Maelstrom

I heard the drub of rain pelting the roof Unaware that a storm had been brewing Roar of thunder, flash of lightning gave proof that I had no idea, no inkling of what I was doing. Spirit numbed and body drenched I ventured into the maelstrom, unaware or perhaps I didn't care. My eyes were clenched preventing tears from falling. Loneliness is hard to bear Sorrow bit at my heels where puddles formed I swallowed a cry so no one would hear my sobbing On I trudged while within me the maelstrom stormed Confusion inside my head, heartbeat throbbing. Charybdis' whirlpool swirled, trying to drag me in Crested waves carried me toward its center The tightrope I walked was a tenuous line and lost forever I would be if I decided to enter. On the edge of giving in, I swam for what seemed hours The surge of flood tide would not claim me tonight On sanity's shore I sat once more, allowing the showers to sting my upturned face and have their moment of respite. March 20, 2023 Writing Challenge - 'M' Words Sponsor: Constance La France

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Sam Kauffman

Date: 4/6/2023 3:57:00 PM

Wonderful imagery and marvelous metaphors Jenna all pulling together your poem into a "moment of respite." You build the tension with images of chaos wonderfully. Blessings! Happy Easter.

Jenna Logan
Date: 4/6/2023 5:37:00 PM

Thanks a bunch, Sam. Smiles on you for acknowledging the risen Son and the reason for it.

Constance La France

Date: 4/3/2023 4:54:00 AM

Jenna, excellent writing and thank you for sharing your poem with us in my Writing Challenge congratulations !

Jenna Logan
Date: 4/6/2023 5:35:00 PM

Thank you for honoring this one, Constance.

Arlo Parker

Date: 3/23/2023 9:58:00 AM

Hurricanes within can completely overcome the public soul. Escape is all and all but tough and strained to nth degree. Contest winner for a Belle (no doubt)! Congratulations. ~:o)

Jenna Logan
Date: 3/23/2023 11:17:00 AM

Twas a winner, Arlo. The power of the sea empowers a hurricane. Together, they are deadly. Thank you.

Tom Cunningham

Date: 3/23/2023 3:24:00 AM

Love your choice of the M word Jenna, you wrote a powerful verse. Just saw Tania's comment, big congratulations to you. Tom

Jenna Logan
Date: 3/23/2023 3:40:00 AM

Thanks so very much, Tom. It was my first contest in some time… maybe the last.

Tania Kitchin

Date: 3/22/2023 3:58:00 PM

Jenna, back to congratulate you on your first place win!

Jenna Logan
Date: 3/22/2023 5:00:00 PM

Thanks to the nth, my sweet Yankee friend.

Joanna Daniel

Date: 3/22/2023 4:03:00 AM

I like this one, Jenna, congratulations:)

Jenna Logan
Date: 3/22/2023 6:45:00 AM

Good morning, Jo and thank you ever so much.

David Kavanagh

Date: 3/21/2023 1:58:00 PM

A deep meaningful poem Jenna, I think life is all about trying to keep one step ahead of the all engulfing maelstrom, be that insanity, depression, or indeed death, the metaphoric sting can help to keep us focused, and give us respite from its remorseless clutches, congratulations on your win, cheers David

Jenna Logan
Date: 3/21/2023 2:03:00 PM

Hi David. I think you've covered all the bases for the chance that a maelstrom of any sort can redirect our lives. Thank you for being so supportive of my poetry.

Mark Koplin

Date: 3/21/2023 1:15:00 PM

“On sanity's shore I sat once more, allowing the showers to sting my face and have its moment of respite.“ Awesome ink! Congratulations on your win!!

Jenna Logan
Date: 3/21/2023 2:01:00 PM

Thank you, Mark. I know there were many placements, and one of them was on your 'Mother' poem, so congratulations to you as well.

Ilene Bauer

Date: 3/21/2023 1:03:00 PM

wow! this is magnificent, jenna! best of luck in the "m" challenge...

Jenna Logan
Date: 3/21/2023 2:00:00 PM

Thank you so much, Ilene.

Hat Bueckert

Date: 3/21/2023 9:50:00 AM

Sorrowful and beautiful words, powerful write you have done here

Jenna Logan
Date: 3/21/2023 1:59:00 PM

I'm delighted that you liked this one. Thanks, Hat.

Anne-Lise Andresen

Date: 3/21/2023 9:38:00 AM

- A wonderful poem, Jenna ... with a lot of emotions ... congratulations :) - hugs

Jenna Logan
Date: 3/21/2023 1:58:00 PM

Many thanks, Anne-Lise. Your comments always encourage me.

Paula Goldsmith

Date: 3/21/2023 9:33:00 AM

Congratulations on your win. A wonderful yet sad write/story. Love your ending. Have a great/blessed day writing away...........

Jenna Logan
Date: 3/21/2023 1:58:00 PM

Thanks for your kindness in commenting, Paula.

Christuraj Alex

Date: 3/21/2023 9:08:00 AM

"Loneliness is hard to bear" - great truth, indeed! I always enjoy reading your poems. Though the zeitgeist of this poem seems melancholic, this proves to be very optimistic. Congratulations!

Jenna Logan
Date: 3/21/2023 1:57:00 PM

Thanks, Chris. I've appreciated the many comments you've left for me. I've been in that mood lately, but a positive ending is where this one took me.

Linda Alice Fowler

Date: 3/21/2023 7:15:00 AM

Hey Jenna. Glad to see you back in the mix! This is a daunting maelstrom you face with this stunning write. Congratulations on your win! :)

Jenna Logan
Date: 3/21/2023 8:32:00 AM

Thank you for your gracious words, Linda. You always write encouraging comments, and I am negligent on returning your kindness. I'll try to do better.