When My Life Changed

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August- 17- 2025

When My Life Changed Poetry Contest

Sponsor- Kai Michael Neumann


 

In a dreary mood, bent and broken,
With an ailment that crippled my life
I lay bedridden for many a month
With every muscle weakened by arthritis 
And every nerve radiating the pain

Dull were the days and sore were the nights,
Time slouched on in mechanical beats,
Mind devoid of any buoyant thoughts,
Senses shut to every cheery throb of life,
I lay awake, day and night staring at the ceiling.

Never a smile lighted up my face,
Nor a gleam of hope brightened up my brain.
Inertia crept over from head to foot.
I had long lost my zest for life.
With my life sap drained out like an empty well,
All I felt was the burn of scalding drought.

Nothing could move my grief laden soul,
None could lift the weight off my back,
Embers of fire sparked from the anvil of my heart,
Heaves of sighs escaped my parched mouth,
I wriggled and writhed in unspeakable pain,
My spirits sank deeper into a slithery marsh,
I saw around only a thick pall of gloom,
Or was it a projection of my own self?

Anguish gnawed my nerves and sinews,
Flames of pain danced within my spine,
I felt my head wobbling and reeling,
And the heavy weight of lead all around my neck.
Felt being pushed down to abysmal depths,
And the octopus tightening its tentacles all around.
“Who on earth will set me free?
What on earth can lift me up?”

With thundering force, the question shook my weary self.
I sprang to my feet and broke the binding chains,
I found I was but in self – exile,
A captive entrapped within boundless space.

I saw the door opening to infinite lengths,
And the arched horizon looming larger than life,
Unbroken, I spread my wings and propelled up,
And darted through the clouds to distant shores.

Who would have thought, my life would change this way!

(Own Story)

Copyright © | Year Posted 2025



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Date: 8/18/2025 5:12:00 AM
we can stop sufferings with help, i was sad at the beginning, but the ending change destiny and nature of the poem, this is so emotional, thanks poet
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Date: 8/18/2025 4:56:00 AM
This is a sight of pure beauty. Your rhythmic echoes and vivid imagery bring such delight, dear Valsa. The melody of the poem unfolds with grace, a delight from beginning to end. Such qualities rendered you an outstanding scribe, a radiant beacon of celestial glow. Your verse breathes with determination, woven with threads of hope. I find delight in the joyful conclusion. It brings me happiness to learn you rise anew from arthritis. Wishing you well in the contest.
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Date: 8/18/2025 2:26:00 AM
I am happy that you recovered. I have a little arthritis but not too much. Keep healthy. Victor from Malta.
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Date: 8/17/2025 7:11:00 PM
I was drawn into your poem. I enjoy the happy ending. I'm glad you're well.
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Date: 8/17/2025 5:14:00 PM
wow! Valsa! What a brave soul you are with such an enduring spiriting. I could feel such intense pain and the sad feeling of insanity that comes when one is so immobilized. Thanks for sharing something so deeply personal. Your poem is inspirational, filled with hope. Best wishes with the contest, hugs, Sara
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Date: 8/17/2025 4:55:00 PM
Faith, coming to Christ in a profound deeper, abiding way -- all is possible with God. A little different malady than yours, but I suffered also for 40 years -- smiles I could count on one hand. That's what made you a splendid writer, and a wonderful, shinning center of Divine Light. Brava! Magnificent write. A bit painful for me to read, because I could so intimately relate...while a great joy, for the manifest beauty I would otherwise not have come to know.
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Date: 8/17/2025 1:44:00 PM
A captivating story of your life? I enjoyed reading it today. Sometimes we are prisoners of something internal, and we can choose to work to be set free. It isn't easy but it can be done. Arthritis can have periods of remission, and we can enjoy a time without all the pain and problems it gives us. Emotions though have to be worked out. Thank you for sharing this one with us. Sara K
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Date: 8/17/2025 1:02:00 PM
WOW!!! I enjoyed reading your powerful write/story. Great Ending... Glad you are OK... "Good Luck" Have a blessed/wonderful day writing away............
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