Lows And Extremes

The truth of reality haunts my soul,
lamenting the innocence childhood stole.
A heart that's never experienced love;
always feels empty, never wholly whole.

I found no love on the wings of a dove;
push inevitably turned into shove.
And yet, normality included hope,
and my willingness to partake thereof.

Faced with the fact that I can barely cope,
I'm left dangling at the end of my rope.
And, frustrated with an absentee God,
faith starts sliding down a slippery slope.

The fact my father never spared the rod;
meant unconditional love was a fraud.
And an incompleteness shadows my dreams,
retracing the steps I've already trod.

My upbringing was harsher than it seems,
confronting my demons with silent screams.
And a fractured future born of the past;
forms a collage of life's lows and extremes.

Hope's magic has become too weak to cast,
Exhausted, its power has degraded fast.
Lonely and unloved, I await life's end,
Praying that in death, I'll find love at last.
Copyright © | Year Posted 2016

Poem

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Gauthier Avatar
May 13, 2018 at 10:47 AM
Wow - Striking use of this lovely rhythmic form. Especially with the meaningful acrostic for your closing stanza. Brilliantly done, Emile.
Pinet Avatar
May 13, 2018 at 11:06 AM
Thanks so much Line, your visits are always appreciated. Emile.
Salehi Avatar
September 27, 2016 at 5:46 PM
Hello Emile, Wonderful verses. Perfectly correct series of Rubai.... My favorite is the last Rubai........Now you're an honorary Persian. Omar Khayyam is proud of you.
Allison Avatar
September 26, 2016 at 1:31 PM
Such a sad writ Emile I can relate to this in my own life with my father and I still have yet to grieve for him - I am closer to my mother than ever before and for that I am truly blessed:-) hugs Jan xx
Pinet Avatar
September 26, 2016 at 1:59 PM
Thank you Jan, your words have touched my heart. Emile.
Hamilton Avatar
September 17, 2016 at 8:02 PM
This is exquisite in it's sadness, Emile, hope it is not a reflection of your personal life, but if so remember we all deserved to be loved, and deserve to be loved. My story is similar so I understand, only I learned about God's love long ago, and because I believe it, I do feel loved, and hope never subsides, only resides, and no human can take that away.
Pinet Avatar
September 18, 2016 at 10:26 AM
Thanks John, the poem is based on my childhood but I've moved on past such emotions and have found happiness in life. Thanks again my friend, you are a kind soul. Emile.
Marcum Wong Avatar
September 15, 2016 at 8:39 PM
I can relate to this poignant piece Emile, only in my case it was my mother that did not spare the rod. I hope that love encircles you as time passes and you will feel complete. Hope you are feeling much better dear friend! Hugs and love, Connie xxxooo
Pinet Avatar
September 16, 2016 at 9:06 AM
Thanks Connie, we share many feelings about life, for we have experienced similar emotions that have opened our hearts to happiness and drowned our sorrows in tears...God bless you my friend, it is always a joy to hear from you. My health is improving, thanks for asking. Emile.
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