Anatomy of Melancholy

She heard pigeons overhead.
Looking up she saw them whirling and gyrating,
Forming ever emerging patterns in the sky.
They soared on and on,
Until they became fading black dots in the blue.

Such sights would have sent her to raptures,
Sometime back...... 
But now when she sees them.
She can only think of the years speeding by,
And the chances missed.
And her whole life- a fading black dot!

She is infected with a virus of melancholy.
She walks with lacerations in her soul.
Pain consumes her without flame.
Forever she wages a battle inside,
To drive out the demons of dejection
But she feels as if a sharp knife,
Is cutting right through her heart,
And she winces at every chop.
Though she tries hard to cover her bruises,
They bleed red and make themselves known.

Pain has sucked her out.
In a leaking vessel, she collects her tears,
To water the parched terrain.
Of her drought-stricken domain
Light has sorely betrayed her. 
And now she lives in perpetual darkness,
Fighting with black shadows
Day in and day out!

May. 13.2023
Anatomy of Melancholy Poetry Contest
Sponsor – Craig Cornish
Copyright © | Year Posted 2023

Poem

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Hind Avatar
May 16, 2023 at 10:02 AM
A very beautiful poem and images... One could feel the darkness even though the darkness is a dot (the birds portray it well).
Rolland Avatar
May 14, 2023 at 6:23 PM
this is very emotionnal, i feel regrets, but melancholy can be safe for the poet, thanks for sharing
Dietrich Avatar
May 14, 2023 at 11:03 AM
Amazing imagery, Valsa. You are a true poet.
Buhagiar Avatar
May 14, 2023 at 1:52 AM
So well written. I can give you lessons on melancholy.
Legros Kelley Avatar
May 13, 2023 at 9:50 PM
Wow Valsa, you have written with such amazing ability, this poem, has captured the subject perfectly. The words speaking of her captured tears; "To water the parched terrain. Of her drought-stricken domain" Incredible. Well done sweet friend!
Peck Avatar
May 13, 2023 at 2:30 PM
"...she walks with lacerations in her soul..." this is gorgeous, Valsa. You did a magnificent job. It's not easy to write beautifully of someone's pain. Best of Luck, dear friend!
Poet Avatar
May 13, 2023 at 7:52 AM
Struggle against the darkness—These verses beautifully depict the gloomy psychological state. And her entire existence is just a tiny black dot that's slowly disappearing. She is now doomed to a life of constant nighttime. Good luck with the contest.
Pandit Avatar
May 13, 2023 at 5:56 AM
And her whole life- a fading black dot---And now she lives in perpetual darkness, Fighting with black shadows---These lines perfectly capture her state of mind--dwelling in melancholy. Best to you, Valsa.
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