Depression's Jig

I dance the jig of depression’s watch

waiting

in the slowing two-step of waltz undone

to see if its face

has changed this time.

 

A grimace loosens

as torso bends toward

my ever present partner,

and those watching

seldom realize

that this represents

improvement

over the flatness of the watch,

and I wonder

how many more

dances

will fit

on my dance card

before the music stills.

copyright/all rights reserved Audrey Howitt 2012

Reviews

[Neville]

An excellent, accurate and otherwise timeless literary representation of the old familiar and never that far away 'Black Dog' Audrey... All Good Things my Friend, N

[Ruth]

Beautifully surrendered :)
Dance with the companion we all have come to know in one form or another...great work :) xox

[Audrey Howitt]

Thank you Poppy! How are things in your world??

[Ruth]

Been healthier but can't keep me down hon ;) lol You? xox

[Audrey Howitt]

Dealing with my companion of late--it is so present for me in winter

[Ruth]

Yes, I relate, I struggle with it big time in the winterm, suffocates me, best thing to do is go for long walks and grab the daylight hon xoxo

[Ruth]

*winter even

[Audrey Howitt]

I do when I can--peace to you my friend

[Ruth]

Peace to you too hon :)

[LA Lorena]

This is just marvelous Audrey! One of your strongest writes I believe. I can relate to your thoughts so easily here.

[Audrey Howitt]

Thank you so much LA Lorena!

[Rene Velez]

This is Brilliant writing Audrey, splendid imagery and depth.

[SkinlessFrank]

perfect depiction of our little friend

[quinfinn]

oh, i truly adore this write! how many dances are left on my card? wouldn't it be nice to know in advance? seems i have been dancing with the wrong partners all my life. this one has a new home...in my faves

[Audrey Howitt]

Ah quinfinn--thank you!

[Victoria PoetryBunny]

Nice title and nice first line, I also enjoyed this part as the ending:
"and I wonder

how many more

dances

will fit

on my dance card

before the music stills."

[Audrey Howitt]

Thank you Victoria--greatly appreciated!

[Justin W Price]

Brilliant as always, Audrey. I enjoy this immensely.

[Audrey Howitt]

Hey Justin! Thanks! Good to see you here!

[Sheila Kline]

A most observant "watch" and descriptive poem of the questions and struggles that beseige one who suffers with depression. These same thoughts have danced their way across my dance floor way far too many times, and then I have to call in "Big Ben"..(is it still Big Ben, or now named after Queen Elizabeth in honor of her Jubilee? - I must check...lol) to put new dancers on the floor!! We must try and not go around in circles, but sit out a few and start over - perhaps with a new song!
Nice write with a message I can identify with!

[Audrey Howitt]

Thank you Sheila--I think many can identify with piece from time to time---I do the dance mainly in the winter--the rest of the year goes well for me--Thank you for your kind comments and visit--Cheers!

[Shimmerbliss/CAF]

How vividly you express the dance. I love that you "check to see if its face has changed with time" - to me this speaks of the changes in our lives and emotions that can trigger the dance.
The way you speak of "progress" in even the slightest movement, that observers would not credit. It is that way. When someone is struggling internally, the great efforts to do the slightest thing can go unnoticed to those who may not realize that breaking the nothing is a breakthrough.

Those stunning last lines - the dance card image is so perfect.

This takes something troubling, dark, and painful and makes something of beauty out of it. Thank, God, for writing. Yours is always exceptional.

[Audrey Howitt]

Thank you Claire! I feel blessed to have found a way to express myself!

[Shimmerbliss/CAF]

WC is blessed to have you!