hated) reflection sucks her lifeblood, awesome writing dude,

[John Alexander McFadyen]

I find myself prostrate at yer feet again fella. Most grateful though and glad you got the black mirror effect. Many thanks. But where the poo have you been?

[gram linski]

my schizophrenic unmind has not reckognized my part in the personality melt of bone and sin, been busy with life s**t, is all,

[Eilis]

It is difficult loving a person who cannot find a way to love themselves. Not that it's hard to love them, just, it's hard to watch them deal with their internal struggles and feel powerless to help them progress beyond that pain.

The caged bird is an apt symbol, John. I think we often equate beauty with vulnerability. Or perhaps it just activates our nurturing instincts. So much is out of our control, though, especially when we're talking about someone's internal life.

You have painted a compassionate portrait with a sad message to end on. Well done.

[John Alexander McFadyen]

Eilis you have understood this one well. I guess you are right about that nurture instinct but perhaps there is a lot more depth too. many thanks.

[Eilis]

Of course, you are right. There is always the unexplored depth. You're welcome, John.

[John Alexander McFadyen]

So are you in psychology, given your previous comment?

[Eilis]

No, just a person who has experienced those things intimately and also someone who reads a lot. Probably too much, ha.

[Rye]

found this write really good, has emotion in it. awesome write

[John Alexander McFadyen]

Yes true emotion. The ink all poets seek. Many thank yous Rye!

[Rye]

not a problem at all. keep writing always

[David Klay]

John, this is amazing. A finely woven dark write.

[John Alexander McFadyen]

Thank you so much David. I am pleased you enjoyed.

[DAH]

I love the Poe-darkness of this write, the somber tone stimulates my heart.
"waiting,
simply waiting
for deaths kiss
upon her lips" Such Gothic spirit!

Bravo, poet, bravo!
DAH

[John Alexander McFadyen]

Thank you so much DAH glad you liked it.

[DAH]

My pleasure, John!

[jacob erin-cilberto]

such intense allegory...that person we can no longer help---we have tried...but their sadness cannot be assuaged...they live in misery of self-doubt and hopelessness like a wounded bird which feels it can never fly again...
"blackbird singing in the dead of night, take these broken wings and learn to fly"

[John Alexander McFadyen]

Love the Beatles quote Jacob and you have nailed the intent in this one again. Many thanks.

[JR]

Great use of symbolism, and carrying it all the way through. Sparse language made me feel the loneliness clearly. Very touching, I think everyone knows someone like this.

[John Alexander McFadyen]

Yes there are many about and some who dip in and dip out. Many thanks JR.

[Chris Shaw]

Beautifully penned John, filled with emotion. Some people find the everyday of living too difficult at times. They seek refuge in a quiet place away from it all. That's where your fine free verse took me.

Chris

[John Alexander McFadyen]

I can understand that but there are a few who choose to live in the darkness permanently. Many thanks Chris!

[Kay Salisu Titilola]

Wonderfully written, John.
A lonely heart feels caged.

[John Alexander McFadyen]

Thank you Kay, I am pleased that came through.

[Kay Salisu Titilola]

My pleasure...

[Robert Trakofler]

seems some prefer the darkness there's a comfort in not being surprised and knowing for sure the turns in the shadows of self barricade. I remember the comfort it once held for me but i had my fill of the darkness hopefully one day she will too even in the darkest clutch a glimmer is hidden there for her if she dares to grasp it once more. very sad lines well put penned John

[John Alexander McFadyen]

Thank you so much Robert. I am sure you are right as we often flit in and out of the shadows.