Susan Ashley | + Follow Poet |
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A Captive of Circumstance

Your thought-balloons are filled with wild and magical freedom ~

until madness seizes your think tank 
trapping your ceaselessly chirping ideas 
within the teeth of its snapped steel-jaws 
refusing to relinquish you; lest you chew up and spit out your mind-racing brain

ire over this cognitive quagmire is quite understandable ~
like the murmuration of startled starlings
amassing in angst and taking wing
your thoughts, your second thoughts and afterthoughts
gather in pulsating dark masses
swirling into flight and shifting directions 
turbulently twisting into tornadic spins
unable or unwilling to unravel and unwind 
as they hurl themselves
in a pessimistic panic
through the maze of gray matter minefields
not wanting to explode their legs-to-stand-on should they alight...

...and despite butterfly nets vying to capture them
they are whirling dervishes twirling out of control --

holding your damnation in a state of suspended animation


Susan Ashley 
March 24, 2018

Copyright © Susan Ashley | Year Posted 2018

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Frederic Parker Date: 3/28/2018 7:05:00 PM the many unanswered questions about the mind, the fluidity of thought the repetition of its use, the unending battle to comprehend each stream of thought that plucks ideas from nothingness...my first thoughts after reading your intriguing poetry Login to Reply Susan Ashley Date: 3/28/2018 7:22:00 PM How elegant your first thoughts are in response to my poem, Frederic. The thoughtful beauty of your comments have made my evening! Thank you for the delight of your visit and for your kindness. Warmest wishes, my friend. ~Susan

Cheryl Hoffman Date: 3/27/2018 9:55:00 PM A very clever, interesting and profound write Susan; great depiction of someone with OCD! Good luck if this is for a contest!~Che :) Login to Reply Susan Ashley Date: 3/27/2018 10:07:00 PM I cherish your wonderful comments, Che. No, this was not written for a contest, just written from the heart.. but you never know, it could end up in a contest someday. Many thanks for your kind words, my friend. Warmest wishes. ~Susan

Paul Callus Date: 3/27/2018 1:52:00 PM You have described this condition very well, Susan. I too am in close contact with someone who suffers from OCD; this person acknowledges it, yet is helpless when confronting it....thus your title takes a deeper significance. ~ Warm regards // paul Login to Reply Susan Ashley Date: 3/27/2018 9:49:00 PM I relish your insightful and empathetic comments, Paul. I'm also glad you noticed the significance of the title.. I know you've been busy and I've missed your presence. I've been busy too unfortunately and have not been able to be as active here lately :( Hopefully that'll change for the better soon :)) Warmest wishes, my friend. ~Susan

Leanne Lovejoy-Burton Date: 3/27/2018 12:02:00 AM Be still my beating heart, Wow Su, love this poem, particularly - "like the murmuration of startled starlings amassing in angst and taking wing your thoughts, your second thoughts and afterthoughts gather in pulsating dark masses swirling into flight and shifting directions turbulently twisting into tornadic spins". It gave me motion sickness, I get it, all too well. You are an amazing wordsmith and fabulous poet. One of my favourites...this one goes in the favourites. x Login to Reply Susan Ashley Date: 3/28/2018 12:34:00 PM Leanne, I truly cherish your thoughtful and meaningful comments.. You mention that you 'get it'.., is this something you or someone close to you goes through as well..? Your visits to my page always delivers a smile to my face, heart and soul. Thank you for the kindness of your fave, my friend! Warmest wishes. ~Susan

Gershon Wolf Date: 3/26/2018 9:32:00 PM Aha! The perfect 'brainstorm,' finally captured in letters! They say that a picture is worth 1,000 words. I say that this S.A. poem is worth a thousand pictures! A real masterpiece! :) Gershon Login to Reply Susan Ashley Date: 3/26/2018 9:42:00 PM Gershon, your comments are truly beautiful, uplifting and inspiring.. thank you for taking the time to read and leave such thoughtful sentiments.. I apologize for not visiting your poetry lately but family demands recently and a demanding work schedule have curtailed my energy and time here lately. Thank you for your kindness. Warmest wishes. ~Susan

Silent One Date: 3/25/2018 10:31:00 AM I know a few people who suffer from OCD, your language has described it vividly... This could also apply to so many other mental conditions also... Excellent poetry Susan.. Login to Reply Susan Ashley Date: 3/25/2018 1:40:00 PM Yes, I suppose it can, Silent One. I was writing this from first hand experience, of seeing it (OCD and mind-racing), with someone very close to me.. I tried to convey their plight poetically. Thank you for your insightful and compassionate comments, my friend. Warmest wishes. ~Susan

Caren Krutsinger Date: 3/25/2018 2:08:00 AM Until madness seizes our think tank. Wow! This is a powerful poem, and you are a masterful alliteration writer, Susan. MASTERFUL! Login to Reply Susan Ashley Date: 3/25/2018 1:32:00 PM Thank you for your kindness Caren. Your beautiful comments are deeply appreciated. I'm so happy you enjoyed my poem.. Warmest wishes. ~Susan

Nette Onclaud Date: 3/24/2018 3:55:00 PM ohh, so visceral, taunting, susan.. much enjoyed!...huggs Login to Reply Susan Ashley Date: 3/24/2018 7:20:00 PM I'm so glad your felt my poem, Nette, both physically and emotionally.. I so enjoy your wonderful visits and insightful comments. Thank you! Warmest wishes. ~Susan