I cannot pray - Fiction

Peace all my life,
          then it soured.
Just went away.
Sours slowly,
ignore it.
     Fool, it conquers
     like cancer.
     Fool, it wins,
     like death.
I realize it's too late.
Can psychiatry work?
Too expensive.
Relax and listen to soft music
till night comes.
          We make believe,
          go through the motions of love
          but I'm dead.
Worst of all:
I cannot pray.
     I can only 
     Look at heaven.
     And hope.
Maybe I’ll find peace again.
Copyright © | Year Posted 2026

Poem

Post Comments

Poetrysoup is an environment of encouragement and growth so only provide specific positive comments that indicate what you appreciate about the poem. Negative comments will result your account being banned.

Please Login to post a comment

Anaya Avatar
April 19, 2026 at 8:02 AM
There is a place in our hearts we come into, where we're certain we've lost God's grace, that prayer won't matter. He is listening especially then. Great fiction of conflict, Victor, true for many. April's blessings ~
Singh Avatar
April 19, 2026 at 2:23 AM
Often a reality of life.What I have to do is anyhow to make myself happy.
Kitchin Avatar
April 18, 2026 at 5:33 AM
Victor, a great emotive poem. Sometimes all we can do is pray.
Empress Avatar
April 18, 2026 at 5:32 AM
This may be fiction dear victor, but I know few that go through this and feel this way, detached and disconnected and trying to stay grounded and find peace amidst the highs and lows of life. Youv written a poem that is so moving and soulful! Its a fave for me! Pleasure always reading you, Sending you light always
Roper Avatar
April 17, 2026 at 3:10 PM
Oh, I thought I left a comment yesterday... :'( ... I often don’t feel like praying, but before I know it, I’m doing it anyway. It’s like God is always whispering in my ear. I know that’s not literally true, but it reminds me that I’m always praying, even when I don’t realize it.
Andresen Avatar
April 17, 2026 at 11:04 AM
- Hope is also strong, dear Victor ... not everyone sees the point in praying - hugs
Rolland Avatar
April 16, 2026 at 6:44 PM
great poem, indeed, to think about, what is the meaning of a prayer, this is very personal, enjoyed the poem, thanks poet
Buehler Avatar
April 16, 2026 at 3:24 PM
The first two lines are arresting, Victor. This is a poignant, beautifully written work.
Greenhough Avatar
April 16, 2026 at 2:54 PM
Doubt lingers. I know your fictional hero can turn this around. This is a fine poem. It fosters hope.
DiMino Avatar
April 16, 2026 at 5:38 AM
Writing is often my psychologist and my prayer work. Hang in there, my friend, write, read and comment. Poems, and the people who write them, are sort of another family bible. Blessings. Wow! You are a dynamic writer!
George Avatar
April 16, 2026 at 4:55 AM
If you can look upto Heaven with a sense of remorse over your inability to pray, that becomes a great prayer. Feel happy dear Victor.
Hind Avatar
April 15, 2026 at 11:38 PM
I am glad this is fiction. It is true for some, deep work, Victor
Dietrich Avatar
April 15, 2026 at 4:11 PM
Poignant pain. I hope it is fictional for you. I often feel like I cannot pray. I do it anyway but don't know if it's going anywhere
Goldsmith Avatar
April 15, 2026 at 1:02 PM
So glad this is Not true. Prayer is a powerful force. Needs to be done daily. I enjoyed reading your wonderful write. Have a blessed day writing away...................
May Avatar
April 15, 2026 at 10:16 AM
Prayers have power, the CIA hid the fact that "cancerous tumors behave like a parasitic disease in terms of metabolism and energy storage"
Cunningham Avatar
April 15, 2026 at 7:10 AM
Sadly in life we all encounter those dark moments and we think the world is against us but the sun will always shine again. Tom
Sands Avatar
April 15, 2026 at 6:26 AM
Well written Victor. :)
Kendrick Avatar
April 15, 2026 at 5:31 AM
I can imagine this represents the pain that some people have in life because of mental illness. Thank you for sharing your thoughts on the subject. Sara K
Rodrigues Avatar
April 15, 2026 at 3:39 AM
I think when we cannot pray our spirit still prays for we haven't the words. I feel this way lately. Hugs
Daniel Avatar
April 15, 2026 at 1:22 AM
Must be really hard for people who have no faith, you have brought out their angst well:)
Jones Avatar
April 15, 2026 at 12:25 AM
Somber but beautiful in its angst. Thanks for sharing
Get a Premium Membership
Turn off ads, get more exposure for your poetry, and get more features with a Premium Membership.
Book: Diverse Voices: The Poetry of Human Rights and the Pursuit of Peace