Eileen Manassian Poet Quatrain

Fight or Flight Mode Switched On

Fight or flight mode always on
Can't explain to anyone
what is going on in life
Internal/External strife

"Take a breath; you'll be alright"
Set a match to dynamite
World without is going mad
World within is getting sad

Cortisol spikes all the time
Rarely am I doing fine
"Wake up! Someone's calling you!"
"Look around! There's much to do!"

Balance work and what's at home
You're fenced in, not free to roam
Danger's waiting; don't go far
Bombs disfigure, leave a scar

"Caregiver" your major role
Try to keep it in control
Energy is on the wane
Losing marbles, can't stay sane

On decline is mental health
Send out feelers on the stealth
Do they know I'm on the edge?
Can't hold on to "live life" pledge

Eulogies their time to speak
During life, played hide and seek
No one came to find me here
Though they knew my life was drear

Fight or flight mode, cortisal
Will make sure I take the fall
When I'm laid there in the ground
Please, say silent! Not a sound!

Don't be sad; no, do not cry!
Don't you try to fathom why!
All is well; I am at peace
The fires in my life now cease

I'll enjoy a nice long sleep
Eyes all dry, for I'll not weep
Hope I'll hear that trumpet blast
Rise up and reach home at last

There in heaven all is well
Thankfully, I've skipped on hell
Here is only harmony
Fight or flight is history!

Eileen Manassian Ghali
OCTOBER 19, 2024
Beirut, Lebanon

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Richard Lamoureux December 5, 2024 at 5:47 AM No words. Congratulations on POTD, so deserved.

Martin Challender October 25, 2024 at 12:38 AM Many congratulations on your powerful POTD. I can only imagine the horrors of being in a conflict zone. Best wishes.

Andrea Dietrich October 22, 2024 at 1:22 PM Yes, this is exactly how God-loving people fear about pain and suffering. Hell has been lived on earth and glorious pain-free afterlife awaits. Sorry that you have to live in this mode. I think also of Jewish people during Hitler's time and the stress of not knowing when they would be taken and killed in an instant. To live that way is unimaginable.

Arthur Vaso October 22, 2024 at 1:36 AM Well deserved POTD, this poem needed to be exposed, and is sad some would work to not let this happen, I wonder if they will ponder their actions or inaction in some cases. Today, the videos I had to see, well I almost could not, my tears have not stopped. Eileen Manassian October 22, 2024 at 3:52 AM Would anyone actually stoop so low? I can hardly believe it. Please... don't watch too many videos. You know what is happening well enough. Write and raise awareness. That's what can be done

Suzette Richards October 21, 2024 at 8:45 AM My prayers are with you and your fellow countrymen, Eileen. Eileen Manassian October 21, 2024 at 10:09 PM Thanks ever so much, dear. Much appreciated.

Eileen Manassian October 20, 2024 at 8:16 PM A word of thanks to all of you who wrote such lovely comments. It did my heart immense good. Sorry if there are typos in my replies. I wrote through the night to make sure you all know I'm grateful. I have 3 classes to teach online today and a faculty meeting of the teachers that remain. I'll try to visit you all through the next two days. Please be patient with me. Love and blessings to all.

I Am Anaya October 20, 2024 at 5:04 PM Oh Elieen, in the very first verse, I already knew the dread, you poor poetess. What you are going thru daily. This trajec story may never end. The anxiety and your struggle . Please be well. Make it thru you have so much to give and so much to live for. Im most grateful that your thoughts will remain on Potd. Long live Lebanon and women's freedom! Blessings~anaya Eileen Manassian October 20, 2024 at 6:04 PM What a sweet comment. Thank you, dear! The last sentence is especially beautiful. I keep going on because I have to. My father needs my care, and my daughter needs my presence. I also have 3 cats which I'll never abandon. So.. I'll have to stick around a while longer

Brandy Nicole October 20, 2024 at 4:12 PM Dear Eileen, even the strong find it difficult to carry on sometimes. I have no idea what you're going through, but you'll get through it, one day at a time. This thought touched my heart deeply. ' Caregiver, your major role. ' I understand the meaning more every day. I'm keeping you and your family in my thoughts and prayers. Congratulations my sweet friend, on Poem of the Day. Hugs, Brandy Eileen Manassian October 20, 2024 at 8:12 PM Thanks, Brandy. Sweet of you to stop by. Better yet that you'll keep us in your prayers. South Lebanon is being demolished and parts of Beirut are rubble. Many of my colleagues have left the country. It's a terrible time we're living in. I try to take it one day at a time not to get too overwhelmed. My irritability has increased. Everyone has struggles in life. War just makes it worse. May you never experience that. Thank you for reaching out. Blessings

