For me one of the hardest things to deal with is the fear and anxiety that comes with dealing with a chronic incurable illness. The future is uncertain and it's easy to get sucked into fear that creates anxiety...and anxiety can amplify the pain and discomfort, making it unbearable. Playing mandolin and writing helps me to express those feelings and exorcize some of the anxiety. I thought I'd share a poem I wrote while experiencing a dark time when I felt helpless and hopeless. After writing the poem I felt a lot better. It starts dark but ends a bit brighter.
Fear
by Alan Duncan
Fear crept in like a fog
That covered a sinking bog,
Sucking down into its deep pool
Any nearby wandering fool.
A cold damp sweats the air;
Icy fingers rip and tear,
Pulling down while reaching
To grasp white bones bleaching.
Images of black despair
Framed the walls of fear's lair,
A collage of dying dreams
Drowned by primal screams.
Is there nothing to bring peace,
Forcing fear to cease
Its foul quest to control
Each aimless drifting soul.
What purpose can we seek
To tame the clawing reek
That oozes from self pity,
An odor of fear for all to see.
The world's shiny machines
Cavort with grunts and gleams,
Sparking lights to scatter gloom
And scare away impending doom.
And yet their ceaseless toil,
As elements return to soil,
Halts amidst piles of rust
Seduced by time's lust.
Where then can hope be found;
From what source a joyful sound
To soothe fear's evil breath,
And scatter visions of death.
In each heart a spark of light,
Straining to burst bright,
Illuminating a passioned plea,
Seeking grace and empathy.
Follow the light to fear's demise;
Stare into it's hollow eyes,
And laugh at the empty gaze
As memory fades with the lifting haze.
Fear creeps out silently,
Transparent now, eyes see
Hope illuminated by love's light,
Heaven bourne by angel's flight.
Wow, that was really good! thank you I think poetry is so therapeutic. These are unguarded words from your heart. Thanks for sharing your heart. You have talent. Thanks for sharing your poem.It's so good when we can have the kind of catharsis that poetry, art, music, etc. can give! Keep at it, Alan Excellent poem Alan, Well done!