Locked In Syndrome

So many relationships are built on empty shells.

Don't get locked into love.

Don't get locked into promises

or commitment,

or let societal expectations

sentence you to life

in a loveless prison.

Do not let the guilt

of penetration

persuade you to surrender

to the god of obligation.

Hold your fire

on all declarations

of faith,

or live forever

in regret.

It takes two to tango,

two to engage

in fornication,

other than rape.

So before the key

is thrown,

withdraw!

 

25/10/19

Author's Note

Reviews

[Robert Trakofler]

I have many friends that have argued with me on this point (no pun intended) but I have never been a casual sex sort of person I have no interest in mechanics and have found the results of such encounters to be wholly unsatisfying:/ That said, the other world the one when you truly fall in love and make love that's the juice brother I'll take that all day:) damn fine thoughts penned here John!

[barleygirl]

As a lifelong commitment-phobic, I am relating to this so strongly. As the youngest of 9 siblings, I watched parents & siblings cycle thru marriage after bad marriage . . . an example that led to my lifelong unmarried status. Being a fussy b***h myself, I can't believe how much s**t some people will endure, just so they don't have to go to bed alone! Mind-boggling to me! I love that "mind-boggled" yet determined tone in your poem (((HUGS))) Fondly, Margie

[Cassie]

How I love this, wow..This one deserves to be shelved

[John Alexander McFadyen]

Wow! Cassie. long time no see. Am in Spain on holiday for a month. Hope you are well. Glad you like it!

[VelvetPotato]

I have actually seen real locked-in syndrome. It is really one of the most tragic medical issues. Someone will have a brainstem bleed or clot, which makes them not able to move their arms or legs, but their cerebral cortex is still fully intact, so they are completely "there" and "with it," but the only thing they can move is their eyes to communicate.

With that being said, it is a tragic thing to commit to a love too early, or because of social pressure, because then you're locked in, and feel hopeless. Everyone should just do what makes them happy. :) nice write!

[R.E. Ray]

Marriage and relationships are governed by social norms, conformity’s demands, and sometimes we should give priority to our own judgement and good sense. This is harder said than done (or we’d not need poems like this one).

I initially found the “rape” references out of place here. Then, I made the connection, at least in my head, that rape doesn’t involve two willing parties. It’s just one victimizing another.

A poem that makes the mind re-think our current norms and expectations, and how they influence us. Remarkable write, sir.

[andrew mitchell]

A write to ponder on John, and true it is on empty shells for no one finds that golden egg for that is too perfect!

[jacob erin-cilberto]

i have withdrawn for so many years...i think emotionally...protective of the self.
i relate to this...not just in relationships but in general...i have fought against the norm....behaved differently and finally garnered some respect in latter years...comfortable with that...and agree with this write...
j.

[John Alexander McFadyen]

Tis good to understand oneself, even if latterly Jacob. I certainly am still on that journey. Many thanks.

[jacob erin-cilberto]

and John, your poetry allows us to take that journey with you....

[gram linski]

ah, but the clink of the handcuff as you spoil the sheets, ah !

[John Alexander McFadyen]

Brass fur lined bracelets perhaps?

[John the Baptist]

McF, have you suddenly taken religious vows? I thought penetration and obligation parted ways in the 60's.

[John Alexander McFadyen]

Ah me thinks not as religion is an anathema to me. And me I have always been obligated when a woman welcomes one into her cathedral! Cheers JTB.

[gram linski]

welcomed out of the rain like some mangy dog,

[John Alexander McFadyen]

Indeed so!

[Chris Shaw]

Wow John. There are a great deal of do nots here. A great number of warnings. So many I would imagine you may have put many of your readers off relationships altogether:) Lesson heeded in this well written free verse.

Chris

[John Alexander McFadyen]

Most probably Chris. Many thanks.