Ink Empress October 20, 2024 at 11:48 AM Dear Eileen, i cant even imagine the anxiety and fear you might b experiencing and you have experienced, but i can only wish for better days. Its very sad, and so many do not know what is really happening, and i hope some would understand and see what its like. Have you seen the song “ we pray” by coldplay fr elyana ( a palestinian singer) one of my fave songs , all i can say is “ so we pray”, you are so strong and your poem is very poignant and powerful! Congratulations on POTD, sending you light always Arthur Vaso October 22, 2024 at 1:32 AM She is a beautiful an amazing singer, her messages very powerful, her voice loud in expression, never be silent. Eileen Manassian October 20, 2024 at 5:57 PM What a lovely comment. I didn't know about that song. I'll look it up when I have a few minutes to myself. Many don't know what's happening in Lebanon. So true. Those who know might not care. It's hard to take to heart all the pain in the world and still survive. I appreciate your visit and kind words. Blessings

Paige Hind October 20, 2024 at 10:12 AM Congrats on POTD! God give you peace and protection- <3 Eileen Manassian October 20, 2024 at 8:17 PM Oh, sweet Paige, thank you for listening. Xoxo Paige Hind October 20, 2024 at 3:20 PM I am so sorry...this breaks my heart. Thank you for sharing Lebanon's voice. God bless you too. Eileen Manassian October 20, 2024 at 11:37 AM Thank you, dear. So kind of you. From what we hear, this war will be long. One can only hope and pray. God bless.

Arlo Parker October 20, 2024 at 9:03 AM Poignant, relevant, inspirational. No doubting the constant fear cannot be adequately expressed. May the Lord embrace, comfort, and encourage your fragile mindset. Prayers lifted. :o// Eileen Manassian October 20, 2024 at 11:41 AM Fragile... that's the correct word. God knows my state. He is merciful, even when I'm at a low ebb. The truth of the matter is, even those who pray and trust in God are not exempt from danger or suffering. The Bible is full of examples of such. We can only say, may we not lose our faith in Him in the hard times. A better day is coming...

Paula Goldsmith October 20, 2024 at 7:55 AM Congratulations on your POTD win. What a powerful write. I will add you to my Soup prayer list, if that is OK with you. Have a very blessed day/week. Write On........... Eileen Manassian October 20, 2024 at 11:43 AM Oh! Yes, please. Intercessory prayer is much appreciated. Thanks ever so much. Blessings

Joseph May October 20, 2024 at 7:52 AM Caught in stressful and confined spaces 'being fenced in, not free to roam", as bombs fall, A poignant and heartfelt verse, I pray that you and your loved ones will be safe Eileen Manassian October 20, 2024 at 11:47 AM Thank you. Our area is relatively safe. We're encouraged not to venture far because Beirut is not exempt from bombing. A couple of times it was so loud, I thought our area was being targeted. The airport is still functioning. Let's hope for an end to the loss of innocent lives.

Kim Rodrigues October 20, 2024 at 6:01 AM Reading your poem, I felt an iota of what you must feel. I remember how difficult life was for my daughter a few years back, dealing with kids and medical sits and very little sleep. I was never alone…just quick breaths and onto helping. This was nothing compared to what you are going through. May God be with you in your suffering. Congrats on a noteworthy POTD! Eileen Manassian October 20, 2024 at 11:50 AM Thank you, Kim. I'm glad your daughter had you for support. My husband is very helpful with dad. I'm grateful for that. I wouldn't be able to handle it on my own. The tense situation of the country just makes it all so much harder. Thank you for your kind words.

Tania Kitchin October 20, 2024 at 5:02 AM Eileen, a powerful poem, congratulations on POTD. Eileen Manassian October 20, 2024 at 11:51 AM Thanks ever so much. I appreciate your stopping by to congratulate me.

