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It's Not Easy

It's not easy when silence finds you and settles in the places where you have hidden away the words to use when there is something to say. It's not easy when silence is all around and thickens to what seems like a prison and the only sounds you can hear are the scratchings of thoughts trying to get out. It's not easy to be alone in a place where you can feel yourself slowly evaporate and you fumble to find what's left and there is nothing except a small, distant glow like that of a light squeezed through a keyhole somewhere in the dark center of yourself.

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Sara Etgen-Baker

Date: 1/26/2024 3:38:00 PM

when silence is deafening, it's maddening. This is a powerful poem about depression, possibly grief, and the endless days of winter dreariness. I was in that place about a year ago...recovering from painful surgery and months of rehab...I was so accustomed to being physically active. I had to just sit around and wait...in the silence. Am faving this one Paul.

Paul Willason
Date: 1/27/2024 3:40:00 AM

As always, thoughtful and wise comments Sara, passing on that gift of connection, entering into a space fearlessly...thankyou. Your words matrer...

Deb M

Date: 1/26/2024 12:02:00 PM

Oh my Paul this a mighty powerful write which l believe so many will relate to….down days, grief and depression we all have experienced one or all of them….beautifully said! Debx

Paul Willason
Date: 1/27/2024 3:34:00 AM

Moving comments Deb....testimony to that compassionate heart of yours. Thankyou for reading the poem and taking it in...always value your kind words.

Paul Bell

Date: 1/26/2024 11:03:00 AM

Noise does you in, but silence can literally drive you mad, as many a soul living alone will testify.

Paul Willason
Date: 1/27/2024 3:28:00 AM

True, silence can be a doorway into a deeper understanding and growth...or...a place of torment. In itself it is somewhat benign, our minds determine uts character. Indeed appreciate yr comnents Paul...regards..

Lin Lane

Date: 1/26/2024 4:26:00 AM

Emotions often get the best of us. Sometimes when we least expect it, we get overwhelmed with thoughts that come unbidden. Those of us who live alone may feel it more often. The faint light found, like through the keyhole, offers a glimmer of hope that will chase loneliness and its silence away. It's NOT easy. Great expressions in your lines as usual, Paul.

Paul Willason
Date: 1/27/2024 3:21:00 AM

Very much appreciate your sensitive and thoughtful coments Lin. Chalienging subject to deal with in a poem without becoming too emotionally weighted. As you pointed out the keyhole image lifts the focus. Take care,

John Lawless

Date: 1/26/2024 3:38:00 AM

This touches on the edges of dementia and Alzheimer's. A painful read excellently presented.

Paul Willason
Date: 1/26/2024 3:55:00 AM

Thanks John for yr comments. I guess the poem could have multiple interpretations...the one that floated my mind was depression...an observation ..however all send the mind into silence. Appreciate yr comments.