Notes About The Poem

Forgiveness or Solitude Poetry Contest

12/8/24

Sponsored by Ink Empress

Streets of Solitude

It sometimes feels like I am the only one on the street
that is suffering from the pain of an addicted child
I know the feeling that this may be the time I lose him
as he lies in an ICU bed unconscious

It feels like I am walking in solitude
when someone asks me how I am doing
yet, I know they really don't want to know
and it's easier just to say "I'm Fine" than tell the truth

It feels like I am the only one in the world who has had to call
EMS when my son lies in his apartment so drunk that
he can't move and a part of me feels like I can't move
I can't go forward and I am stuck in solitude.
Copyright © | Year Posted 2024

Poem

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Campbell Avatar
January 16, 2025 at 8:04 PM
Well presented piece of poetry.
Hassall Avatar
January 18, 2025 at 7:59 AM
Thank you, John!
Grimm Avatar
January 14, 2025 at 7:37 AM
Your pain is shared with the reader. God Bless
Hassall Avatar
January 14, 2025 at 2:32 PM
Thanks, David!
Harp Avatar
December 31, 2024 at 9:41 PM
Dear Kathleen, it sure must feel that way, and this came across in this very well crafted poem. The downside of solitude, and the suffering of so many. Bless you in your healing.
Hassall Avatar
January 1, 2025 at 3:30 AM
Thank you, Moon Harp. Writing about it, helps make the pain more bearable for me.
Cummings Avatar
December 31, 2024 at 11:07 AM
The pain and numbness leap at the reader. Very well done. More importantly - may peace visit all those who battle the lonely suffering, the victim and those who love them.
Hassall Avatar
January 1, 2025 at 3:28 AM
Thank you, Kevin. I often find myself praying for not only myself and my family, but others who are experiencing this agony!
De Beaulieu Avatar
December 30, 2024 at 11:44 AM
Hello Kathleen Hassall, there are many parents that suffer with an addicted child. Your not the only one. There are other people that feel the same as you do. Enjoy your day my friend. /Darlene/
De Beaulieu Avatar
December 31, 2024 at 10:34 AM
Hello Kathleen Hassall, I do think you are right. It is a lonely journey for parents in this awful situation. Happy New Year. Hugs. Darlene
Hassall Avatar
December 30, 2024 at 4:28 PM
Thank you, Darlene. I have found that there are indeed a lot of parents in this awful situation, but it feels like a very lonely journey.
Greener Avatar
December 30, 2024 at 8:01 AM
It's well written and very sad reflecting on a family member going through this is quite unimaginable.
Hassall Avatar
December 30, 2024 at 4:29 PM
Thank you, Dexter. It is a very difficult journey.
Swan Avatar
December 29, 2024 at 3:38 PM
What a consuming ache. I've experienced a different but similar ache with an adult child, but ten years later celebrate the grace of seeing her now with her own daughter and some peace. I can also recall the well meant questions that I didn't want to answer. I found 'Its not great, but it's a long story' helped people stop with the follow up questions. I'm hoping that grace has touched your life too. J :)
Hassall Avatar
December 30, 2024 at 4:30 PM
Jeanette, "consuming" is very acurate. Thank you for your kind words.
Empress Avatar
December 17, 2024 at 9:27 AM
Dear kathleen, this feels like a very sincere and personal poem and i deeply felt the emotions expressed throughout this in such an effortless manner. Its so very poignant and sad, i cant even imagine…So very well written too, thank you for sharing. Congratulations on your placement. Sending you light today and always
Hassall Avatar
December 17, 2024 at 6:55 PM
Thank you! This one hurt a little to write, but it felt good to share some of my pain. It makes it a little easier to bear.
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