Lyrical Laments - 15. Chapter 15 Stark

I remember, as a boy, my mom telling me that, "There is nothing in the dark that wasn't there when the light was on". It was very good advice, and I have learned it well. That does not mean that the dark holds no fears - but now I know what they are, because they are the same ones that were there when the light was on.

Thanks for sharing another fine work, Gary.

Thanks for sharing a great, yet difficult poem. The fear in the dark assails us at weak moments, when we least can defend ourselves. You show us this vividly. 

This made me feel like child again. I remember so many nights like that. Thanks for sharing this with us Gary. It was dark and a bit scary but wonderfully written.😅

Fighting ghosts feels like an endless battle, doesn't it? One you cannot win? Well, I'll let you in on a little secret: ghosts are not invincible. They fear friendship, hope, joy and above all else, love. These will be your weapons and the people who care about you your army. 

Who said you can't call your mom? She lives in your heart. So, whenever you want to reach her, go ahead. She will listen. 

I had nights like that, but luckily for me they were the result of watching some monster movie--not horror with lots of gore like today, but ones with just a hint of what could happen if  there just might be something lurking in the dark to grab me as I went to sleep.  One scene that scared me for many nights was the scene in 13 Ghosts black and white version where that canopy bed came down and smothered anyone sleeping in it...didn't matter that I didn't own one.

Many nights as even a teen I'd turn a light on ahead of me before turning out the one behind, then jumping into bed as fast as I could.  You might laugh, but out in the country, once the light was out, it was DARK.  Weirder still was that if I hadn't seen any such movies, I was fine and enjoyed laying out in the yard looking at the stars.

Thanks for the creepies, my dear!

people who suffered abuse seem to be easily transported back to that pain with the right triggers ... easier to deal with when you're not alone, in the dark.   a well written and meaningful poem, Gary.   i understand the pain, and the longing on your Mum's birthday.. i feel it too. xoxo

On 2/1/2019 at 1:23 PM, Geron Kees said:

I remember, as a boy, my mom telling me that, "There is nothing in the dark that wasn't there when the light was on". It was very good advice, and I have learned it well. That does not mean that the dark holds no fears - but now I know what they are, because they are the same ones that were there when the light was on.

 

Thanks for sharing another fine work, Gary.

 

 

Sorry for the delay... thanks, Geron. My brain is too full these days, and not in the way I would like. C'est la vie. These silly blips happen, and I am thankful I have traveled such a distance from familiar childish agonies. Memories and dreams... I can deal with those.   Cheers... Gary....

On 2/1/2019 at 1:31 PM, Parker Owens said:

Thanks for sharing a great, yet difficult poem. The fear in the dark assails us at weak moments, when we least can defend ourselves. You show us this vividly. 

Sorry for the delay, Parker. I appreciate you reading this, and understanding that vulnerability I sometimes feel. Poetry really does help.  Cheers... Gary....

On 2/1/2019 at 1:39 PM, Lizzydolphin37 said:

This made me feel like child again. I remember so many nights like that. Thanks for sharing this with us Gary. It was dark and a bit scary but wonderfully written.😅

I'm sorry it took me so long to respond, Lizzy, but I had my reasons.   We carry these things with us, don't we? At times I am that kid, and I can still experience his fears in the night. I'm pleased you could relate. Thanks for your support.  

On 2/1/2019 at 2:16 PM, bignick said:

Fighting ghosts feels like an endless battle, doesn't it? One you cannot win? Well, I'll let you in on a little secret: ghosts are not invincible. They fear friendship, hope, joy and above all else, love. These will be your weapons and the people who care about you your army. 

 

Who said you can't call your mom? She lives in your heart. So, whenever you want to reach her, go ahead. She will listen. 

 

So true, Nick, but there are times we are vulnerable, and that allows the bad stuff in. I have lots of ghosts, and many of them are benevolent.   

Yes, my mom lives in my heart, but she was never able to protect me in the dark. She would have if she could, though. Thank you, my friend.  

On 2/1/2019 at 4:59 PM, ColumbusGuy said:

I had nights like that, but luckily for me they were the result of watching some monster movie--not horror with lots of gore like today, but ones with just a hint of what could happen if  there just might be something lurking in the dark to grab me as I went to sleep.  One scene that scared me for many nights was the scene in 13 Ghosts black and white version where that canopy bed came down and smothered anyone sleeping in it...didn't matter that I didn't own one.

Many nights as even a teen I'd turn a light on ahead of me before turning out the one behind, then jumping into bed as fast as I could.  You might laugh, but out in the country, once the light was out, it was DARK.  Weirder still was that if I hadn't seen any such movies, I was fine and enjoyed laying out in the yard looking at the stars.

 

Thanks for the creepies, my dear!

Oh, I know about the country dark, believe me. lol Usually movies don't give me nightmares, but there was one called American Werewolf in London that did. Years later I watched it with my kids and they thought it was hilarious.   I'm [pleased my poem could creep you out, buddy.   xoxoxo

On 2/1/2019 at 5:33 PM, Valkyrie said:

 

Thanks, Val.  

On 2/1/2019 at 8:53 PM, Mikiesboy said:

people who suffered abuse seem to be easily transported back to that pain with the right triggers ... easier to deal with when you're not alone, in the dark.   a well written and meaningful poem, Gary.   i understand the pain, and the longing on your Mum's birthday.. i feel it too. xoxo

Sorry for the delay... thanks, tim, for reading and for understanding. I know you miss your mom as I do.  

On 2/2/2019 at 6:48 AM, Bucket1 said:

Thanks, Brother B.  

On 2/2/2019 at 6:49 PM, dughlas said:

Thanks, dugh.  

Hey Gary, This may not be the comment you want to hear.  I showed my love in the emoji for the poem, but I almost used the Laugh button.  It so reminded me of my childhood and fear of the Boogey Man that is now dead.  Love it!

4 hours ago, raven1 said:

Hey Gary, This may not be the comment you want to hear.  I showed my love in the emoji for the poem, but I almost used the Laugh button.  It so reminded me of my childhood and fear of the Boogey Man that is now dead.  Love it!

Of course I want to hear your thoughts. I'm glad you found some humor here. Many childhood fears that show up in dreams are unfounded, but unfortunately mine weren't. Still, there is such a relief to know 'it was just a dream' that I would laugh in relief. I want people to relate to my poems, but only in their own way, so thanks for this, buddy.