After the Fall

Isolation wraps its insistent tentacles

tighter, whispering messages of 

deception

Luring, grating, fiendishly beckoning

I follow – blindly stumbling

until the mirage vanishes

Left in an eerie cave of 

disappointment

Pain flashes, sadness looms

Connections weakened and tried

Tears don’t come easily

Trapped behind the wall of 

self-discipline, punishment, gloom

When the dam breaks, relief hits

words take the place of heavy silence

Tiny gestures, wound up with string

Refinement is discovered 

in the depths

This post is part of the Five Minute Friday writing challenge. Each week I join with this talented group of writers, free writing for five minutes in accordance with a prompt. Today’s prompt is ‘refine’. 

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In the Midst…

It’s messy in the middle. Toys strewn, boxes scattered of  their innards, doors opening then easing shut. I take a breath, letting it out slowly. … I look down at my ever expanding middle – watching the tiny shark fin track its way beneath the surface.  I take a breath, […]

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Twenty Things I’ve Learned in 2016

“Life can only be understood backwards; but it must be lived forwards.” Søren Kierkegaard There is a peculiar feeling that accompanies the closure of another year. Memories of last Christmas flood back in and I begin to experience that strange mix of surprise and familiarity at the way the year rolls […]

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The Veiled Symphony

There is an undergirding hum of throbbing energy, the tick  of a striding clock. Goosebumps rise on unsuspecting arms as the wind brings an imperceptible  shift. … This breath that I barely acknowledge the pumping of warmth through my veins The ping of human interactions beg for attention away from […]

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The Gravity of Joy

It is the wafting threads of rising dough the strains of lifting music  that beg to be turned up louder It is the first glimpse of a new day a fresh chance after darkness and tears in the night The stir of tiny movements after a horrifying absence When the […]

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Succumbing

A burst of energy I seize it, both hands clasping, wishing for a hint of my former shadow –  energy, vitality, creativity I push past the fade wanting to reclaim the version of myself that satisfies me Not the hamstrung, snuffed out rest-seeking missile The crystal glass eludes me I […]

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Condiments

I can breathe again Fill my lungs with hope and  gaze forward beyond the next queasy moment Bend down to sort toys into  boxes, think about something other than my next desperate meal See altercations without  expelling a sigh of  ‘seriously’ Embrace the giving of  lectures, cuddles, guidance Savour the aroma […]

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The Sphere

I only have these eyes  from which to see the world I only have these ears  to witness beauty unfurl These fingers type and try to make  a picture of what I take in This breath I can use to sigh  in regret or savour the satin  wonder of Ivy’s […]

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A Wildflower Bouquet

I gather them Little twigs of delight long stemmed blooms of  moments played well words nicely spoken harmony embodied in rapidly sprouting minds. Glossy leaves of focus the quiet rustle of pages unbidden, heartfelt offers of thanks rainbows captured on shimmering white, the scattering of  uncapped ink.  … I breathe […]

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