Notes About The Poem
March.27.2024
This or That, Vol.24. Poetry Contest
Sponsor- Edward Ibeh
~ Placed First~

 

Wounded Sigh

The sun has long receded from the sky, Pallid gloom invades the wintry air, Morbid silence hangs over him, Memory sleeps like hibernating toads. Trees stand bare with no leaves to array, The Earth lies shielded in its icy crust, There is stillness, the stillness of the grave, Breaking it, a fox is heard howling afar. Feeling utterly down, discouraged, and weak, How he longs to overcome the emptiness he feels Even nature looks dull and devoid of life. Depression takes hold over him and his soul sighs. Despondent lies he, in his battered shack, With a run-out lantern throwing pale light, It burns sending spouts of fume, Like the last breath of the dying soul. Tormented beyond endurance, In excruciating pain, he writhed. The tears that flowed from his eyes Could easily make a swelling sea. Once mirages of hope danced before his eyes But he is now devoured by dark clouds of solitude, Behind a wall of emptiness, he now gropes. He is in the throes of utter dereliction. Hungry for affection in a desolate arena He once fought like a losing gladiator. Every passing day was like a decade. Everything was damp, life was mildewed. Now he seeks redemption from all torments. Lying in the darkness that has become his life, He stares into empty nothingness. He longs for death to come on swift wings. Deserted by everyone, he awaits the dark space, To lie unattended six feet underneath. He wishes to be devoured by the Grim Reaper Who is no longer his enemy, but a bosom friend. He listens intently for advancing steps, Of his long-awaited companion, sure to come, To deliver him of his baneful state, To row him away across the frozen seas.
Copyright © | Year Posted 2024

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Ibeh Avatar
April 8, 2024 at 6:11 PM
This is a spectacular poem with such captivating imagery, Valsa. I love the 2nd stanza! Heartiest congratulations on your top win in my contest!
McBride  Avatar
April 2, 2024 at 7:19 PM
Love your story telling gift in writing, to give one in so many ways true wisdom, knowledge and understanding to seek in this life.
Poet Avatar
March 30, 2024 at 3:38 PM
Dear Valsa, As the protagonist begs for death to arrive soon, the poem explores themes of desolation and yearning for liberation. A close companion's death serves to underscore the character's severe loneliness and unease in their environment. The poem delves deeply into human suffering, capturing the profound feelings of despair and the need for calm in the face of insurmountable gloom. BOL with the contest
George Avatar
March 29, 2024 at 3:15 AM
What a great entry Valsa. Loved so much lines here. "Memory sleeps like hibernating toads." Exactly how my memory be operating these days. Great one dear.
Rolland Avatar
March 27, 2024 at 11:27 PM
this is both so scary and deep, but everyone ca think of that, thanks for the ebautifully written poem yann
Baker Avatar
March 27, 2024 at 10:25 PM
WOW! great entry for the contest, Valsa. A terrifying tale of loss of all meaning in life only to befriend the Grim Reaper as he awaits death with open arms. Very engaging poetry, my dear friend. Good luck in the contest! Hugs, Bill
One Avatar
March 27, 2024 at 1:58 PM
The theme of abandonment and longing for release is palpable throughout the poem, culminating in the protagonist's desperate plea for death to 'come on swift wings.' The metaphor of death as a 'bosom friend' highlights the profound alienation experienced by the protagonist, who sees no solace in the world around him. Overall, this poem is a poignant exploration of the human condition, capturing the raw intensity of despair and the yearning for peace in the face of overwhelming darkness."
Empress Avatar
March 27, 2024 at 11:22 AM
Dear sweet valsa, another of your poems that left me speechless in awe of how youv expressed and described the wounded sighs of this character in your poem, is poignant and soul stirring really. Your opening lines were brilliant, and your use of metaphors and descriptive diction throughout really stood out for me! I absolutely love the flow also and how youve ended it on a very touching note. Youv really written a poem that would stay in the readers mind for a long time, swelling frozen seas and isolation etc ans all that he has endured that youv captured and delivered here is so heartfelt and brilliant! Eloquent word weaving! Pleasure reading this! A fave it is again
Narain Avatar
March 27, 2024 at 10:52 AM
A very sad poem with talented penning and imagery. Sure winner.
Buhagiar Avatar
March 27, 2024 at 3:40 AM
A sad poem really, but written in perfect imagery. You describe emotions so well.
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