David Crandall | + Follow Poet |
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The Journey Within

Shall I embark on a dangerous journey -
    into the realm within?
I pretend to know it, 
    but it is largely unexplored.
Much of it abandoned and forgotten,
    cordoned off and forsaken,
      with signs that say, "Warning: Keep Out".
    Deep caves and winding caverns,
      hide a variety of ogres and fiends: 
        the monsters of memory,
        the demons of despair,
        the devils of desire and disappointment,
        the dark angels of anger and abuse.
Could it be that among these treacheries,
    I might also discover
      overlooked hidden treasures:
        vulnerability,
        kindness and empathy
        and, just maybe, even 
the forgotten capacity to love?

Copyright © David Crandall | Year Posted 2025

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Terry Miller Date: 8/21/2025 2:46:00 AM A vivid allegory of the inner landscape, and honest acknowledgment of painful memories and emotions, well written, congratulations Login to Reply David Crandall Date: 8/21/2025 2:29:00 PM Thanks Terry, I appreciate your comments!

Reason A. Poteet Date: 8/20/2025 6:44:00 AM Well-written, David. I like your contrasting elements of your memory's journey. It is so real as we grow older and older, more memories I'd guess?? Congrats on your win and kudoes on a thought-provoking piece. Login to Reply David Crandall Date: 8/20/2025 7:47:00 PM Thank you, Reason, glad you liked it!

Constance La France Date: 8/19/2025 9:28:00 PM David, congratulations on your win in my J With Four Options contest. Your poem is well done and I like it, Constance Login to Reply David Crandall Date: 8/20/2025 7:44:00 PM Thanks, Constance, glad you liked it!

Paula Goldsmith Date: 8/19/2025 12:11:00 PM Congratulations on your win. I enjoyed reading your creative/wonderful "The Journey Within" write. Love is very powerful... Have a blessed day with your win....... Login to Reply David Crandall Date: 8/20/2025 7:44:00 PM Thanks Paula!

Gershon Wolf Date: 8/4/2025 7:32:00 PM Interesting question you pose... And after all, doesn't 'Love' pose more danger for those who take on its challenge than anything else in the world? Login to Reply David Crandall Date: 8/4/2025 8:37:00 PM Yes, love is dangerous!

Bill Baker Date: 8/4/2025 5:05:00 PM Very intriguing and mindful poetry, David. I really enjoyed reading the variety of things included in your inward journey. Thanks for sharing your thoughts through your delightful poetry, my friend. Write On! Bill Login to Reply David Crandall Date: 8/4/2025 6:25:00 PM Thanks Bill, appreciate your comments!