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The Empty Chair

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The Empty Chair

Daniel Henry Rodgers

“The wound is the place where the Light enters you.” – Rumi

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I leave the sun-dappled autumn sidewalk, entering the office The empty chair there lingers. dark tendrils coiling in my mind— my blind rage pleading for quiet healing. flashbacks clash like striking thunder opening buried treasures of truth. and in that final brand searing cry My heart reborn, mindlessly adrift in spectral mist. I gladly depart as sleet glazes, streets so slick…..

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Sara Kendrick

Date: 1/29/2025 5:45:00 AM

Creative and it speaks of some deep emotional pain. Powerful writing. Thanks for sharing.. Sara K

Daniel Henry Rodgers
Date: 1/30/2025 5:56:00 AM

Dear Sara, It is always a great pleasure to see your comments. The counselor is coming out in me on this one. Winter Blessings, My Dear Friend, Daniel

Debbie Duncan

Date: 1/17/2025 4:30:00 PM

Nicely done, thanks for reading my Contentment poem

Daniel Henry Rodgers
Date: 1/30/2025 5:55:00 AM

Dear Debbie, Thank you so much, my newest friend, and I am very appreciative. Winter Blessings, My Dear friend, Daniel

Terrell Martin

Date: 1/9/2025 5:38:00 AM

Hi Daniel, fellow poet Tom Woody (here in PS) suggested I come check you out and I'm certainly not disappointed. Love your last 2 lines and can't wait to read more of your fine work. TY for the uplift. Best regards, Terrell

Daniel Henry Rodgers
Date: 1/14/2025 10:17:00 AM

Hello Terrell, Thanks for reading one of my counseling poems. I am glad that you liked it and commented. I look forward to a new year with our new friendship. Winter Blessings, My Friend, Daniel

JCB Brul

Date: 12/8/2024 8:15:00 PM

Oh, what a a profound write! This poem took my breath away with imagery that is so powerful, particularly the "dark tendrils " and "spectral mist". The contrasts between light and dark both in setting and emotional tone creating a vivid journey through transformation. looking forward to read more of your poems. Warm wishes. ^__^

Daniel Henry Rodgers
Date: 12/16/2024 8:59:00 AM

Dear Jcb, Sorry, I got a little behind in my responses due to some commitments for the season. I am most grateful for your visit and your wonderful thoughts on my poem. Autumn Blessings, My Dear Friend, Daniel

Susan Ashley

Date: 12/6/2024 5:43:00 PM

Dear Daniel, I enjoyed the contrast of the lively sidewalk to the staid atmosphere of the "office", where there sits, you and an "empty chair". The contrasts continue where the feeling is pensive; seeking peace but there's rage and waiting for painful recollections to be 'liberated' from "buried treasures of truth". The duality of emotions is expressed with striking, passionate imagery. The atmosphere of your last line is dreary but represents reality, or a slippery slope, I think because of emotions still unresolved. Enlightenment comes at a cost. The Rumi quote is deep and fits your poem perfectly. Warmest wishes, my poet friend. Your golden pen shines! ~Susan

Daniel Henry Rodgers
Date: 12/16/2024 8:57:00 AM

Dear Susan, You have a great sense of the poem and saw many of the things I was trying to convey. I am always grateful when another poet looks deeply into the poem and you filled my heart. Autumn Blessings, My Dear Friend, Daniel

Mike Bayles

Date: 12/2/2024 7:46:00 AM

The poem, does indeed, speak of big changes. I studied psychology and saw Gestalt therapy in action, the empty chair exercise. Amazing.

