Remedy

Ode to the healing power of poetry.

When the iron grip of life slightly loosens

and, in this cat and mouse game, it

teases my ignorant, captive soul

with freedom for a while,

when the countless leeches

that feed on me had their fill for the day,

when I am let alone to stand panting,

spent after crossing the daily finish line,

when all I have is a bag of weariness,

pockets full of sighs, and eyes full of

dark, gloomy skies, I run to you to

warm myself by your side.

I lay my troubles, like a hunter’s bounty,

at your feet where broken wings are mended,

cold realities are temporarily suspended,

wounds are dressed in clean cotton, and

all my grief, for a while, is forgotten.

 

Reviews

[John the Baptist]

Writing can indeed be a shelter of sorts. The world can drive us to distraction on a daily basis, but reading a poem that moves us deeply can salve all our wounds. Even better is to write something we feel good about and sharing it with others. Even if we never gain recognition or win a prize for our work, the act of creation is restorative like little else can be.

[jacob erin-cilberto]

only short respites from the grief of life, but we cling to them, like a crag on a cliff.
love the figurative language here presenting a very literal and universal theme.
j.

[barleygirl]

As a bipolar person, my rapid-cycling mood swings can feel quite a bit like your poem's description of barely hanging on, with life beating me up. But every so often, there comes a stunning clearing where no mood exists for a bit & I'm feeling what's around me instead of what's inside my head (((HUGS)))

[Laz K.]

I can relate to that very much. The trick in life is to find the balance between the chaos inside and the serenity outside...or the other way around...:)
Thanks, as always, for reading and commenting. It means a lot!

[Chris Shaw]

Solace comes in poetry. No matter how awful the day has been, even on days when my mind is too burned out to write, there is that place I go. Even if just to read the work of other poets, that's where I will linger. That's where my mind will wander, to people, places, some I've never known who allow me to grow by their writing. Poetry is life's balm. At least it is to me. Thank you Laz.

Chris

[Laz K.]

Thanks for reading and commenting. :)

[Delmar Cooper]

This wonderful poem is what it is (an ode to poetry) only because you have labeled it so. Without your instruction it could be taken by many readers to be many different things: a homage to a loved one, to hearth and home, to the solace of a good book- a multiplicity of remedies.
I think it is a very versatile piece of writing.

[Laz K.]

You're right, it could be many things. However, people rarely can offer the kind of undivided attention, unconditional love, acceptance, and understanding that one's relationship with one's own soul - through poetic discourse - can.
Thanks for your feedback!

[Delmar Cooper]

Okie dokie, not versatile then. Still a fine piece of work.

[Laz K.]

Haha, I don't disagree with you at all. It can be understood in many ways. I just added that my intent was quite specific. Thanks again. :)

[Carlos Lorenzo Estrada]

I'm in total agreement with your sentiment Laz. I am finding it more a peacefulness and calmness of spirit in both reading and or writing poetry. The words just bring me comfort and relieve any anguish or worries from my mind. Just as your wonderful poem so eloquently describes. Thank you for sharing this amazing piece of poetry with us my friend.

[Laz K.]

Thank you! I appreciate your feedback!