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Wind From the Sea -- Re-Post

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I posted this poem back in 2015 but wanted to re-post it after hearing about the the California megachurch pastor committing suicide last week after a long battle with mental illness.   Jim Howard was a pastor of the Valencia campus of the 7,000-member Real Life Church.

Depression is a battle!!

The original post:

Andrew Wyeth spent most of his career doing watercolor painting of windows -- looking out windows and looking in windows . . .  very creative.  I have written a poem on one of his works entitled:  Wind From The Sea (below is the picture) this is my imagination and does not reflect Mr. Wyeth thoughts about his work.  I was hesitant to post this poem but was encouraged by a fellow souper, Eileen Manassian -- thank-you Little One.  Your words mean a lot to me!!

https://www.poetrysoup.com/images/bio_images/DavidMeade59001/photos/ps_Wyeth_Pic-7067.jpg

 

 

 

Inspired by Andrew Wyeth Watercolor Painting -- Wind From the Sea, 1947 Standing in the old house A strange mixture of feelings erupt within me My roommates Depression, Loneliness, and Hopelessness Greet me with strangling arms and leering grins I don’t fight them anymore – somehow they are a part me So together, in this house, in this room We endure the somber solitude of the day A sudden chill fills the room Death enters – its foul breath chokes me My three companions prostrate themselves Pressure builds in my bowels Bile rises in my throat A heavy weariness fills my bones He’s calling – hissing my name I can’t breath Death surrounds my soul – crushing me I hear groaning . . . Strange guttural sound -- it’s coming from me Deep painful darkness fills me I beg Death to take me . . . Through the open window A gush of wind enters A sheer curtain hanging comes to life It’s spirit lifts inwards and up beckoning me to dance What is this wonder? A limp ragged curtain – faded, stained, frail -- has life Reaching toward me . . . frayed fingers of thread motioning Old friends rush to me – Joy, Hope, Love Death’s grip slips – I gasp a breath Looking up I see the open window Boarded by old bare wood, hard with age I realize it’s daylight now – soft shadows A curving road leading to the water I can taste the saltiness in the wind Trees in the distance A calling from the sea Seagulls, waves, laughter Joy breaths into my nostrils Leave this place – Depression cannot hold you Simple pleasures I will give you Cool breeze on a summer afternoon Laughter of friends A walk in the garden A book The Sea . . . Depression laughs in my ears Through that window lies heartache, treachery, poverty, misery It will chew your insides up – blood will pour from your lips Pain and suffering awaits if you leave this house Death waits to take you home An end to this constant noise – the peace of total emptiness Another breeze and Hope fills my eyes with light I see colors – vibrant alive filling me with warmth Leave this place, take a journey to the sea Let light fill you and be your guide . . . see -- opportunities abound For laughter, love, forgiveness . . . for life – abundant life See the rainbow upon the Sea Hopelessness rushes toward me Kisses my lips and whispers Light burns and blinds Enslaves you They will see clearly your secrets Spotlight focus – ridicule scorn . . . ugly disgust . . . self-hatred Love rushes in and embraces me Light, fresh, empowering My heart leaps with pleasure Arm and arm she leads me to the window Much pain and sorrow – yes . . . also Love A powerful love that transforms, refreshes . . . frees Breathe deeply of the Sea air – fill your lungs Go – you are loved deeply and completely Looking out Looking in David Meade 01/07/2015 Live Generously Copyright © David Meade | Year Posted 2015

Copyright © | Year Posted 2019




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Date: 10/3/2020 4:59:00 PM
as powerful a poem as I have ever read - i recall when you first posted it saying it should have been poem of the year, perhaps knowing how many are struggling with life during covid it should now poem of the decade, hope you will be back with us again soon David:-) hugs jan xx
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David Meade
Date: 10/4/2020 11:20:00 AM
Ms. Jan, thank-you for your wonderful kind words. Isolation can be such a debilitating situation. Your word-hug was pure joy to my soul!
Date: 5/19/2020 12:33:00 PM
Many are not able to understand the depths of despair when grasped by depression’s long fingers. How darkness fills the soul with such melancholy one cannot leave their bed, though family and friends Think they are helping you by saying “snap out of it “. Your poem is a wonderful expression of this kind of depression. Excellent my friend! Love reigns! xxoo
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David Meade
Date: 10/4/2020 11:21:00 AM
Sorry for my late response -- but I agree, Love Reigns Supreme!
Date: 9/17/2019 2:04:00 AM
This is such a vivid portrait and so often felt by many - it should touch hearts and souls with it's truth. I trust in the Lord to lead me away from despair, but your poem is truly enchanting and love (especially GOD, who is Love, love) will take you back to joy and enchantment. God bless you - You're so talented. I'll fave your poem
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David Meade
Date: 10/4/2020 11:24:00 AM
Thank-you Regina, I hope you are well. No matter where you are -- the highest mountain or the lowest valley God's Love finds you! All the best and be safe!
Date: 9/15/2019 7:20:00 PM
Normally I recall you for your haiku but this longer poetry of yours is divine, David. I do not believe a person will penalized severely for committing suicide. There is only so much that some people can take. I like the point of view you used here.
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David Meade
Date: 9/16/2019 9:54:00 AM
Thank-you my dear friend . . . I do love the haiku, the simple structure and nature speak to my heart. Depression and suicide are strong foes that assault all of us in varying degrees . . . my hope, my prayer . . . we remain strong together, that we have open dialog and we encourage each other in our journey. I believe poetry is one way to explore these issues. Your kind words -- for I know you value your words -- made me smile from the inside out!! All the best -- live and love generously!

Book: Shattered Sighs