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Rebirth Me

Wicked memories haunt my dreams at night and stalk me during the daylight, denying me any measure of peace and tranquility. Please, take me to the river Lethe and rebirth me, so that I may forget the pain of my past and the humiliation of my childhood.

Ferry me not down the river Styx, for the lost and stolen dreams of my youth have been irretrievably drowned there. Spare me Acheron, for I have seen enough misery to last two lifetimes. Let her waterways be for the perpetrators of what is bad and hurtful.

Allow me to swim in the sacred waters of Alph, so that I may regain power to soar like an eagle, unfettered by the images that torment my mind and heart. Or permit me one sip from the great Ganga Ma, and may her waters cleanse me of my iniquities and guide me to salvation.

Baptize me in the Jordan and I will be born again, a new creature with no recollection of the past. All of my sins and impurities will then be washed away, never again to plague me. Lead me to the mighty Euphrates, that I may rediscover Eden and bathe in her crystal streams, untainted by imperfection and unholiness.

Hear my prayer for rest and peace, lest this poor soul should wither away and die. Shower me with fresh waters of truth, humility and righteousness, so that I may live and thrive, forever. Help me to escape this torturous past and present and regain joy in the hope of a better tomorrow.

*Note: I do not believe in mythologies. The images used here are metaphorical only.

**For all those who suffer the torment of mental or emotional illness, hold on to hope. Live another day, for the promise of paradise is for the meek and the broken-hearted. It will not delay, it will not be late - Revelation 21:3-5

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Valsa George

Date: 2/21/2025 8:25:00 AM

We need an escape from the haunting past. By conscious effort, we can overcome the tribulations of yesterday, live in the present and plan for future. I am happy to note that you know about Ganga or the Ganges which is regarded by the Hindu's of India as a sacred river and a dip in the river will purge one of all the impurities of the soul. Beautifully written , dear Tom.

Tom Woody
Date: 2/21/2025 10:34:00 AM

I'm thrilled you visited this oldie

Andrea Dietrich

Date: 9/14/2024 6:51:00 PM

Yes I figured the myths were metaphysical. You used those metaphors very well here. I believe your strength is in prose writing

Tom Woody
Date: 10/14/2024 6:17:00 AM

Thx much

Barbara Barry-Nishanian

Date: 9/27/2023 2:32:00 PM

Tom, "lest this poor soul should wither away and die" Fact a soul can die, is something I write about, but rarely seen in a poets work. Rev, 21, the former things, are things that only have existed on earth, not heaven. "The meek will posses the earth, and they will find exquisite delight in the abundance of Peace". Peace on a Paradise restored New Earth gives me the joy, I pray for you. You spoke to hearts. Well done. Do you believe in the two hopes, for heaven and here on earth?

Tom Woody
Date: 9/27/2023 2:44:00 PM

I am JW like you. Thx

Robert Lindley

Date: 9/10/2023 12:45:00 PM

My friend, this is quite a beautiful new creation. This prayer pleading to God represents the soul asking the True Higher Power for relief. And it is done in a very fine prose creation. Fav'ing this one as it touches the heart so deeply. God bless you.

Robert Lindley
Date: 9/10/2023 1:42:00 PM

You are doing fine work for those that have so suffered tragically and/or mentally in their childhood my friend. Take care my friend. God bless you.

Tom Woody
Date: 9/10/2023 1:38:00 PM

Thx Robert. I wrote this for those with traumatic childhoods, but really for anyone needing healing

Richard Lamoureux

Date: 8/28/2023 9:42:00 AM

God will not keep any good thing from you. I appreciate this piece and relate to it.

Tom Woody
Date: 8/28/2023 12:43:00 PM

Appreciated Richard

Paloma Walker

Date: 8/9/2023 7:59:00 PM

Beautiful. Revelation 21:3,4 is in my top 5 favorite scriptures. Having a hope of no pain physically and mentally can give us the strength to get through anything. Isaiah 65:16,17, "For the former distresses will be forgotten; They will be concealed from my eyes. For look! I am creating new heavens and a new earth; And the former things will not be called to mind, Nor will they come up into the heart."

Tom Woody
Date: 8/10/2023 6:02:00 AM

Yes, another great future promise. Appreciate your input Paloma

Joanna Daniel

Date: 8/3/2023 9:49:00 PM

Wonderful write, Tom:)

Tom Woody
Date: 8/4/2023 6:11:00 PM

Thx Joanna

Elizabeth Moroz

Date: 8/2/2023 2:12:00 AM

Dear Tom, Divinely inspired words that truly spoke to my soul. You have a clarity and truth to your work that is lyrically diverse and flows beautifully ,poetically and spiritually. Thankyou for your words and comments on my poetry - it means a lot to me to have your support. You must have truly suffered and this is a message of hope and redemption among so many other things. Looking forward to hearing from you.. All my best of luck and support to you and your Newt!! Elizabeth Moroz

Tom Woody
Date: 8/2/2023 5:10:00 AM

Hey that's much appreciated and I'll be sure to check out your stuff again in the future

Perry Campanella

Date: 7/31/2023 11:53:00 AM

Thank You Tom - note: I suffer from PTSD and I hate to go to bed as I have cat-naps like alva Edison & Al Einstein to rush the night away - I like your friends comments This needs to be read by all - Nice imagery too! Perry C.

