After the Burnout
The Depths of Creative Depression
The end was swift and absolute,
Although you simply sighed.
No warning bell, no last salute,
The fire inside – just died.
~
And those who saw, reached out in vain
To find coals, cold and hard
And words were offered, to sustain
But came back, acrid, charred.
~
And one by one, your saviors fell
With sulfur on their tongues,
Cold brimstone from the depths of Hell
That issued from your lungs.
~
A solitary shell remains,
A lone and crumbling husk
With sightless eyes and empty veins
In stale and pungent musk.
~
No force will raise you from below
No spell, nor scream, nor lash,
'Til winds of inspiration blow
An ember from the ash.
***
Thanks for reading!
About the Creator
Dana Crandell
Dad, Stedpad, Grandpa, Husband, lover of Nature and dogs.
Poet, Writer, Editor, Photographer, Artist and Tech/Internet nerd. Content writer by trade. Vocal Creator by choice.
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Comments (27)
So D-Bud ~ You BreakingUP with me because I made fun of your 'Swat' fishing vest? - Miss U'z - J-Bud
I love this. Cleverly done - taking "burn out" and running with it. The very end is my favourite. Til winds of inspiration blow/An ember from the ash. Perfect!
Truly relevant sentiments in these verses. I relate very strongly to this. I love how dark you make a period of no inspiration seem, as that is how it can feel, especially when it continues on for a long time. I heard recently that writer’s block is just a period where you have to rely on your skill as opposed to inspiration, and to push through. I haven’t tried that yet, but is sounds good 😂.
That last line is wonderful. It exudes so much hope. ❤
Powerful! While I do write for fun, I do really enjoy it.. but I stopped for years, couldn't really even begin writing.. this really captures it
Excellent play on words to convey this beautifully sad message. Loved it!
Well composed and expressed Dana. Dammit, why didn’t someone warn us? I really like this. Dark yes , but last two lines … inspirational. 🥰
Spot-on portrayal. Loved the invocation of smoldered fire.
You killed with this. My heart is in pieces
To be allowed to attend to someone as they pass is both burden & blessing. Our hearts break, we want to rage our grief, even as the tenderness of this excruciating moment brings tears to our eyes & love's ache brimming over.
Beautifully and accurately expressed ❤️
smack to some foreheads buddy, just one spark excellent piece of writing 😊😊
I felt every line. Burnout is no fun, but may we always come back from the ashes like a phoenix. So well written, nice work.
Wow, Great Story Told here ❤️😉📝
Excellent words that really make you feel
I feel this one 😥. Beautifully said, Dana!
Brilliant piece & images. I wish I could rhyme like this. Really great job. 😄
Oh my. This is brilliant. I love those last 2 lines so much.
Hi 'D' ~ This elegance from a "Fellow~Crotchety~Senior" You certainly have a lot of faces ~ Don't know what's next from you? Glad to Read - Glad you Wrote! Jay Kantor, Chatsworth, California 'Senior' Vocal Author - Vocal Authors Community -
Wow that was impressive
Oh my gosh, Dana- Wow, this is truly magnificent and brilliantly crafted!! From the title to each piece of a dying fire to “Til winds of inspiration blow An ember from the ash.”- I can’t stop re-reading! Really impressive work!! This one is lit… 🔥 😉
Impressively written!!! 💖💖💕
This is so relatable! Another stunner, Dana!
a breathtakingly fine work woven with carefully chosen words!
Pretty powerful Dana! Have you read William Styron's "Darkness Visible"?