Eileen Manassian Poet Rubaiyat

Lockdown Lockout

This lockdown has me locked out of your heart
Though closer than a thought, we're miles apart
The shroud of silence settles tightly in
My words die on my lips before they start

Outside a monster howls in constant rage
Inside we beat our hands on walled-in cage 
Our dreams illusive, bleed now on the floor
The truth exacts from us an awful wage

The days and nights are dressed in apathy
Deranged, we long to find some normalcy
Yet time looks on and jeers our fearful state
For well it knows we crave some company

Our words, our dreams, our love has all but died
The masks we wore, this quarantine let slide
I look at you and don't know who you are
The loveless look you give can't be denied

And so we bide our time in house arrest
The bygone times remembered as the best
One day we'll leave and face the world outside
With knowledge that our love has failed the test

Eileen Manassian

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Paige Hind October 10, 2024 at 9:49 PM This is really sad. You have a real way with words and writing...spoke a lot to me.

Line Gauthier February 3, 2021 at 6:44 AM Indeed these are troubled times when couples will bond tighter or grow apart. Well penned, Eileen. Glad to see this poem among the pages of the 2020 PS Anthology ~

Justin Bordner May 22, 2020 at 6:11 PM A flawless poem of a heart too hungry to die yet weary of the wasteland's rain. This poem is masterfully written, as craft, and as true feeling Eileen. It demonstrates unequivocally that you remain one of the best, a true Master Poetess."My words die on my lips before they start...The truth exacts from us an awful wage." Powerful...J.A.B. A FAV!!!

Andrea Dietrich May 20, 2020 at 6:30 PM wow, you captured so well the sadness of it all. Ironically, can they even go to court during lockdown to GET the divorce they want?? Geeez. yes, I heard domestic violence is up. I am so glad that things have been great with my hubbie.

Paul Callus May 3, 2020 at 4:07 PM You not only take a look at the visible effects of the virus, Eileen, but also at other negative complications that come in its wake. For many life will never be the same again! ~ Hugs // paul

Richard Lamoureux May 3, 2020 at 11:38 AM Lots to think about. I’m thankful for my sweetie. Stay safe, hugs Rick.

Timothy Hicks April 30, 2020 at 8:58 PM This is an interesting angle on a topic not talked about much ... there's a lot of discussion on the surgical masks ... but what about the emotional ones? How easy it is to let a bad relationship drag on needlessly simply because we aren't staring at one another 24/7. What strange circumstances this poem was brought to being in ... but you expressed yourself so well.

John Watt April 27, 2020 at 11:28 PM Eileen, you have spotlighted one of the overlooked stories of the long quarantine - how do people respond under pressure. Sometimes poorly. Heaven help the souls who are victims of violence and/or neglect. Your poem utilizes many well-chosen words and phrases to powerful effect. Well done.

Ilene Bauer April 27, 2020 at 4:10 PM you've described this so well, eileen! it's a very sad situation, especially for those who are afraid of their partners. i can't imagine being stuck inside with someone you fear or just can't stand...

Gordon Mcconnell April 27, 2020 at 3:38 PM A sad tale which is so prevalent especially in these dark days, a very well-penned piece Eileen which you bring such a powerful message. Fine write indeed!

John Hamilton April 27, 2020 at 2:15 PM Well said Eileen, it's true I think everywhere peoples true colors come out when they're under stress!

Jan Allison April 27, 2020 at 12:00 PM A sad reflection of our current situation across the world. I know domestic violence cases have increased on our little Island... guess being cooped up for such a long time with no respite with work is causing issues which would probably not have arisen before, also financial hardship. well penned my friend, hope you and your loved ones are well:-) hugs Jan xx

Tom Cunningham April 27, 2020 at 9:31 AM After this people will appreciate their freedom more especially those who's job is outside. I can understand why some people might snap but domestic violence I can't condone. There is help available but sadly for many it's too late. Stay safe Tom. Eileen Manassian April 27, 2020 at 10:14 AM Thanks for your visit, Tom. It seems that being in closed quarters brings out the best and worst in people. These are sad truths. Blessings

Maureen McGreavy Pigeon Tart April 27, 2020 at 8:55 AM That is so sad! I hope it is more muse than anything else. It is true, domestic violence rates up at least 30% here. Our government had increased funding for help lines and shelters, and then the tragedy in Nova Scotia happened, which began with domestic violence... It is all heartbreaking. Hugs dear poetess, xomo <3 Eileen Manassian April 27, 2020 at 10:16 AM I'm sorry to know of0 what happened in Nova Scotia, dear. There's no escaping the ugliness of human nature. I believe a better day is coming for us all. Thanks for the visit.