In the Dark

The darkness hides me,
 no one can see,
no one can hear my heart
and I feel safe because 
of my new-found invisibility;
I’m cold, alone and unforgiven.
All products of my weakness…
let my penance wash over me
like a flagellant’s whip;
the blood bubbles through
each piercing and flows
off my back forming a sinful
red pool of guilt and remorse.
The masked wooden faces
that stare down at me
mock my gestures with silence,
they are my only witnesses
but they’ll never tell about my madness.
Depression is a heavy cloak,
it comes down hard like the night
my only reprieve is when
the ghosts of dawn appear.
Is it pride or fear that keeps us here?
I’m not afraid anymore,
there is comfort in the darkness,
my silent friend.
From here I can see the end.
My life is a soap bubble…


written 09/09/17 for the contest IN THE DARK
Copyright © | Year Posted 2017

Poem

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Perrin Avatar
November 14, 2019 at 5:06 AM
Brilliantly written! X
Capitano Avatar
November 15, 2019 at 8:24 AM
Thanks Elaine, always good to hear from you. Have a great day.
Bateman Avatar
September 30, 2017 at 2:32 PM
Hello Phil, With this riveting verse -- I shall say that darkness doth truly pervade here!! The imagery is very powerful and quite descriptive. I thoroughly enjoyed your superb write here in every respect!! Cheers and Best, Gary
De Beaulieu Avatar
September 22, 2017 at 8:32 PM
Hello Phil, you wrote a beautiful poem. I like the way the words flow together. Have a nice evening my friend.
Warrior Avatar
September 21, 2017 at 9:56 AM
A stupendous write my friend...darkness personified...welcome to my corridor lol...god bless...^WW^
Capitano Avatar
September 21, 2017 at 4:50 PM
Thanks for the great comment, I appreciate it. Namaste.
Inman Avatar
September 18, 2017 at 12:18 PM
Nicely written Phil, suits the contest well.
Capitano Avatar
September 21, 2017 at 4:52 PM
Thanks James, I hope the judge feels the same way. Ciao.
Robinson Jr. Avatar
September 15, 2017 at 11:24 AM
The trailing unsaid tragic words ... bubble that burst ... is so sad, but this poem is a neo-classic, Phil. Profound in it's emotional intensity. Glowing dark poetry. Love and joy always.
Capitano Avatar
September 15, 2017 at 12:46 PM
Thanks Freddie, when I write darkly I have to go to that place of pain and it takes a lot to get back to balance. Namaste my friend.
Hamilton Avatar
September 14, 2017 at 10:32 PM
Mark my words Phil, this is a winner...and you know I'm usually right! This is true classic poetry...this one really speaks to me,especially lately... there is comfort in darkness, from here I can see the end...wow true depiction of depression.
Hamilton Avatar
September 24, 2017 at 9:33 PM
Well I guess you know what that means...judging is subjective , it was a top 3 write in my books!
Capitano Avatar
September 22, 2017 at 7:39 AM
Unfortunately Russell didn't think it rated in the top ten but thanks again for the support.
Capitano Avatar
September 15, 2017 at 4:17 AM
Thanks John, sometimes you have to look down the rabbit's hole and believe me its no Wonderland.
One Avatar
September 14, 2017 at 10:16 AM
this is a dark write Phil, interesting questions, I believe it is fear that keeps us alive, fear of not knowing....
Capitano Avatar
September 15, 2017 at 4:18 AM
I believe you may be right. Thanks for the visit and comment.
Sands Avatar
September 14, 2017 at 7:35 AM
Wow Phil that is an amazing entry for the contest. Well done.
Capitano Avatar
September 14, 2017 at 7:50 AM
Thanks Heidi for your visit and comment. :)
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