A rispetto
I often relive my mistakes.
I often sense life has no point.
I often think I'm being too fake.
No one's left for me to disappoint.
I often curse under my breath.
I often imagine my death.
I often feel I'm not worth shit.
More often than I'd like to admit.
The Skeptic's Kaddish ๐ฎ๐ฑ 
Sad, nay tragic, for such a noble creature to allow himself to be bent inward.
โค thanks, Troy โค
Don’t mention it bA, I know the struggle. I’m happy to have found other men hashing out and willing to talk about it. I think, in the end, that’s what will save the next generation – openness.
๐ Troy ๐
Beautiful, genuine, honest lament. David: I know this place well and when I was still captive to a religious world and thinking – that continually condemns – it almost killed me. I didn’t want to live at one point.
Leaving that world and growing in a garden of love and grace is transforming me, as like you, I am daring to be honest and genuine with my struggles.
This week I was diagnosed with an incurable heart condition. Those accusing tongues were having a field day. Until I wrote out a lament – encouraged to do so by things others shared about their own struggles. When I waited to listen for Love’s response it stunned me and left me in tears. That weight of condemnation and shame lifted. I felt so held. And right in the midst of that as my tears finally flowed freely, my husband and then later my eldest daughter walked in and we were able to unburden all our hearts and hold each other.
It takes courage to come into the light. Courage born in love and grace for all. Keep being real. It blesses me.
Anna, I’m deeply sorry to learn of your health condition. Will you be taking special medication?
I’m glad, though, that you are in a forgiving, nurturing, loving world now… That’s so wonderful ๐ฅฐ
I’m almost afraid to ask, but are you saying those voices were blaming you for your heart condition โ๏ธ
๐
David
Thanks, David. Yes, I’ve been taking meds for a few months now, but will be seeing my cardio soon about the new test results and what other meds I can take.
Yes! I am so thankful for that nurturing and loving environment too. So thankful I am not where I once was.
No: the voices were directed at what I will leave behind to my girls and husband. But what I heard in response reminded me that what I will leave behind is light and love. Funny how the hardest of situations bring such beauty, drawing us even closer together with those we love. ๐
I am seeing now that those very accusations are just making me ever stronger – as I put my roots down into love. Laments are such a powerful weapon: bringing our fears and grief into the light, just like your namesake King David ๐ and listening for love’s response. I love the Psalms for that very reason.
All part of it, David. Beautiful created, my friend. โค๏ธโค๏ธ
๐งก๐ Jeff ๐๐งก
๐๐
We are our own worst critics. I’ve harnessed the power of positive self-talk. It was all that kept me afloat while working for SHMNBN…
๐๐ Muri ๐๐
this poem was the Shit David๐ท
๐คโค๏ธ Cindy โค๏ธ๐ค
๐๐๐
Those mistakes don’t know about overstaying their welcome. Permanent and unwanted guests. (K)
Ugh. Tell me about it!
โค Kerfe โค
Shabbat shalom,
David
Have a good one David.
Wow! Yeah this one resonates loud and clear with a many creative creatures. Itโs impossible to appreciate the sweet if weโve never experienced the bitter sour.
๐ค~Kris
๐ Kris ๐ – I think you put that perfectly.
Thank you!
David
You are so very welcome. Thank you! I love reading your work.
๐ค
This is relatable, David. ๐
๐ Aishwarya ๐
Life is all about sinking and wading. โค๏ธ
๐ exactly, Punam ๐
Let’s hold each other’s poetic hand to emerge out of it. ๐๐ผ๐ค
Punam’s dextrous poetic hand ~
Is known for rhythm through WP Land.
David, you are too kind.
By the way, you know I am ambidextrous! ๐
It’s the down side of being a creative I think. We have to wade through the mire to find the treasure that finds voice in our creative efforts.
That’s a really positive take, Suzanne – I actually agree with you! When I was writing this, I thought to myself that a lot of poets can probably relate to these particular words…
โค
David
Absolutely. I spent this morning feeling dreadful then got back to work this afternoon and began to feel better. ๐
Oh…David… โคโคโค
Thanks, Filipa.
I think lots of people have dark thoughts like these that they keep inside.
โค
David
I totally agree with you David! It happens to me as well. I think expressing those dark feelings is brave and necessary.