Dark Signs
RE:SURGENCE; poems about mental illness
Yeah, I could see dark signs
A shadow of a storm over the waves
An inky blotch stained against the parchment
The pelt of a black beast crossing the road
But what lay beyond the omens
And the mistakes, the messes
Was a pool of tranquil sunshine
Sunken into a vibrant meadow
A place of warmth and rest
Like Eden come again
But with every dark sign
That apple hung ever lower.
Yeah, I took a bite
Of that forbidden fruit
Because my life must have been too empty
To consider that trap as anything other
Than salvation.
Anything was better
Than that feeling of need
Left unfulfilled; unquenched
That sensation of teetering on the edge
Of breaking.
Yeah, I stumbled; broken down
Shuddered onto the shoulder of the road
Oil leaking onto the pavement
A tire slashed; a window shattered
And no headlights to push back the night.
No one came back
But I’ve learned to be okay with that
I still have my engine; my drive
My power; my agency
It just needs a little helping hand.
Even as vines grow over my limbs
And moss multiplies on my roof
I no longer feel the need to justify my current state
To fear those dark signs as they weave among the crowd.
A beast, an apple
A storm, a blotch
These might be dark signs; temptations or omens
But to me they are another part of life
That I choose to tread.
_______
This is the 18th poem in RE: SURGENCE, a poetry collection by Amanda Starks that shares what it's like to have and fight against mental illness in a free-form, lyrical prose.
Be aware that topics and themes may include suicide, self-harm, and isolation.
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About the Creator
Amanda Starks
Lover of the dark, fantastical, and heart-wrenching. Fantasy writer, poet, and hopefully soon-to-be novelist who wants to create safe spaces to talk about mental health. Subscribe to my free newsletter at www.amandastarks.com for updates!
Comments (3)
Beautiful and inspirational. Sometimes it does well to take a step back and realize it's ok being where we are. Well done! 😀
Wow, so beautiful. I love the imagery here, the biblical references and finding inspiration amongst the sadness and chaos. Very well done
Stunning, will need to take the time to read this whole collection, your detail is beautiful in its intent.