Vertical Binds

probing rays of light
spill through
my window pain

my mind wanders
between shadow and fray

I exhale a faint whisper
into the stagnant
life hovering around me

energy awakens and begins 
a dizzy stumbling dance

the sun searches for my presence
in this otherwise dim and lonely space 

a hot touch finds my face

I squint as if staring 
at the abusive hand
of a dead lover

I recoil in a harsh memory laid to rest

haunted specters
edge through unfulfilled spaces

I lie stoic listening for time to move
I step up on a stair
spiraling down to a
door of self-doubt
that has rotted with age

the hinges have rusted,
and a drunken handle is 
dangling

a window of self-blame 
fogged by anxious ventilation 
curdles inside its frame

it slams wide-shut
when confronted
with any shudder of pain

a bucket of trauma spills over revealing memories 
unsettling and stark

but suddenly, a cosmic rain of tears 
pours down from above

it washes the fear, branded to my heart
I am showered in healing and unconditional love

memories may surface in soft places, 
but I won't be bound,
by the fear or inadequacy
that tore me down

I will never allow my
self-worth to be invaded,
nor my soul, to ever again be degraded
Copyright © | Year Posted 2019

Poem

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Peck Avatar
March 19, 2022 at 12:37 PM
I love your poetry, Gabrielle - deep and thought-provoking. I especially love your last stanza. So happy to find you :)
La France Avatar
September 22, 2019 at 10:05 AM
Gabrielle, beautifully written !
Thayer Avatar
March 20, 2019 at 7:48 AM
Love this, nicely done! Vickie Thayer
Mcferran Avatar
January 27, 2019 at 6:58 PM
Sorry I missed this one, I haven't been on here nearly as often lately!! As always, I love your thoughtful phrasing and apt metaphors. Your work has something to be savored in every line... well done! ;)
Faulkner Avatar
January 22, 2019 at 2:47 PM
This is exquisite, love the lines 'listening for time to move' and 'lurked by anxious ventilation', so perfectly captures the mood of apprehension!
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