Robert Sidwell Poet Other

Shackles

“I am my own worst enemy. This, more than any other trait, proves my fundamental humanity.”  Dean Koontz

I know there is something bright above me
I can feel its brilliance 
I want to rise above this earth to join it
I can lift a few inches, but something is holding me back
I try to break free 
I realize 
I am not just being held
I am being grasped, tied, and violently restrained to the point that
I am sinking into the dirt and the mud that surrounds me until all 
I see is black
I feel my mouth and nostrils fill with muck
I threaten to suffocate 
I desperately wish for light, for air and - there it is.  Such Joy!
I am again rising to the light.  Why would 
I want anything else?  But, 
I can only lift a few inches.  Something is holding me back.

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Anisha Dutta February 15, 2024 at 7:59 PM Very beautiful. Big Congrats to win. Blessings Robert Sidwell February 16, 2024 at 9:13 AM Thank you Anisha!

Valsa George February 14, 2024 at 7:38 PM From the quagmire, we try to come out, but we are held to it by some negative forces. Even if we can't soar high, if we can stay a few inches above, that's enough. 'The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak'. Powerfully presented. Congratulations on your well-deserved win, dear Robert. Robert Sidwell February 15, 2024 at 10:16 AM Thank you, Valsa! I love your positive view that even if we can only stay a few inches above, that’s enough.

Sara Kendrick February 14, 2024 at 9:36 AM Very impressive winning work. Way to go.Thanks for sharing your talent with us. Congratulations. Sara K Robert Sidwell February 14, 2024 at 10:22 AM Thanks, Sara!

Constance La France February 14, 2024 at 5:57 AM Robert, congratulations on your win in my contest, love the quote, blessings, Constance Robert Sidwell February 14, 2024 at 8:57 AM I’ve seen so many fantastic entries, it is a great honor to even receive a placement. Thank you!

Andrea Dietrich February 4, 2024 at 3:43 PM oh my and at the end you are still not free of it. Great job with that word! Robert Sidwell February 5, 2024 at 10:03 AM Thank you, Andrea!

Ink Empress February 3, 2024 at 11:45 AM This is so powerful and brilliant how youv expressed here. I can resonate with that feeling and i see so many fighting to find the light and drowning in darkness and all that around, constant push and pull it is, a fight that many continue with and that last line just hits deep: pleasure reading your work: best wishes for the contest Robert Sidwell February 3, 2024 at 4:03 PM I am truly grateful for your words. Thank you