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| Longridge Fell and Pendle Hill, photo by Dr Greg |
The Anger that led me upward still lives
but at my side, not running out in front.
She lets me know I am alive, there’s fire
inside I need not share with all the world.
I love and hoard her presence as my guide—not
goad—now that I approach the mountain top
where I’m surprised to find the path is wide
enough for Anger and Love’s company.
Yes, both! They’re
attracted to each other
and me in the manner of friends who would
rather gather than walk alone. I’ve seen
this, but feeling it myself is new, welcome.
Love has been here all along, but we walked
single file with Anger leading and Love
trailing behind. This
works better. Anger
still signals, but Love and I make choices.
And we three help each other as the peak—
the blind corner known as the peak—comes near.
I feared the top, but they promise me views
I couldn’t dream before, new paths and change.
This mystery gives me energy
I haven’t felt in years, and I shake off
the certainty of Sisyphus.
We move forward
upward—hand in hand, partners at last.
In Poets United
Poetry Pantry #318
Please respect my copyright.
© 2016 Susan L. Chast
It takes one to know the other - how wonderful to reach a synchronicity inside and climb that mountain hand in hand
ReplyDeleteA & L both have warmth to make one alive and thrive...both much needed wealth to survive...the end result is Peace with a capital P....wonderfully put Susan...
ReplyDeleteThis is really cool. I especially like "I shake off
ReplyDeletethe certainty of Sisyphus."
The idea of anger present but not leading is perfect!!
ReplyDeleteBest friends....
ReplyDeleteI LOVE this poem - the path is wide enough for anger and love's company.........and the traveling alongside, now one is nearing the peak. A fantastic poem and a wonderful journey you are making, my friend. Time for a chat about these topics, I believe!
ReplyDeleteOh, this is soo very eloquent... a new favorite of mine from you, Susan ❤💜
ReplyDeleteLots of love,
Sanaa
Wow, loved this poem.
ReplyDeleteI love and hoard her presence as my guide—not
goad—now that I approach the mountain top
where I’m surprised to find the path is wide
enough for Anger and Love’s company.
I do think sometimes anger serves a purpose. It can spur us on and be a partner with love. I like the way you have expressed "Sisyphus."
ReplyDeleteYes anger is normal, necessary, it gives energy. I like the idea of making friends with it and love. Perhaps, they can take turns leading the way though. I think both anger and love can be blind at times.
ReplyDeleteSo much to love in this... but most perhaps to be able to break free of the Sisyphean curse... and what we really can do if we want to.
ReplyDeleteThis is absolutely outstanding work, Susan. Wow!
ReplyDeleteFew things are as wonderful, as the moment in our journey when we find balance... your poem says it so well.
ReplyDeleteSo many favorites! Presaging that Sisyphus may be right around that corner, but believing that hopelessness can be avoided! My favorite: friends who would rather gather than walk alone. This phrase sounds so right and it reminded me that when we gather, we expose ourselves to the views and emotions of others - it's a choice to not walk alone. Even with our friends we will not always agree on what is Love and what is Anger and where the path is wide enough!
ReplyDeleteBeautifully penned.
ReplyDeleteThis is a thoughtful - and mesmerizing - tale ... with several life truisms tucked in.
ReplyDeleteLove and Anger..Yes
ReplyDeleteTurning the tables...Yes
Anger on its own without the motivation of Love...No
Love pale in acceptance of everything (cowardice)...No
Enjoyed this poem .Interesting concepts.Anger is discouraged in current thinking because it is associated with violence.
What a wonderful poem, Susan! Surely one of your best. So measured and strong, and such a brilliant message too. Yes, Anger can be a friend, or even a good servant – a great motivating force. :)
ReplyDeleteWaiting for you to reach the peak! :)
ReplyDeleteMy favorite one of yours
Yes! The Yin Yang... and, what will be the whole ? :)
ReplyDeleteZQ
Wonderfully expressed. The truth in your journey is touching
ReplyDeleteAnger & Love, they seem like strange partners, but perhaps they really need each other.
ReplyDeletei feel that this is a poem of hope, of reconciliation, because the narrator is able to "shake off the certainty of Sisyphus". enjoyed reading this excellent poem.