Healing Balm; An Anodyne

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A rebuttal to Lord Tennyson's famous lines of 'In Memoriam' ~
"It's better to have loved and lost than never to have loved at all."


Please tell me there's a healing anodyne,
some kind of mythical enlightenment, 
a cure capable of extinguishing the flames 
of grief burning deep within my heart.
It's a fire I cannot douse or smother.

If there is a balm, something known to man,
I beseech you, bathe me in its pacifying waters
before my heartache drives me insane.
Cleanse the malignancy lost love has wrought. 

In the song of a lark, I found a brief respite.
His voice soothed the beast blazing in my breast
but then off he flew before I slept.
My ache found but a moment's relief 
then returned to plague me, smoldering again.

I linger in sorrow, without means of escape
from a life of recurring fear and doubt.
Is there no utopian Shangri La or illusive Camelot
where memories of us will not haunt me?
If not, I must endure this anguish to my grave.

In desperation, I planted a garden of herbs 
and nibbled leaves of chamomile and yarrow,
but no analgesic did they prove to be.
I should've sown hemlock to end my misery.

What anodyne will succor the look of disdain
I see, when in a mirror I sorrowfully visualize
the love his eyes once held for me.
If the antidote blinds me, I beg to be dosed.
I would sacrifice sight to set my heart free.


Previously posted by Jenna Logan, aka Lin Lane 2020.

Copyright © | Year Posted 2024



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Date: 9/22/2024 3:03:00 PM
I recall reading this one before Lin, and so glad you are sharing such exquisite poetry. It's beautiful in its construction and the poignant message is one which sadly many can relate to. hugs jan xx
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Date: 9/20/2024 1:44:00 PM
that final stanza....I've read it a few times each time it becomes more painful to phantom a lost lover's torment
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Lane Avatar
Lin Lane
Date: 9/20/2024 1:58:00 PM
Hi John, I felt the same way when I wrote it 4 years ago. I cannot imagine wanting to be blind so as not to see the look that will never be seen again. Reading your comments gave me goosebumps. I'm pleased it had that effect on you. Thanks.
Date: 9/20/2024 8:04:00 AM
I remember this one Lin, it certainly hasn't lost it's shine. I thought it was brilliant poetry then and still do. Tom
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Lin Lane
Date: 9/20/2024 8:10:00 AM
Your memory is as excellent as your comments, Tom. It means a lot to me that you recall this one, and your words have made me smile. Merci.
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