Home » Poems » Eileen Manassian » The Unseen Conflict

The Unseen Conflict

The conflict that I’ll never let you see
Is one that rages here inside of me
I face the day and smile away the pain
Yet deep inside these doubts drive me insane

I strive to show a strength I know I lack
For none must know my soul’s under attack
The monster is within and not without
To end my life is what he’s all about

My failures he recounts with vicious glee
To prove that there is nothing good in me
I shiver when I hear his venomed hiss
That tells me I’ll not taste of heaven’s bliss

He flays my sense of worth; I’m left to bleed
I writhe in anguish, longing to be freed
Each day, a battle’s fought inside my mind
I wonder if I’ll find my peace of mind

And so I fight these waves to reach the shore
Where tempests of my fear will scream no more
And yet my soul is sinking in despair
If God exists, I wonder, does He care?

A prayer bursts from my lips, a desperate plea
“Oh God, you know this storm inside of me
Reach out your hand and pull me from this wave
Please intervene and save me from the grave!”

A sweet and gentle calmness fills my soul
As I let go and give Him full control
I feel my soul revive and conflict cease
For in my heart now reigns the Prince of Peace.

Eileen Ghali

conflictiambic pentameter

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The Situation

Date: 9/12/2023 7:40:00 PM

It is a prayer. A good one I hope my latest coresponds with it.

Richard Lamoureux

Date: 7/16/2018 9:04:00 AM

Poignant words and a great finish to the piece.

Paul Callus

Date: 4/30/2018 7:55:00 AM

A very heartfelt emotional poem which speaks with sincerity about problems that many have to cope with, though with varying intensity and results. Admitting to our weak points is the right way forward. The positive ending is a show of strength which only faith can deliver. ~ Lovely to have you back from your travels:) Hugs // paul

Pashang Salehi

Date: 4/19/2018 11:27:00 AM

My Dear Eileen, the cold darkness in your poem remains, unseen, uncertain and unsure, but the hope is always there...Loved it..

Carl Fraser

Date: 4/17/2018 12:02:00 AM

Wow Eileen you took me to every place ive been in my mind when the enemy comes. Crying out to God is all we can do and hope somewhere in the midst of despair the comfortor will come. Great write my friend. Blessings Carl

James Marshall Goff

Date: 4/16/2018 10:23:00 AM

Hi Eileen, an eternal struggle it seems, giving in to God's Will can bring relief, often during the day I recite to myself Charles de Foucauld's "Prayer of Abandonment" I found this prayer card among my Dad's belongings after he had passed, wish I could have talked to him about it

FJ Thomas

Date: 4/16/2018 9:09:00 AM

Eileen Manassian Ghali your words will reach the very core of many. It will make them crash out of disbelief that someone understands so thoroughly what they are fighting: and it will raise them up because of the amazing ending you've left them with. Stay strong knowing that even from across the world you're not alone.

Richard Lamoureux
Date: 4/18/2018 8:11:00 AM

What a great comment Flo, you speak the truth.

Richard Lamoureux

Date: 4/16/2018 8:36:00 AM

An honest and impactful piece with a dash of hope to hang onto. Depression is a subject that many people suffer with in silence. Hugs Rick.

Richard Lamoureux
Date: 4/16/2018 8:37:00 AM

I wrote a piece titled Easter that I think you would appreciate.

Anne-Lise Andresen

Date: 4/16/2018 4:59:00 AM

- "Wave surfing" ... is very inhibitory and quality of life deteriorates when the soul is sad, dear Eileen - A deep and meaningful poem - Best wishes and hugs // Anne-Lise :)

Evelyn Knight

Date: 4/15/2018 9:19:00 PM

Eileen, the power we give into evil, may be his alone. Though these words have great rhythm as seen through your beautiful heart.

Eileen Manassian
Date: 4/16/2018 3:20:00 AM

Thank you, Evelyn. The university I work for hosted a writing contest recently, and I wanted to write about inner conflict. As a judge, I wanted to showcase something in the poetry domain. We had some great entries. I have found, however, that often people will be judgmental or apathetic at best, of the struggles we go through. Hoping to find happiness in a fellow human being is a futile attempt. I'm glad you enjoyed this write. Blessings, dear.

Ilene Bauer

Date: 4/15/2018 5:39:00 PM

i'm glad you've found what you need to help you cope, eileen. your anguish comes through loud and clear in your poem. maybe the knowlege of how much your poems are appreciated can help even a little bit to let you know how special you are...

Eileen Manassian
Date: 4/16/2018 3:22:00 AM

Thank you, dear. I wrote this to be read at an awards ceremony we had for the winners of the poetry and prose competition we recently held at the university. I'm glad you liked it. I do go through my fair share of struggles. If given a chance, God can bring a peaces that passes all understanding. Thanks for the visit, dear.

Carole Duet

Date: 4/15/2018 3:10:00 PM

A wonderful poem, Eileen. We have all fallen short in our life but God knows life is difficult and He always forgives the contrite heart.

Arturo Michael

Date: 4/15/2018 2:50:00 PM

Wonderful in every way...A beautiful poem, well written too...All the best Eileen

Eileen Manassian
Date: 4/16/2018 3:24:00 AM

Thank you, Arturo. I appreciate the visit and the comment. Blessings.

Jan Allison

Date: 4/15/2018 12:54:00 PM

I guess we all have inner demons intent on bringing us down, but we must remain strong and ride out the bad times of the insecurities within us. Love the uplifting ending Eileen:-) hugs jan xx

Eileen Manassian
Date: 4/16/2018 3:26:00 AM

It's easier at times than at others. I've been struggling a bit lately. My husband is in the US on business and it's an extended trip. Being alone for a month isn't easy for me, so I'm going to travel to Cyprus tomorrow to be with my dad and step-mom. Fortunately, a day of classes has been canceled so I can have a few days of reprieve from the loneliness. Hugs, sweetie.