Daniel Henry Rodgers
Date: 12/2/2024 10:02:00 AM

Hello Milke, Ahh, someone who knows where this came from. I am a therapist by trade, and yes, Fritz Perl was one of the creators of the Empty Chair, which he placed in his Gestalt modality. It is shameful that not a lot of people follow Gestalt anymore now that the 3rd wave therapies have taken the world by storm. Are you a therapist by chance? Autumn Blessings, My Friend, Daniel

Malabika Ray Choudhury

Date: 12/1/2024 4:27:00 PM

Dear Daniel, I truly enjoyed your poem - a dramatic monologue. I am always interested in this poetic form, from when I read Robert Browning's "My Last Duchess". Your title is really striking, it feels mysterious, deep and thoughtful. Will look forward to reading more of your poems delving into complexities of our mind. Autumn wishes ~ Mala

Daniel Henry Rodgers
Date: 12/2/2024 9:59:00 AM

Dear Malabika, I am thrilled that you came, read, and gave insightful introspections. That is a great Browning read! Obviously, he is one of the masters. I too look forward to reading many of your poems. Autumn Blessings, My Dear Friend, Daniel

David Crandall

Date: 12/1/2024 4:14:00 PM

Hi Daniel, I guess "the truth will set you free".

Daniel Henry Rodgers
Date: 12/2/2024 9:57:00 AM

Hello David, It is true that the truth can set you free. Thank you for your visit and comments. Autumn Blessings, My Friend, Daniel

Brandy Nicole

Date: 11/30/2024 5:28:00 PM

' My heart reborn. ' I'm thinking on a different level here. The chair is empty, after ' opening buried treasures of truth. ' Looking on the lighter side, and that's a good thing. :) That's how I see your poem, anyway. This is so beautifully written and presented, my dear friend. Many wonderful blessings to you. :) Hugs, Brandy

Daniel Henry Rodgers
Date: 11/30/2024 5:44:00 PM

Dear Brandy, what a delightful visit with wonderful cathartic insights. The empty chair can represent so many things including past relationships and/or troubling thoughts. I hope you had a wonderful weekend. Thank You for beautiful comments. Autumn Blessings, My Dear Friend, Daniel

Duke Beaufort

Date: 11/30/2024 7:21:00 AM

Hi Daniel, healing and contemplation fascinate. You give those of us who may be in need of help a lot to think about. What I take from this is that it takes considerable time and effort to review where we've been and to transform how we think about past events. I think the thing that helped me the most was finally realizing that some flashbacks and memories could teach me a lesson about who I could be today provided I could look at a troubling past event or series of events without longing or regret. It now seems to me it took a long time, and I was somewhat foolish to beat myself up for something that I could not change. I can only alter how I feel about it now and understand why it happened the way it did. It's like sunshine and smiles pervading all when that happens! All the work and difficulty seem worth the peace that comes through this kind of process you describe. The pain can be difficult to bear alone.

Daniel Henry Rodgers
Date: 11/30/2024 5:39:00 PM

Hey Duke! You should have been a therapist. I really appreciate your thoughts here. It’s fascinating how you’ve connected healing to the process of reflecting on our past without regret. Very cathartic in so many ways. So many of my clients are stuck in the past even when the ones who brought them pain have passed away. Trauma and complex trauma have severely damaged some and the Therapy can be like finding sunshine after a storm—so much warmth in that realization! Autumn Blessings, My Dear Friend, Daniel

Hilda Greenhough

Date: 11/26/2024 2:59:00 AM

Intrinsic and thoughtful, your poetry delves into the readers memories. The empty chair captures universal loneliness.

Daniel Henry Rodgers
Date: 11/26/2024 7:30:00 AM

Dear Hilda, How wonderful to see your comments this morning. There is truly a universal loneliness in the world and I hope to be part of some of their healing. Autumn Blessings, My Dear Friend, Daniel

Paige Hind

Date: 11/25/2024 1:19:00 PM

"Into the spectral mist" "strees so slick" even in healing one should seem to be wary...I read this a few times. :)

Daniel Henry Rodgers
Date: 11/26/2024 7:29:00 AM

Dear Paige, First, I am very appreciative that you took the time to read it several times. What more could a poet ask? There is much hurt in the world, and I hope to help someone take a healthy step forward. Autumn Blessings, My Dear Friend, Daniel

Silent One

Date: 11/25/2024 12:26:00 PM

I liked how your poem explores the complexity of inner emotional conflict, drawing the reader into your tumultuous internal world. Through powerful imagery of rage, memory, and rebirth, the poem conveys a journey of personal transformation, where emotional release leads to a form of rebirth but leaves the speaker in a state of uncertainty and detachment. The interplay between peace and turmoil, light and darkness, creates a sense of emotional depth and introspection, suggesting that healing, though transformative, can also be disorienting and ambiguous.

