Empty Cups

I need to be held It's a deep yearning For pain to be taken away "Just tell me it's ok" a silent prayer I know it's ok But not that I'm ok Other than I'm accepted Praised even - validated But there's the me bit of me Just flailing around Needing comforting arms To take away my chaos All the broken bits That I sweep up But never mend Uncomfortably stored in my chest Forget the explanation I can't be decoded I'm complicated but Pride myself on redeeming features But it hurts To be a whirlwind In your own chest Keeping the outside steady I think I just need to be held Not explained Or understood Just quelled a moment I don't know why I'm crying I'll just be tired It was a horrible day The quiet hurts my ears I've just remembered Tetley's Toast & Jam tea I likened that to a hug once I'll wash my face and try that Maybe I'll become a hugger Stock up for next time My deficit feels insurmountable Even though the dog is doing his best

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Karen Jones

Date: 10/24/2023 1:15:00 AM

I feel your angst and need in this poem. I think the world needs a hug if all embraces are empathetic and encouraging. I like that you can be so powerful in your vulnerability in poetry. It is a great skill and great talent that you possess.

Di11y Da11y
Date: 10/24/2023 1:41:00 AM

Thank you Karen, you are very kind

Vickey Rhymer

Date: 10/23/2023 11:30:00 PM

Start hugging people.Try it ,you'll like it . If it is not received in the spirit offered chock that person off your list and move on.Trust me girl,there are others needing hugged as well .You will receive some comfort.

Di11y Da11y
Date: 10/23/2023 11:43:00 PM

The hugs arrived Vickey. My daughter wandered in and couldn't resist a group hug with the dog so we ended up taking fun photos of his confused face :) I suppose hugs are a bit like poetry - some you feel, some you don't. I literally can't picture myself greeting 'other people' (fine with family and dog) with hugs. Think I'd have Wednesday Addams awkwardness about it haha.

Paige Hind

Date: 10/23/2023 8:25:00 PM

You seem so raw. I hope your dog can comfort you, DD. I love your work here. It's so bare and honest.

Di11y Da11y
Date: 10/23/2023 11:38:00 PM

I write the feelings of a moment and don't work my poems - so it's all out in 5 minutes and then I do other things. So it is raw but it does end (I'm glad I'm not a poetry perfectionist - the suffering - eek!) Thank you for your kind words, appreciated x

Hilda Greenhough

Date: 10/23/2023 7:06:00 PM

A beautiful poem. Hugs can be comforting or Hlloween scary. Your version is best. Thank you.

Di11y Da11y
Date: 10/23/2023 11:35:00 PM

Haha just imagining myself greeting poor trick or treaters with a hug now :) thanks for your kind words x

Sara Etgen-Baker

Date: 10/23/2023 3:01:00 PM

Oh that seemingly unsurmountable feeling--the hunger and need for a hug, for someone to take away the quiet hurts. This poem was so evocative, so real, and so true. You seemed to bare your soul here; I appreciate your bravery in expressing your vulnerability. I can't hug you in person, but I am sending you an e-hug....Sara

Di11y Da11y
Date: 10/23/2023 11:34:00 PM

Thank you Sara - I just needed to spill my pain a bit yesterday. The hugs did come x