Open Poetry #10 |
Prisoner |
Richard Brooks Junior Member
since 2000-08-01
Posts 17Richardson, TX |
20 years a prisoner Walking among the free. 20 years behind bars That no sees but me. Thrown down into a dungeon, Chained against a wall. Branded by my selfishness, Burning away love's all. Judged to be unworthy, Prisoner of my past. Sentenced to my own hell, Why do I make it last? No one can forgive me, No not even you. Though it was you I hurt, Myself I hurt too. The cell cracked open on the day You said you still love me. I've lived within harsh walls so long, Am I scared to be free? The light around you shines so bright It burns, I turn away. I ache for you as you stand waiting. I'm sorry is all I say. I forgave you long ago. Open your eyes and see How wonderful your life is When you set yourself free. I struggle and I reach for her. Surprised it is not she. For when I touch her hand so fair, Dumbfounded, she is me. This stranger's face I've seen before But is it me, I look anew. Oh my, oh my, it is my Lord. My God! He's with me too. I am the love you've wanted. You've never been without. The prison, you made yourself To keep self-hate and doubt. There's nothing left, no fuel to burn Yourself you thought a whore. Quickly now, its not too late Turn around, shut the door. Then have no doubt the time has come. Tear down this prison keep. You must cast off your bitter shawl. Free yourself, no more to weep. You stumbled on your journey, now Move on, your path will clear. Before you see her, find yourself For you are loved my dear. I made myself a prisoner, I will be that no longer. The strength I have goes on and on For love has made me stronger. |
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© Copyright 2000 Richard Brooks - All Rights Reserved | |||
Kethry Member Rara Avis
since 2000-07-29
Posts 9082Victoria Australia |
WOW! Powerful write. I am reminded of how often I do that to myself. Thanks for posting this poem. Be well Kethry "It is the image in the mind that links us to lost treasures; but it is the loss that shapes the image, gathers the flowers weaves the garland."- |
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seraphin Senior Member
since 2000-09-24
Posts 1004Michigan |
Kethry is absolutely right. Powerful. I will look for your work. You are very talented. |
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Severn Member Rara Avis
since 1999-07-17
Posts 7704 |
Very powerful indeed...strong, and loved the ending. Welcome to Passions! K "He looked across the silky surface of the Severn... it was a famously difficult river with fierce tides..." From Jack Maggs |
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Richard Brooks Junior Member
since 2000-08-01
Posts 17Richardson, TX |
Kethry, seraphin, and Severn, The sad part is that though others forgave me long ago it took 20 years to forgive myself. The good part is I have. I wrote this several months back and read it now and then to remind myself that when I ask others for forgiveness to ask myself as well, then give it and move on. As for powerful, when I wrote this it just flowed and took shape. I couldn't stop and was done in about an hour. Thank you for reading me. |
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linda munday Member
since 2000-06-17
Posts 315Adelaide, Australia |
Richard, You are not hard to read... and this poem is full of power and insight. Thanks for sharing such a wonderful piece with us... and post more soon if you have them, because I'll be looking out for your work. Take care, Linda Munday. |
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Richard Brooks Junior Member
since 2000-08-01
Posts 17Richardson, TX |
Thank you Linda. I hope to post more. We'll see where my muse takes me. There's something circling along the border of my mind. I've some quiet time coming so hopefully it will come in to stay. Richard |
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Charisma
since 2000-09-30
Posts 5906lost in blue pages |
tears in my eyes, recognize the feelings.. even I am a prisoner of my feelings. thank you for sharing it |
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Richard Brooks Junior Member
since 2000-08-01
Posts 17Richardson, TX |
It still gets to me. It was feeling that brought this out. I've been feeling more alive this year than any other. Hold on to the good ones. |
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Kit McCallum
Administrator
Member Laureate
since 2000-04-30
Posts 14774Ontario, Canada |
This was an amazing read through your words Richard ... you've expressed these emotions so powerfully. This piece touched me a great deal, as I find it so easy to forgive others, but so difficult to forgive myself. Wonderfully genuine sentiments from the heart, well done! Best wishes, /Kit |
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Corinne Member Ascendant
since 1999-10-28
Posts 5167state of confusion |
Wonderful and honest look inside. It's great to get out, isn't it? Takes a lot of guts to do, too. Best to you, Corinne |
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Wilfred Yeats Member Elite
since 2000-08-04
Posts 2704Wilmington, Delaware |
It must feel good to hold graduation papers - rightfully earned ~S~ - Wonderful write Rich - I will look for more~S~ |
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Paula Finn Member Ascendant
since 2000-06-17
Posts 5546missouri |
Oh yeah do I ever recognize this...you could be writing my life...thanks for sharing this. |
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Martie
Moderator
Member Empyrean
since 1999-09-21
Posts 28049California |
Richard--This poem really touches my heart...and I see so much of you on the page...going from unsure to such strength. A powerful affirmation I think!!! |
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