Daniel Henry Rodgers
Date: 11/26/2024 7:27:00 AM

Hello SO, I was very grateful to read your insightful comments on my poem. There are so many aspects of time that have hurt and healed individuals, and sometimes they have to come to the full acceptance that what has happened cannot be changed but only accepted. Thank You! Autumn Blessings, My Friend, Daniel

Victor Buhagiar

Date: 11/25/2024 5:36:00 AM

What great introspection in your verse. Emotion abounds. The past can hurt, but you are strong and can forgive and forget.

Daniel Henry Rodgers
Date: 11/26/2024 7:25:00 AM

Dear Victor, I was delighted to read your note this morning. As a counselor, I see so many past hurts that keep many from moving on. I do pray for everyone of my clients to find healing in many ways. Autumn Blessings, My Dear Friend, Daniel

Ink Empress

Date: 11/25/2024 2:17:00 AM

Dear daniel, the picture youv used for this poem here is so thought provoking and made me think deep. Youv used a very deep quote and i agree the wound is where the light enters you, i tell those that are hurting to face it all to heal completely as thats the way to heal really. And i see you in this poem, sometimes even therapists too need a listener or maybe therapy too, as I know many that do. I especially loved the opening lines in this , as it felt so honest, and poetically raw,” The empty chair there lingers. dark tendrils coiling in my mind— my blind rage pleading for quiet healing.” soul hitting really! Powerful poem! I loved this, and is a fave for me! Sending you light always

Daniel Henry Rodgers
Date: 11/25/2024 5:33:00 AM

Dear Empress, Again welcome back to PS! As always your words touched me deeply and I'm grateful for your thoughtful reflection on my poem. As a counselor I know it's true as you stated that even those who help others need that healing self care.Thank you for seeing the honesty in my work and for your unwavering support. Your encouragement is a beacon of light in my creative journey. Sending you warmth and gratitude always. Autumn Blessings, My Dear Friend, Daniel

Michael Tor

Date: 11/24/2024 12:26:00 PM

Memories of past wrongs can haunt us unless we release its affect on us. Nicely written with a truthful message Daniel. Thanks for sharing my friend. Sotto Poet was spot on with his comment. God bless you my friend.

Daniel Henry Rodgers
Date: 11/24/2024 6:19:00 PM

Hello Michael, I am very grateful to read your comments today and I was happy to see your insights. Yes many memories can haunt for a lifetime if not addressed. Autumn, Blessings, My Dear Friend, Daniel

Sotto Poet

Date: 11/24/2024 7:57:00 AM

Dear Daniel, such outstanding poetry on the internal battle of a person struggling with inner upheaval and the search for healing amid disaster. It contrasts the beauty of the outside world with the turbulence within, implying a feeling of renewal and transformation. Blessings dear friend

Daniel Henry Rodgers
Date: 11/24/2024 6:17:00 PM

Hello Sotto, it was a great feeling to read your note today with your insights. I am very thankful for your words. Autumn Blessings, My Dear Friend, Daniel

John Read

Date: 11/24/2024 5:45:00 AM

There's an empty chair in my home since the passing of my dear wife, I still visualize her sitting there, everyone who visits seems to know and never uses her chair.

