Point of No Return

It was a cold, rainy September day
Dark clouds rolled above Redemption Bay
And the mist hovered over the old ragged dock
As a young man emerged from behind tall rocks

Each step he took delivered excruciating pain
Leaving him breathless, shivering in pouring rain
Sleep came creeping slowly, scaling his wounded leg
Enticing, urging him, sit for a while instead

With weighted, blurried eyes, he scanned the lonely shore
Gazing at the wound; pulsing, touched it and let out a roar!
Barely standing, leaning against the boulders, nauseous and weak
As intoxicating sleep sought to engulf him, warm and deep 

Eyes wide,  filled with fright, searching all directions 
Frantic, he re-played in his mind the vast destruction
Seeing how the culmination of this day began at fifteen 
And remembered the vow made upon surveying the scene

Angry, he had been, running all of his life!
From pain and the call to live free from strife
Helpless, he sat watching each wave roll in its turn
Relaying, that he had reached, the point of no return!

~*~

Note:  For Paula Swanson's  "POINT" Contest
Copyright © | Year Posted 2011

Poem

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12
Wellington Avatar
November 2, 2025 at 5:56 PM
I just reviewed this intoxicating well written write. Enjoyed again and again.
Haick Avatar
January 25, 2011 at 6:08 PM
Andrea, It simply means that the conclusion of today's events took a long process which began when he was 15 years old. Always, Annalise
Dietrich Avatar
January 25, 2011 at 5:47 PM
wow, this is really descriptive, really good writing, Audrey. I only did not understand one little thing, the use of "at fifteen" to describe the culmination of the man's day. I feel understanding that phrase is somehow crucial to the poems' meaning. WEll, a big congratulations to you. I sure never saw many of these poems on this list I am reading now. Luv, Andrea
Mehta Avatar
January 25, 2011 at 4:05 AM
Congrats Annalise on big win with this 'pointed' creative one. Was away travelling hence delay in wishing. Luv / Best wishes Hitendra Mehta
Johnson Avatar
January 23, 2011 at 7:54 PM
Congratulations on a story well told and your no. 1 spot. We will be seeing more of your wins. Love, Joyce
Laan Avatar
January 23, 2011 at 2:07 PM
Excellent, great win:))
Wellington Avatar
January 23, 2011 at 2:08 AM
Girl, you are sure one big story teller!!! I felt like I was reading a suspense story that abruptly came to an end, I wanted more and more and more. Great story theme. I love it!!! Congrats, no surprise though, you have it in you. Miss you, but will be back soon.
Radke Avatar
January 22, 2011 at 9:33 AM
This is, quite simply, beautiful! Congratulations. Richly deserved. Love, Deb
Mannan Avatar
January 21, 2011 at 7:44 PM
Many warm congrats for this wonderful win .
Richards Avatar
January 21, 2011 at 3:22 PM
Terrific.....congratulations to you Annalise!! Wonderful winning poem!
Maverick Avatar
January 21, 2011 at 12:56 PM
many good wishes Annalise on this great win in the contest.
Calhoun Avatar
January 21, 2011 at 12:13 PM
Hi Annalise - Congratulations on your BIG WIN in Paula's contest. Best wishes, KC
Sweetheart Avatar
January 21, 2011 at 11:34 AM
Congrats Annalise on your well deserved first place win in Paula's contest ... u made the point quite wonderful .. enjoy your top win with luv..
Mehta Avatar
January 21, 2011 at 10:24 AM
Congratulations on the first place win in the contest, Annalise
Taylor Avatar
January 21, 2011 at 10:06 AM
Congrats, Annalise on your well deserved win. Outstanding piece. Enjoyed. Nice going. xxxRalph
Brown Avatar
January 21, 2011 at 9:27 AM
Congratulations on your win Annalise in the "What's The Point" contest by Paula Swanson. Love, Carol
Sweetheart Avatar
January 17, 2011 at 12:12 PM
Always so gracious Annalise with your elegant comments to my poetry... feel the same toward your own creations as well.. appreciate the luv my friend..
Kendrick Avatar
January 17, 2011 at 7:33 AM
Great one...Caught my attention and held it from start to finish..Reads like a winner to me..Your presence at my work brought a ray of sunshine in my day..Sara
Culverhouse Avatar
January 16, 2011 at 5:59 PM
good luck in the contest! well written poem.
Knop Avatar
January 16, 2011 at 9:34 AM
Great and brilliant write, Annalise! Best of luck for Paula's contest and thank you so much for your ongoing kind comments!...Gert:)
Sweetheart Avatar
January 16, 2011 at 7:49 AM
Brilliant story Annalise.. one that will do very well in Paula's contest my friend.. such great and powerful intensity in every line to create this tale and eloquent words used to tell .. good luck with luv..
Neels Avatar
January 16, 2011 at 7:32 AM
Wow Annalise, what a write, absolutely gripping write.. Good luck for Paula's contest, love Wilma
Docherty Avatar
January 16, 2011 at 2:11 AM
What great story and pictures you weave withing the readers minds eye! Great use of rhyme scheme throughout for this poem. Thanks for your welcome comment today, so sorry my writing made you cry... With kindest thoughts and intentions, Anna-Marie.
Onclaud Avatar
January 15, 2011 at 9:38 AM
a riveting work possessing power-packed images conveying some sense of loss, anna. amazing.. my best winning luck in the contest... :) huggs, nette
Devonshire Avatar
January 14, 2011 at 9:23 PM
Your words allow the reader to see this boy so clearly and the poem evokes much empathy for one so young who has "reached the point of no return," Annalise. You did an incredible job with this tough theme -- I haven't been able to come up with anything, but your poem is brilliant! I'll look for you in the winners' circle. Love, Carolyn
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