Out of the Duldrums

She was first to the top of the hill,
He was close behind. 
A stranger and yet there was recognition of something familiar
By both parties as their eyes met as he appeared above the crest of the hill.

Maybe it was it was the inner strength on the part of them both,
Against all odds they had stayed firm and not climbed a board the ship of state,
Rejecting the offer of happy pills
To get them out of the doldrums both.

No they still felt the need to keep their eyes open and their minds free
Preferring the view from the top of the hill,
Not caring if the wind smarted their cheeks
As it served to remind them that they were alive and free.

The pain that should have been there as they looked down
On the ship of state as it pulled up anchor and sailed out of the doldrums,
With those on board, unaware of the choppy seas ahead,
Bereft of any thought that they might drown.

It was enough for them both,
To no longer have to hear their warnings falling on deaf ears
Or be tempted to give up all feeling and be blissfully ignorant,
Under the ship of state sail cloth.

Only after the ship of state had disappeared from view 
Did they feel the need to speak, 
Unashamedly guilt free
As they sat holding hands seeing no ship to spoil the view.
Copyright © | Year Posted 2016

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

Ogundare Avatar
November 17, 2016 at 4:09 PM
Sometimes we might be surprised at how we could share the same feeling with a stranger . Beautiful one David.
Smith Avatar
November 18, 2016 at 1:31 PM
Thank you for taking the time to read and for positive comment on my work. I feel for people who think they have to be happy all of the time. Take care David from NZ
Smith Avatar
November 10, 2016 at 6:32 PM
Thanks Viv. Nowadays I tend to worry more for those who feel they have to be happy all the time. Sooner or later they Fall and fall badly. Just finished reading George Elliot's "Middle March". Even in early 19th century it appears doctors were handing out pills in Quantity. Apparently they did not charge for visits but made money from prescribing pills. Regards David
Wigley Avatar
November 9, 2016 at 11:32 PM
Having been a victim of the Doldrums in the past, David, I can relate to this, the desire not to hop aboard the 'Happy train' of medication which straps you to your seat and never lets you get off. A fine piece of allegory. Enjoyed. regards, Viv
Smith Avatar
November 11, 2016 at 3:37 PM
Thanks Viv. Nowadays I tend to worry more for those who feel they have to be happy all of the time as sooner or later they Fall and fall badly. Regards David
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