Daniel Henry Rodgers
Date: 11/24/2024 6:15:00 PM

Ahh Dear John, my heart goes out to you and I am glad that you have many great and loving memories of her. Autumn Blessings, My Dear Friend, Daniel

Andrea Dietrich

Date: 11/23/2024 11:05:00 PM

Love this one. It gets right to the point with great imagery and wonderful use of assonance in the last two lines

Daniel Henry Rodgers
Date: 11/24/2024 6:13:00 PM

Dear Andrea, i appreciate your insights and seeing some of my literary tools in this one. Every now and again I have something shorter to say with less complexity. lol! Autumn Blessings, My Dear Friend, Daniel

Evelyn Judy Buehler

Date: 11/23/2024 5:42:00 PM

Daniel, your heartfelt poem is very positive and moving. Thank you for sharing this gem. Blessings and hugs.

Daniel Henry Rodgers
Date: 11/24/2024 6:11:00 PM

Dear Evelyn, I am so grateful for your wonderful comments. Autumn Blessings, My Dear Friend, Daniel

Jennifer Proxenos

Date: 11/23/2024 1:34:00 PM

Your poem is profound Daniel, your professional advise to each patient coming in, and sitting opposite you each with an upset, a trauma or a complicated life, I feel from your words, a heartfelt approach, a hand extended to them in faith and healing of heart, mind and soul. A definite fave for.me. Hope you are well my friend. Blessings Jennifer.

Daniel Henry Rodgers
Date: 11/24/2024 6:10:00 PM

Dear Jennifer, thank you for you confidence building comments and they filled my heart. I am very appreciative for the fav! Autumn Blessings, My Dear Friend, Daniel

Kim Rodrigues

Date: 11/23/2024 9:47:00 AM

You leave us pondering, curling around profound words, the wonder of your imagery and seeking out the meaning, not asking for it, but as if it is a maze, walking the various rooms to delight in the rage, the sadness, the catharsis!A fave! Hugs from a fan <3

Daniel Henry Rodgers
Date: 11/23/2024 11:53:00 AM

Dearest Kim, what a joy to always see your words of encouragement and wisdom. Trauma comes in so many different flavors and levels that it is always a challenge as a therapist to come up with the best modality to helping each client navigate that maze. I know for me I pray that the Holy Spirt will give me the capability and wisdom to depart on each client. I am so thankful to call you my friend. Autumn Blessings, My Dear Friend, Daniel

Tania Kitchin

Date: 11/23/2024 4:53:00 AM

Daniel, a thought provoking poem, full of emotion. well penned.

Daniel Henry Rodgers
Date: 11/23/2024 11:49:00 AM

Dear Tania, I am very appreciative and grateful for your words. Autumn Blessings, My Dear Friend, Daniel

Di11y Da11y

Date: 11/23/2024 1:33:00 AM

Interesting poem Daniel - empty chairs are evocative, my mind placed the therapist in the chair that could conjure whomever needed to hear what had to be said by the client opening up in order to set them free. I liked the use of coiling tendrils then mist to evoke feelings of something trapped being released. My interpretation perhaps would invert the autumn day and the sleet though, so I might be off course. Good thought provoker :)

Daniel Henry Rodgers
Date: 11/23/2024 11:47:00 AM

Dear DD, first and foremost I was very delighted to see your insights and such words of wisdom. I debated with my self about the placement of the first line and the last line and came to this thought. Many of my clients want to feel good about their lives and when things are good they are good but when things aren’t then everything’s bad. The happy first line shows that emotions are buried deep inside that comes out in session. The last line shows healing that even though life has its ups and downs I can find satisfaction and acceptance in all things. Autumn Blessings, My Dear Friend, Daniel

Tom Cunningham

Date: 11/23/2024 12:41:00 AM

An empty chair can stir up painful memories of the past. It's hard to move on sometimes. Tom

Daniel Henry Rodgers
Date: 11/23/2024 11:39:00 AM

Dear Tom, you are so right that for some it is very difficult to move beyond their pain and suffering especially in trauma cases. I pray that I can be a beacon to their healing. Thank You so much for your friendship! Autumn Blessings, My Dear Friend, Daniel