to G.T.

i have a confused and unhappy friend in a destructive relationship. he's been here for three months and is going home to england today. in an effort to change his mind i printed out the poem you wrote for wenchie. i don't know if it will work, but would like to thank you for writing it anyway. one day you are going to come across that poem in print, and say 'i wrote that'. the propensity for self destruct never ceases to amaze me. your poem accurately and articulately describes that process. people often assume that only women 'get caught in the flame', but of course that isn't so. men are as vulnerable as we are, maybe more so due to the lack of support systems, and societies expectations of manhood. once again thank you for your time, effort, and talent. aloha Laurie.

 

I'm sorry to hear about your friend LaurieB. Don't know if that poem will make any difference, but you're welcome to it. I spent far too many years in a very destructive marriage, so I relate to it. You're right. They guys are definitely not immune.

 

What poem? I must have missed it.
I would like to read it. Can you point me in the right direction?

Thanks
Gal

 

It's an oldie; don't know if it's still on the forum. I'll repost it when I get home tonight if you want. Unless laurieB beats me to it.

 

Thanks GT. I would sure appreciate it.

Gal

 

Moth To The Flame

The room is dark, the shades drawn tight, the ambience, funeral pall.
No furnishings, no paintings bright adorn the barren wall.
Where once dwelt hope and love and life, sad echoes only ring,
Of crying, rage, mistrust and strife, where memories only sting.

In the center of this dark abode a single flick’ring light,
A candle burning all alone, malevolent and bright,
Makes no attempt to cheer or warm or push away the gloom,
It only is a funeral pyre marking loves embittered tomb.

One solitary movement in this tomb of dark despair,
A moth, confused, hungry, alone, disturbs the fetid air,
Back and forth, up high down low, in search of enlightenment
Needing, yearning, seeking for an end to this imprisonment.

Drawn inexorably inward to the solitary glow
That mocking glowing symbol of life’s tragedy and woe,
The moth sought release and freedom in the only way it knew,
With nothing else to focus on, in to the flame it flew.

Alas, it found no freedom, no direction and no gain,
Each attempt to reach the light brought only heat, confusion, pain.
Away it flew in horror, back to seeking for an end,
But seeing nothing better, it spiraled in again.

Damaging wings and spirit both with each desperate attempt,
Adding to dejection, confusion, rejection, and growing self-contempt,
Stripping hope and joy and peace and love with every single pass,
The moth’s strength and endurance fade and cannot possibly last.

Oh damaged moth, abandon please the obvious beckoning flame,
Look outward and more carefully and find a healthier game.
Along one wall a faint ray of light escapes a heavy drape.
Behind it is a window open, leading to freedom and escape.

Outside the sun is shining, the world is bright and clear.
Other moths dance on the wind, sipping nectar with good cheer.
Companionship and sustenance await outside your cell,
But you must abandon your fixation on that flame born in Hell.

 

Sorry didn't edit in time.

Wanted to say thank you to laurieB also for mentioning GT's poem.

Gal

PS. and for posting it.
Thank you

 

Thanks laurieB. Saved me the trouble of finding it again.

 

its a minor miracle that i could a) find it, b) print it, and c) transfer it to the currant forum! i must be getting better at this stuff. lol aloha

 

Very moving, and personally meaningful to you, I'm sure. As to many others.