Notes About The Poem

This is a fictional poem, I am not sad or depressed or anything.  I wanted to write from the perspective of someone who was feeling low.  For the Huch poetry world open poetry contest by Michael Huch.

 

Malady of Heavy Sighs


Suddenly
when melancholy arrived,
she engraved the words 'sad' 
deep into my manic mind.
Then abandoned me in 
a pit of sinister silence.

Who turned out the lights
inside the moon?

Now the horizon looks like tar 
and the voices become louder.
Every morning is a miserable melody
in this malady of heavy sighs.
I strum the invisible strings 
of my mourning mandolin,
but they keep on weeping 
in a chilling refrain,
as each note cuts deeper.
Now my bed is like a crimson river,
soaking in stains of regret,
as daggers of stubbornness,
stab like unspoken words.

These tears taste so acidic.
Eyes feel saggy with dark circles,
like droopy, decaying flowers and
I don't know if I'm tired
or aging too quickly,
so they remain closed.

Time ticks too slowly,
as I remain in stillness,
with a hollow cocoon heart.
Its shell full of cracks,
waiting for happiness to 
knock on the door.
Copyright © | Year Posted 2024

Poem

Post Comments

Poetrysoup is an environment of encouragement and growth so only provide specific positive comments that indicate what you appreciate about the poem. Negative comments will result your account being banned.

Please Login to post a comment

George Avatar
February 1, 2025 at 3:35 PM
I know who turned off the lights. This is a beautiful piece. I've missed a lot and I'm trying to get back in line. "These tears taste so acidic. Eyes feel saggy with dark circles, like droopy, decaying flowers and I don't know if I'm tired or aging too quickly." I wonder the kind of hurt that would make one drip acidic tears, one that would burn your face and your lips. Lovely written.
mysore Avatar
October 17, 2024 at 4:39 AM
poignant. congratulations on your winning Huch poetry contest dear poet. cheers.
Hind Avatar
August 27, 2024 at 1:38 PM
Sensitive writing...could relate some
Rodrigues Avatar
August 25, 2024 at 5:45 PM
Every morning is a miserable melody in this malady of heavy sighs…a heavy poem of melancholy…Hugs ~ Kim
Kaufman Avatar
August 25, 2024 at 5:19 AM
HI Silent One, "Who turned out the lights inside the moon?" what a great metaphor that one is..You described depression so well with "malady of sighs", best wishes in your contest!
DiMino Avatar
August 24, 2024 at 8:17 PM
"Who turned out the lights inside the moon?" -- love that. Indeed, love is a mystery, a happiness, a joy a heartbreak -- love is everything.
Goldsmith Avatar
August 24, 2024 at 1:18 PM
I enjoyed reading your wonderful write. What a line, "Who turned out the lights inside the moon? " That could make for another write. Love your ending. We need only love/happiness at our door... Have a blessed day/weekend writing away......................
Andresen Avatar
August 24, 2024 at 5:05 AM
- Your mourning mandolin, so sensitive ... I can feel a painful soul ... beautifully written, my friend - hugs
Onclaud Avatar
August 24, 2024 at 3:56 AM
the power of this offering lies in the deep sense of pathos wc is experiential in its approach...blown by this, S!
Rose  Avatar
August 24, 2024 at 3:35 AM
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KDblorq3V9Y
Rose  Avatar
August 24, 2024 at 3:34 AM
Who turned out the lights inside the moon? Your poems are timeless Silent One, Here and gone too soon. I hope you had a chance to listen to my video where I read out your poem, Love
One Avatar
August 24, 2024 at 3:39 AM
Hi yes I did and replied to your comment on that poem.. Thank you for reading it
Jones Avatar
August 24, 2024 at 3:03 AM
I can feel the angst and panic. You do a great job and must be an empath to reach this level of empathy! Bravo!
Empress Avatar
August 24, 2024 at 2:57 AM
The subtle us of alliterations and how youv painted imagery is so deeply touching and poignant! I love how youv asked “ Who turned out the lights inside the moon?”’wow! How do you come up with such lines? Yes you say this is fiction, but why must we be cautious and so hesitant about sounding sad. Its ok to be sad , and sometimes we all wait for happiness to knock , whatever may come, let time reveal something pleasant as melancholy and sorrow seems to be common, and familiar: every word in this truly made me feel so much and i love how you used musical wordplay too! How creative and gives a melody too to the somber thoughts expressed here! Stubbornness sometimes keeps us from saying so much we want to say too! I love it when you write deeply emotive poems! They make me feel alot more! Best wishes for the contest
Get a Premium Membership
Turn off ads, get more exposure for your poetry, and get more features with a Premium Membership.
Book: Diverse Voices: The Poetry of Human Rights and the Pursuit of Peace