Tom Woody
Date: 7/31/2023 12:49:00 PM

Sorry for your illness perry. Thanks for stopping by

Mystic Rose Rose

Date: 7/30/2023 5:28:00 PM

This is such an amazing prayer dear poet, they say God cannot resist an honest prayers such as this. Excellent message dear poet :)

Tom Woody
Date: 7/31/2023 5:50:00 AM

Appreciate your visit Rose

I Am Anaya

Date: 7/30/2023 1:08:00 PM

Epic! A devastating awareness, this needs to be read by all! I'm faving, POTD worthy!

Tom Woody
Date: 7/30/2023 1:50:00 PM

A potd would be nice. thx much anaya

Sotto Poet

Date: 7/30/2023 12:42:00 PM

Tom, your emotionally charged verse is profound and dramatic; it is an enthralling piece that is full of lyricism and metaphors. This heartfelt supplication makes its way down the poetry page in a way that is sure to strike a chord deep within.

Tom Woody
Date: 7/30/2023 12:44:00 PM

I'll always be an advocate for those who suffer or are lonely. Thx sotto

Suzette Richards

Date: 7/29/2023 10:49:00 PM

There is nothing to add without spoiling the moment. I have FAVed it, Tom. Thank you for sharing.

Tom Woody
Date: 7/30/2023 4:33:00 AM

Well, that's a nice start to my morning

Brandy Nicole

Date: 7/29/2023 7:40:00 PM

A new creature ! So wonderful indeed, having a clean slate. Knowing, sins are forgiven. My heart rejoices in this truth. :) Hugs, Brandy

Tom Woody
Date: 7/30/2023 4:33:00 AM

Thanks Brandy!

Judy Ball

Date: 7/29/2023 4:48:00 PM

Beautifully written and well expressed this speaks of one who wishes to leave the past behind and become a new creature. You can only do this by leaving all your cares at the feet of Jesus and He will lift you up from the abyss. Well done. God Bless, JB

Tom Woody
Date: 7/29/2023 5:12:00 PM

Yes, and many have. Thanks

The Situation

Date: 7/29/2023 4:16:00 PM

I don't take Baptism as mythological. It is as real as taking an oath.

Tom Woody
Date: 7/29/2023 4:22:00 PM

As a Christian I agree. Some of the references were mythological. Live long and prosper TS

Eve Roper

Date: 7/29/2023 3:44:00 PM

Your poetry always a pleasure to read. Words always with food to nourish the body. Thank you for the pleasure of being your friend.

Tom Woody
Date: 7/29/2023 4:07:00 PM

Wow! That's quite a nice thing to say. Ditto

Evelyn Judy Buehler

Date: 7/29/2023 1:54:00 PM

Tom, your heartfelt poem has beauty and depth, and holds such uplifting promise. It was a great pleasure to read this jewel. I hope your weekend is nice.

Tom Woody
Date: 7/29/2023 2:11:00 PM

So far so good. Thx Evelyn

Charlotte Puddifoot

Date: 7/29/2023 1:34:00 PM

i would call this prose poetry, which seems to be your forte; it's also a current popular style with editors and comp judges..i like the interweaving of mythology throughout the piece..i imagine it will impart hope and comfort to many who battle mental (and physical) illnesses

Tom Woody
Date: 7/29/2023 1:37:00 PM

Thanks for insight. I'll change it and yes, water has long been associated with cleansing; physically, spiritually, etc.

Susan Ashley

Date: 7/29/2023 8:26:00 AM

Dear Tom, your soulful verse is deep and dramatic, a captivating piece rich in poetic expression and metaphors. This plaintive plea eloquently spills down the poetic page to deeply touch the soul. An impassioned beauty! Warmest wishes, my friend.. ~Suze

Tom Woody
Date: 7/29/2023 9:27:00 AM

Yes, pity those who had terrible childhoods or who suffer from mental distress. Many bear guilt for no reason. Thanks for dropping by

Lisa Ricci

Date: 7/29/2023 6:50:00 AM

Hello Tom. Have a seat an let me ramble. You wrote with dignity and grace. You wrote with beauty and light. You wrote with humanity and feeling. Please allow me to let your words stand as there is nothing I could add. You obviously are a skilled and talented write. It is most evident in this entry alone. It was a pleasure turning to your page. You ended this well thought out entry on a beautiful note with hope for all. Thank you for sharing your talent. Take Care (smile)

Tom Woody
Date: 7/29/2023 9:25:00 AM

Happy you could stop by Lisa