Notes About The Poem

Captive of My Own Shadow

Too long spent in deep shadows 
prevented my eyes from seeing
why the lights were so dimmed 
why I had the need for freeing

Verses written by candle light
but not signed with my name
with one step out of the shadow
my first poem went up in flame

No lack of inspiration to fuel
a captive poet's sensitive ire
he reached for my written words
I torched their corners with fire

A ray of light through a small crack
the dungeon door he didn't close tight
stimulus kept me awake and writing
penning until darkness of the night

Words of anguish and freedom I wrote
morning shadows danced on my face
he came once more to taunt my soul
he who buried me in this tomb-like place.

He reached for my writings on the table
I stubbornly shook my head, turned away
clutching my night's work to my breast
I bravely said, "I must see the light of day."

Carried from the cavern's earthen ground
I looked at him near the edge of the river
he reached again for my treasured verses
into the rushing water, my writings deliver.

Hands covered my face in fear of reprisal
his strength brandishes strikes with clout
eyes shielded from the sun's blinding rays
I waited for him to take his thrashing rout

No clobbering fists or slaps given in anger
no harsh threats to bring forth my cries
no monstrous shadows looming over me
freed from my shadow by opening my eyes.
Copyright © | Year Posted 2016

Poem

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Sage Avatar
February 16, 2016 at 6:22 PM
don't close your eyes again...there's so much pain in this write...though incredible, well............................
Lane Avatar
February 17, 2016 at 5:11 AM
Thanks, Sage, but alas...I cannot sleep with my eyes open...not that I get much of that anyway.
Inman Avatar
February 15, 2016 at 9:22 PM
Incredible write Lin. Powerful and sad but with a beautiful ending. Wonderful story of personal strength.
Lane Avatar
February 17, 2016 at 5:11 AM
Thanks ever so much, James. Your comments made me smile.
Nance Avatar
February 15, 2016 at 12:41 PM
Very well done! I am never disappointed when I read your writes! :)
Lane Avatar
February 15, 2016 at 12:58 PM
Your comment I take to my heart, Cas. Thank you.
Godwin Avatar
February 15, 2016 at 11:01 AM
MR's word: intense. Creatively intense, powerful and I was drawn in, held by each line. I do love your pen ... CayCay
Lane Avatar
February 15, 2016 at 11:14 AM
Those are very kind and welcome comments, CayCay. I'm glad my pen refills itself without prompting from me. ;-)
Bocsa Avatar
February 15, 2016 at 8:19 AM
Wonderful poem covered by the light of your spirit and beyond the shadows or madding crowd of postmodernism.Congrat.
Lane Avatar
February 15, 2016 at 8:23 AM
Thank you so much for the kind comments, Ovidiu. I wonder if Thomas Hardy ever felt this way.
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