Michelle Faulkner | + Follow Poet |
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Overtaken

You overtake - every corner of comfort, energy, rest, complacency
I don't want to have to be grateful
For each simple smile, each ordinary sunset
Because I don't want to see the finish line

I want the luxury of being
Frustrated, grouchy, impatient, annoyed
I don't want to have to swallow my words,
Face, feelings - to toe the balance between
Being his support, without being his crutch

I don't want to have to relieve
The pity on my friends' faces

I don't want to have to wonder
Whether we will have our silver anniversary

I don't want to have to count my blessings
I don't want to have to hear pithy platitudes
On hope and miracles and beating the odds

You are not a friend
You are not a gift
Your are not a strength

You are a predator, stalking me 
Into the contaminated shadows
Of wait and see.

6/21/19

For 'The Topic of Cancer' contest
Placed 4th

Copyright © Michelle Faulkner | Year Posted 2019

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John Watt Date: 8/31/2020 11:05:00 PM Hi Michelle, I was remiss to take so long to read this gem that you recommended over a week ago. The tone of the poem; speaking to cancer as a personal foe, is one many (myself included) can relate to, whether fighting it or caring for the one fighting it. "To toe the balance between being his support, without being his crutch"... what a challenging balance to strike. Your last stanza of "a predator stalking me into contaminated shadows" is particularly powerful. Remarkable writing (yet again). Login to Reply

Harry Horsman Date: 4/21/2020 9:35:00 PM Hi Michelle, Re-reading this powerful gem, from my favourites list, from last year..Hope you are keeping well,,Please stay safe..Harry Login to Reply Michelle Faulkner Date: 4/21/2020 11:49:00 PM So pleased that you are re reading this - I will need to go take another look at some of mine - you take care, too-

Caren Krutsinger Date: 6/29/2019 9:31:00 PM Congratulations on your win, my friend. Login to Reply Michelle Faulkner Date: 7/15/2019 10:32:00 PM Thanks, Caren!

M. L. Kiser Date: 6/25/2019 6:06:00 PM This is so true of that disease; I lost a sister to it a few years ago; she suffered for 7 years before passing. It's horrible the suffering it creates. Well penned and powerful to read. Login to Reply Michelle Faulkner Date: 6/25/2019 9:12:00 PM I am so sorry about your sister; my sincere condolences, ML.

John Hamilton Date: 6/24/2019 10:58:00 AM Very touching poem Michelle a worthy winner! Login to Reply Michelle Faulkner Date: 6/25/2019 9:13:00 PM Thank you very much, John!

Harry Horsman Date: 6/24/2019 7:21:00 AM extremely deep poetry, yet so strong, no one to take you without a fight... love every word.. to my fav. Login to Reply Michelle Faulkner Date: 6/25/2019 9:14:00 PM Thank you, Harry, I am flattered!

P.S. Awtry Date: 6/23/2019 9:42:00 PM Michelle you nailed this. just wow. thank you for this write. A Fav for me. Login to Reply Michelle Faulkner Date: 6/25/2019 9:07:00 PM Much appreciated, thank you, PS.

Craig Cornish Date: 6/23/2019 7:47:00 PM Michelle, this is the write that touched me more than all others because it truly speaks to all the emotions surrounding self and friends and family. The only reason I placed some ahead was strictly artistic interpretation - I LOVE this poem. Login to Reply Michelle Faulkner Date: 6/24/2019 6:01:00 PM I am honored by the placement and your generous comments, thank you, craig!

Line Gauthier Date: 6/23/2019 7:27:00 PM The raw emotion comes through clearly, Michelle. Well done. Congrats on your well deserved win. Login to Reply Michelle Faulkner Date: 6/25/2019 9:06:00 PM Thank you so much, Line.

James Horn Date: 6/23/2019 7:05:00 AM Are you related to William? That sure sounds like a frustrated poem full of frantic fear. Login to Reply Michelle Faulkner Date: 6/23/2019 6:13:00 PM I am flattered (and no, no relation) thanks for your comment, James.

Nette Onclaud Date: 6/22/2019 10:48:00 PM no one crosses the line unless the person allows it.. empowering read filled with a strong sense of the self, michelle... huggs Login to Reply Michelle Faulkner Date: 6/23/2019 6:11:00 PM This is about dealing with a loved one's cancer, but thank you for your comment, nette.

Heidi Sands Date: 6/22/2019 12:16:00 PM Very powerful poem Michelle. I can interpret it as someone controlled, stifled, unable to be one's self , stuck in fear. But this is a well written deep poem for reading :) Login to Reply Michelle Faulkner Date: 6/23/2019 6:08:00 PM I didn't specify it at first, but it was for The Topic of Cancer contest, maybe that would have made it easier to understand.

Winged Warrior Date: 6/22/2019 8:31:00 AM I'm overtaken...very heartfelt my friend...great verse Michelle...^WW^ Login to Reply Michelle Faulkner Date: 6/23/2019 6:06:00 PM Thank you for your comment, much appreciated-

Gershon Wolf Date: 6/21/2019 5:06:00 PM Michelle, after reading this several times and reflecting upon it, my only thought is this: Let me walk a mile in her (Michelle's) shoes, go through what's she's going through, feel what she's feeling. Words are merely weak curtains, shielding passions. ~ Heart and soul extended, Gershon Login to Reply Michelle Faulkner Date: 6/21/2019 5:22:00 PM I greatly appreciate your kind words - at its core, this is really about fear-