Lin Lane October 20, 2024 at 3:37 AM Your plight is devastating to read about, Eileen. I cannot fathom what your life is like, day after day, and into the night. I hope you and your father are soon freed from this hellish existence men force upon the innocent. Congratulations doesn't seem fitting to tell you on this poem, but it will be read more as potd. Eileen Manassian October 20, 2024 at 11:55 AM Thank you, Lin. Your comment touched my heart. I've lived through war before here in Lebanon. This situation now just brings it back and I feel such sorrow for this beautiful country that's going through hell again. Survivor guilt is real. I think of the displaced people with winter coming on. The poor children. Thank you for your kindness.

Deb M October 20, 2024 at 2:30 AM Congratulations Eileen on POTD….a little light of loveliness for you today! Take care of yourself Eileen! Debx Eileen Manassian October 20, 2024 at 11:57 AM Yes. I haven't had this honour for a long while. It does give me heart a nice little squeeze of joy. Thank you.

Maria Williams October 20, 2024 at 2:03 AM Brilliant poetry describing horrific situations Dear Eileen. If only the terrorist would stop and the despot leaders were brought to their senses. Closer to us is the Ukrainian/ Russian conflict, and Korea. All so senseless - loss of lives and cost of the wars which could go to helping underdeveloped countries and even their own. When will it stop? Congrats on your POTD Stay safe - Hugs Maria Eileen Manassian October 20, 2024 at 1:38 PM Wise words, dear. Unfortunately, the innocent pay the price of the fight for power. Yes. The wars you mentioned are also horrific. Wish things were different. Sometimes a person just needs to slow down and take a deep breath. Thank you for stopping by.

Silent One October 20, 2024 at 1:39 AM So happy this got POTD my friend.. So many times, people pick sides from what they see on the TV they choose to watch and the articles they choose to read.. but at the end of the day many innocent people are suffering and we need real testimonies like this from people like you to show the world that this needs to stop.. one life is not less worthy of another... and too many innocent people are being killed.. My thoughts and prayers are with you.. Eileen Manassian October 20, 2024 at 3:59 PM Thanks for coming back, SO. I appreciate it. So true what you're saying. Often it's self interest of the bigger powers that causes conflict, and the innocent are caught in the middle. The average person just wants his loved ones to be safe and to have a future. Lebanon has always been in the crossfire of this and many Lebanese have left the country over the years. Now many are leaving to secure a better life for their families. Who can blame them? It's a never ending cycle...

John Read October 20, 2024 at 1:15 AM Heart wrenching poem Eileen a well deserved POTD, God bless you. Xx Eileen Manassian October 20, 2024 at 4:00 PM Thank you for passing by and commenting.

Eve Roper October 20, 2024 at 1:06 AM Oh, my dear, my condolences. It is so hard to watch the suffering of another and wait and wait with so much pain in your heart. Congratulations on poem of the day. Peace be with you Eileen Manassian October 20, 2024 at 8:13 PM I'm so sorry. I'm sure that was extremely difficult for you to go through. Thank God we have memories of the good times as well. Eve Roper October 20, 2024 at 6:30 PM My dad passed from Parkinson, it was hard to watch. Eileen Manassian October 20, 2024 at 4:03 PM I haven't experience person loss now, Eve. My family is still well. My dad is struggling with his alzhiemers, but I'm thankful his situation is manageable. Thank you for passing by. Blessings

Tom Cunningham October 20, 2024 at 12:53 AM Back with congratulations to you Eileen on today's POTD honour, well deserved too. Tom Eileen Manassian October 20, 2024 at 4:01 PM Sending visits are doubly precious. Thank you.

Beryl Edmonds October 20, 2024 at 12:46 AM So sad to read of your despair having to live with such fear and anxiety. Congratulations on receiving the honour of poem of the day… Beryl Eileen Manassian October 20, 2024 at 4:04 PM Thank you. It's a spot of sunshine that warms my heart. Blessings.

Karen Jones October 20, 2024 at 12:33 AM So sorry you have to go through that. Your pen is powerful and destined. Write on and thanks for sharing a meaningful potd! Congratulations Eileen Manassian October 20, 2024 at 4:11 PM Thank you ever so much. I appreciate it. I write to process things, I write to grieve, I write to raise awareness.

Paige Hind October 19, 2024 at 8:02 PM Oh, gosh, I am sorry for what you're going through. God bless you, stay okay, wishing for your safety....<3 hugs Eileen Manassian October 19, 2024 at 10:25 PM Thanks, dear. Hanging on by a thread. Thank you for your many visits. You're a source of encouragement.

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