Birth of Me

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So long now, drifting ... stumbling in dark nightmarish puddles of ire This numb, walking-zombie existence, in-and-out of Hell like a spinning door All for the sake of a misguided decision ... and the freedom from pain A euphoric hunger, first ... complexities and pressures (falsely) gone Thereafter traded for an ache and sickness and anxiety beyond comprehension THIRTY years now ... far longer than most, (I shouldn't be here, that's given) Heart stopping thrice, thanks to the poison that courses my marrow, cold The infernal poison I would now die without (damned if you don't) But I am claiming my life back, TEARING it up from its twisted, mephitic roots Fighting like I never have ... twelve YEARS battling this monkey monster! Oh, he still laughs ... mocks ... spits truth in my face by each and every hour But I am CLOSE, I know it, see it, every day just a BIT nearer ... baby steps I will slay this vile beast and lay the forsaken thing to rest ... in COLD ground ... And I will welcome the newborn, breathing, FEELING me ... to LIFE!

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Connie Marcum Wong

Date: 4/13/2018 12:04:00 AM

Wow Greg...steps toward a future free to be your true self, cutting cords that that hamper happiness you so richly deserve. This reveals a fighting spirit determined to come out on the other side unencumbered. Profound and I would suppose cathartic. Excellent! Love the veracity in this piece. : )

Gregory Richard Barden
Date: 4/13/2018 4:52:00 AM

Thank you so very much, Connie - this was tough to write, but I have found so much strength and victory and peace in the darkness - going to those very uncomfortable places and facing those demons - it is really quite a wonderful catharsis on the other side, and why I have come to love the genre, (not horror or anything graphic - not my thing). This process I speak of here is a lifelong one, but I can now claim many victories. Blessings, Dear Friend! :-) <3

Judith S

Date: 1/3/2018 5:31:00 AM

Yet again ... your writing is mesmerizing!! It draws you in and holds you through the last line!! An inspiring write of hope and new beginnings! Best of luck in the contest Greg!!

Gregory Richard Barden
Date: 1/15/2018 12:45:00 PM

I did not even place, Judy - but thank you so much - I'm glad a couple of people liked it, (I don't think it was "pretty" enough) ... I had to dig deep for this one, and it was an emotional, intense write, despite the lack of placement ... I think that's MORE important, in the end ... and I'm very proud of the honesty here, and structure. Blessings, friend! :-)

Gregory Richard Barden
Date: 1/5/2018 5:59:00 PM

Thank you so very much, Judy, you are very kind! So pleased you liked this one, as it is important to me on many levels ... a lifelong battle that goes on, but one that I am winning, at present ... and very proud to say so! Blessings, my friend! :-) <3

CayCay Jennings

Date: 1/2/2018 10:30:00 AM

You served up a heaping dose of profound and dramatic imagery that drew me in. Nicely done, more than nicely - riveting. All the best .... CayCay

Gregory Richard Barden
Date: 1/3/2018 1:12:00 AM

Oh, that's so kind of you, CayCay, and I'm very pleased you liked this ... I wasn't sure how it would be received, but as long as one person got something out of it, then it was worth writing! Blessings and sincere thanks to you, Dear Poet! :-) <3