If only hindsight had arrived
plentiful as tolerance
Back in those days when I
absorbed things silently
If only I had found the courage
to have spoken out
Back then rules were made
to always be respected
If only life had been more
pleasant and more loving
Back in those days when self-confidence
was barren
After all, I was said to
be an empty carcass of nothing
That constant repetitive
preaching lodged within me
Many years of reiteration
leaves an indelible wound
Unseen by the world
outside the one I had inhabited
It became a way of living
to dress the bizarre as usual
Just as simmering milk can
eventually rise to overflow
Then a growing maturity
accompanied by experience
Reaches an end point with
awareness and realisation
No longer am I the mealy-mouthed
frame I once was
In later years I found the
soul of my own awakening…
Eileen T O’Neill
20/11/2019
Good for you . You've found your true worth. Yours is a familiar story. What I have learnt is that those who are intent on destroying others with toxic criticism are always motivated by envy and feelings of self loathing and usually with good reason.Splendid poem.
ReplyDeleteWow! Reading through the poem, I waited for the moment, and when it came with the image of simmering milk and foam, l was delighted. Hopefully this poem exorcized all of those awful labels.
ReplyDelete"Just as simmering milk can eventually rise to overflow
ReplyDeleteThen a growing maturity accompanied by
experience"
These gems from your poem, i luv best. Happy Wednesday
Much💞love
Finding one's voice is a momentous occasion, one to celebrate!
ReplyDeleteIt's truly a wonder moment when we discover ourselves. Enjoyed some beautiful imagery specially the 'simmering milk'.
ReplyDeleteThis is incredibly poignant!❤️ I loved every word!
ReplyDeleteThis is so beautiful, Eileen. Strong backing for that expression - youth is wasted on the young. We could avoid so much heartache if we had confidence and clarity from the start. I love your line "to dress the bizarre as usual." So powerful an expression.
ReplyDelete"I found the soul of my own awakening..." How perfect that is, Eileen. I made much the same journey, having to outgrow the messages that had been given to me as a child. I resonate strongly with your poem, and your journey.
ReplyDeleteThe description you were given did not illustrate you but the person that said those words who was cruel, selfish and uncaring. Glad you found out who you really were after that.
ReplyDeleteYour "If only..." - thrice-told truths. Too familiar, of course. You have an overcomer's voice, Eileen, thank you.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful.
ReplyDeleteI love your description of journey, and the beautiful, happy ending.
ReplyDelete