Lin Lane Poet Rhyme

A Cross To Bear

I donned a cloak of sadness, too heavy to bear.
My frowns, deeply etched from doleful despair.
Then he came into my life;  blue eyes smiling,
like lambent skies after a storm, so beguiling.

He offered to help ease my emotional pain,
"Let me cradle you in my arms," was his refrain.
Tender whispers of love, this man possessed, 
but his romantic notions were a quixotic quest.

His burdens were so much heavier than my own,
for his irascible demons made me sob and groan.
They ignited like hot coals, tearing me apart,
a cauldron of flames, charring my wounded heart.

They were an albatross slung around my neck,
Specters who turned my life into a tangled wreck.
I tried constructing a citadel to shut them out,
but they breached my walls by another route.

His cross to bear, but on my soul they were born.
In darkness, I trod; suffering, but not fully worn.
My aspirations of hope were drowning in sorrow.
I kept promising myself, "I will leave tomorrow."

Finally, I realized it was only myself I could save.
Armed with a prayer, determination and a stave,
I chose to walk away from love that went askew.
Trembling, I fled. There was nothing more to do.


November 26, 2021
This or That, Vol 8 Contest
hosted by Edward Ibeh

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Jen Adams December 6, 2021 at 9:19 PM I can feel the heaviness of the relationship so beautifully told. Glad you, he or she, got out!

Edward Ibeh December 5, 2021 at 6:59 AM Congratulations on your top win in my contest with this sublime piece, Lin:-) This is fave for me. Welcome back! Lin Lane December 5, 2021 at 9:29 AM Thanks so very much for the honor of being recognized in your contest, Edward. Also, for the fave and welcome. They're all greatly appreciated~

John Hamilton November 28, 2021 at 1:47 PM So glad you're back Lin, I know this write is painful but talking things through, putting them down on paper eases the pain somewhat, congrats on ten years of happier times! Lin Lane November 29, 2021 at 3:53 AM Hi John D! Thank you for visiting my poems. It's great to see you, and if you're still posting, I'll read you. It's always painful to relive those tragic days, but also cathartic. I am happily content with my families...blood and spiritual.

Rico Leffanta November 27, 2021 at 10:12 AM Aye, its heads or tails, and tales wear out! Lin Lane November 29, 2021 at 3:51 AM If only such a poem was just a tale. Thanks for commenting, Rico.

Mark Koplin November 26, 2021 at 4:49 PM You have masterfully penned a powerful poem Lin. I can literally feel your pain, :( Lin Lane November 27, 2021 at 4:36 AM That's the ultimate compliment, Mark. Thank you.

Jan Allison November 26, 2021 at 3:31 PM Oh Lin, what a sad situation it must be so difficult to walk away but you have to do it for your own sanity and safety but the emotional scars will always remain, hugs Jan xx Lin Lane November 26, 2021 at 3:39 PM It was torture and for months I agonized about it being the right decision, but he’s still fighting his demons so it was. You know the story, Jan. Thanks for the comments.

Deb M November 26, 2021 at 3:13 PM Oh Lin how sad and difficult that must have been for you. Hope you are doing ok now. Enjoyed your poem a great deal. Debx Lin Lane November 26, 2021 at 3:37 PM It was the hardest decision I ever had to make, but ten years have past and I’m ok. Thanks for your concern, Deb.

Tom Cunningham November 26, 2021 at 2:13 PM It must have been a nightmare for you Lin, thank God you were able to walk away. But you're right, it's a cross to bear and the scars take a long time to heal. Tom Lin Lane November 26, 2021 at 2:17 PM There will always be scars, Tom, but I had to leave. I was losing myself. Thank you so much for your insight.