Notes About The Poem

I have seen many wounded and hurt souls that get trapped into a life style that leaves them decimated.  Looking at them I see a barren wasteland . . . they come to a point in their life that they need to make a decision – get help or die.  Many are the success stories but some die alone and ravaged.  Life hangs in the balance.  I have tried to capture this moment  – read at your own risk . . .

 

Note:  I believe the poem is a work in process . . . I still don’t like it . . . something is missing . . . structure, form, flow . . . I don’t know – if you have any suggestions please let me know.

 

“I have absolutely no pleasure in the stimulants in which I sometimes so madly indulge. It has not been in the pursuit of pleasure that I have periled life and reputation and reason. It has been the desperate attempt to escape from torturing memories, from a sense of insupportable loneliness and a dread of some strange impending doom.”   Edgar Allan Poe

 

“Whether you sniff it smoke it eat it or shove it up your ass the result is the same: addiction.”  William S. Burroughs

 

A Choice

A vulture and owl
                        Solitary and predatory
                        Watch and wait

                 The wastelands
                         Scarred by driving winds
                         Baked hard by an abusive sun
                         Void of life, a deep emptiness
                         The silence of desolation

                 Eyes down, he enters
                       Withering in self-pity
                       Cut-off from intimacy
                       Breath reeking of desperation
                       Bones cleaving to his skin


                            Has A choice
                      w                           b
                     a                               i      
                   s                                  g
                  t                                     c
                 e                                        o
                l                                            u
              a                                               r
             n                                                 a
           d                                                     g
          s                                                        e

Kill the pain                                           Face the pain
Bondage                                                Freedom                        
Bed of piss and vomit                             Bed of hope and redemption
Alone – Death                                        Together – Life



                             What will he do . . . ?



A vulture and owl
      Solitary and predatory
      Watch and wait







To the struggling -- never give up hope!



David Meade
11/21/2014
Copyright © | Year Posted 2014

Poem

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Kendrick Avatar
November 3, 2024 at 2:07 PM
Creative way to go with this idea. Choosing the right way to go is always best in the long run. Thanks for sharing this one with us. Sara K
La France Avatar
March 22, 2015 at 4:59 PM
David, your poem is so deep and pondering, for me you cannot go too deep, that is my thing as you know, I am not sure how you could improve on perfection, so I am giving it a 7 rating and thanks for visiting my poem, voices of the dead . . . I like Stephen King also
Smith Avatar
January 28, 2015 at 7:46 PM
Outstanding, my friend!!!... Hugs... Arlene
Guzzi Avatar
January 10, 2015 at 9:18 PM
After reading this I see you too understand pain, pain comes in so many forms, I have followed the path out many times - getting stronger & stronger. Light & Love
Carey Avatar
December 21, 2014 at 8:59 AM
So true is the Essence!!!! I will not be slayed by a dragon.... I believe in the budding rose....even if it is blue.......how sad that something so pure... Has not found a soul that values true love.... A quest I will not forsake..... Thank you for Your Inspiration !!! Much Love to You!!!! ??
Yvonne Avatar
December 3, 2014 at 9:46 PM
The hardest part of creating art is to remain objective. We chip away at the marble looking for what is hidden beneath. This is a superb write. I don't know how it could be better. Maybe in a year from now when you have had time to separate yourself from the piece you will see what changes you want to make. For me this is a Fav.
Staton Avatar
November 30, 2014 at 6:02 AM
I loved it. I don't think it needs any changes.
Makama Avatar
November 25, 2014 at 8:34 AM
A Lovely poem. I'm refreshed reading through your lines.Thanks for the share. Definitely a 7
Adams Avatar
November 24, 2014 at 6:14 AM
David, this is excellent. I would call it a concrete poem. In a concrete poem, the words form the subject of the poem. It's already a seven for me.
Adams Avatar
November 24, 2014 at 6:15 AM
P. S. Check out other concrete (shaped) poems on the site and you will see what I mean.
Vaso Avatar
November 23, 2014 at 10:55 PM
Well well well, lookie here!!! This has to be one of the most creative, imaginative , powerful poems I have read. I can see how you think its not finished, is as much art as poetry, and a artist is never satisfied with the final result. I can see doing variations of this but no 2 ways about it this an A7, all the way! And the message itself, well many can relate to that! I am sure
Dietrich Avatar
November 23, 2014 at 11:39 AM
wOWOWOW. what a great poem this is. I cannot believe it. fifth stunning poem I have seen today. Yet another Fave!!
Meade Avatar
November 23, 2014 at 8:35 PM
Thank-you sweet Andrea . . . you made my night. This was a hard poem to write for me . . . it haunted me for quite a while. I value your input always. Kimchee Friend.
Callus Avatar
November 22, 2014 at 4:37 AM
The content of this poem and the message are excellent, David. #7 What Robert said makes sense, but that is solved by reading it a second time. // paul
Meade Avatar
November 22, 2014 at 10:16 AM
Thanks Paul -- in my journal I use lines instead of the word line above -- better I think. Thank-you for your visit and kind support.
Roper Avatar
November 21, 2014 at 10:45 PM
Superbly composed and well thought of, David, 7 from me sir :) eve
Meade Avatar
November 22, 2014 at 10:17 AM
Thank-you kind Eve -- I hope all is well with you.
Johnson-Saunders Avatar
November 21, 2014 at 9:36 AM
I love your poem, David! It's touching, honest and impactful...sadly, I have found most who need this message are in too much denial to hear it, but the enablers could learn a lesson from it. Sometimes, unwillingly, I fall into that category...thanks for sharing. Hugs, Rhonda
Meade Avatar
November 21, 2014 at 7:55 PM
Thank-you for your wise comments . . . loving these individuals is difficult and we do indeed unknowingly enable them to continue in a destructive life style. Tough love. All the very best.
Stoner Jr Avatar
November 21, 2014 at 9:16 AM
I can enter the world you offer and am moved by the poem, good imagery. I was however distracted trying to read the diagonal text. It broke the moment for for me trying to read it. I had to stop and begin again, perhaps a different format would keep me in the flow of the moment. Thanks for sharing.
Meade Avatar
November 21, 2014 at 7:56 PM
Thank-you Robert and I agree with your comments -- I was trying to show the reader the two roads but I believe it's more of a distraction than a help. What out for the squirrel.
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