Let Me Live

let me live
don't burden me 
with more than I can bear
don't coerce me
into believing things
from your reference point
I'm tired
let me live

these decisions weigh me down
the expenditure of thought
analytical thinking
that goes against the grain
of my compassionate heart
taxes me
it comes at a cost
I'm tired
let me live

my struggles with myself
are in and of themselves
hidden land mines
in the battlefield you call life
I'm maimed
walking wounded
looking for that fox hole
in someone's heart
where there's protection
from whizzing bullets of doubt
don't trouble me
with trivials
when I'm only on survival mode
let me live

when I'm of sound body and mind
come to me then
I'll have energy to spare
emotions to expend
and a clear functioning mind
then I can give ear to your grievance
and play arbiter
but not now
if you care
let me live

my life is ebbing
chronic emotional fatigue
alibied by my smile
please be kind

let me live
I only have
this one life
to
live.

let me live

Eileen Manassian
Copyright © | Year Posted 2017

Poem

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Lamoureux Avatar
July 8, 2019 at 7:09 AM
I think many who are going through personal turmoil will be able to relate to this piece. Worth while reading again.
Lamoureux Avatar
August 4, 2017 at 9:22 AM
I haven't tried instagram myself. Sometime mindlessly going through Facebook does the trick.
Y. Avatar
August 2, 2017 at 3:19 PM
WOW! Elieen, You have penned such a powerful and emotional write. I can relate to your words very much. Some people's goal is to "suck" the life out of another. Excellent job- Alexis
Krampe Avatar
August 1, 2017 at 10:08 AM
Your great poem really resonates with me. Some people can drain all your emotional energy.
Manassian Avatar
August 1, 2017 at 2:52 PM
Thanks for the visit, Agnes, and for the soupmail! ;) Much appreciated. I deal with depression and sometimes little misunderstandings can do me in. I need to pick my battles, and stay clear of trouble when I can. Hugs
Wood Avatar
August 1, 2017 at 8:52 AM
Eileen, this is a very powerful and well written piece. Your perspective is one that I can only pretend to understand. Well done! -- Dean
Manassian Avatar
August 1, 2017 at 2:53 PM
Thanks, Dean. It takes a special kind of person who can deal with someone with a mental illness. Depression does take its toll on me, and I don't need unnecessary drama in my life. Hugs!
Lamoureux Avatar
August 1, 2017 at 8:52 AM
Sometime idle matters and routine are the life lines we hold onto to maintain our sanity. An emotional piece eloquently rendered Eileen. Hugs Rick I too like the foxhole line. As writers we impart messages in hopes of finding shelter in those foxholes.
Manassian Avatar
August 1, 2017 at 2:56 PM
Instagram is what I turn to when I need to just....let everything fade away. Mindless going through the pages and reading this and that..focusing on anything except what I'm going through. There is no time for misunderstandings...not with people who matter. Hugs, dear one.
Pigeon Tart Avatar
July 31, 2017 at 10:26 PM
A pulling out hair by the roots desperation you have so well expressed here not without tenderness or understanding towards the poem's receiver... eloquence & hugs xomo!
Manassian Avatar
August 1, 2017 at 2:57 PM
Yes, dear....it is more like a plea. You understand me well. People have different breaking points. My threshold of pain is very low. Thanks for reading! Hugs
Parker Avatar
July 31, 2017 at 9:45 PM
Sometimes we all need the serenity of space and time with ourselves, well said poet
Manassian Avatar
August 1, 2017 at 3:03 PM
I seem to need it more than most, dear Frederic. Thanks for the lovely visit. Hugs
Sivey Avatar
July 31, 2017 at 7:46 PM
Wow, this is an exemplary write my friend! A true exceptional poem that I loved reading this evening! You have certainly written a magnificently emotional piece, full of tearful thoughts! I hope everything is well with you! Great Work!!
Manassian Avatar
August 1, 2017 at 3:03 PM
I'm well, Russell. That wellness comes and goes, though. It has a lot to do with my level of fatigue as well. Thanks for taking the time to read and respond. Much appreciated.
Vaso Avatar
July 31, 2017 at 6:53 PM
You have written this so well, if only we used our ears more than our eyes, for now I let you live but if only if I can hug you!! hugs!
Manassian Avatar
August 1, 2017 at 3:04 PM
I accept hugs anytime, dear. Just fly on over! ;)
Roper Avatar
July 31, 2017 at 5:28 PM
a cry for peace for a better life... we all want and need... enjoyed reading dear friend... ~*
Manassian Avatar
August 1, 2017 at 3:05 PM
Yes, Eve. Some of us seem to breeze through life. I'm not one of those. I have my good days, but I also have my very bad days. I'm learning to cope. Hugs
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