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    Headstall
  • Headstall
  • Author
  • 06/04/2020
  • 259 Words
  • 1,474 Views
  • 28 Comments
Stories posted in this category are works of fiction. Names, places, characters, events, and incidents are created by the authors' imaginations or are used fictitiously. Any resemblances to actual persons (living or dead), organizations, companies, events, or locales are entirely coincidental.
Note: While authors are asked to place warnings on their stories for some moderated content, everyone has different thresholds, and it is your responsibility as a reader to avoid stories or stop reading if something bothers you. 
2020 - Spring - The Storm Entry

Destruction--Self and Otherwise - 1. Chapter 1 Destruction--Self and Otherwise

I wanted to see some poetry in the anthology.

                                                                                                                                           ***

 

Destruction—Self and Otherwise

 

 

I hear your silver tongue

And momentarily wither within

Remembering the turbulence

Your cruel deceit caused,

And the powerful forces

Meant to keep me off balance

 

I kept to uttered oaths

And never wavered

Despite the thunder

Of your spewed violence

And the icy heart

That sought to control me

 

I thought I could prevail

And you would learn

From committed example

But still, you tore your path

And never seemed to care

You were obliterating us

 

Passing time has healed me

Yet I continue to relive the pain,

Still buffeted by the remorse

Like a cold wind from the north

That leaves slices

On exposed tenderness

 

Disintegrating, I stood in the eye

And pretended over and over

The calm wasn’t an illusion

But I was only fooling myself

While wasted years piled up

Yet… I did survive the hurricane

 

So, those times you reach out

I allow now-accessible rage

To guide a different me

And while you attempt to play

On a love long-shredded

I take my turn to be the storm

 

*

Thanks for reading this poem about love, destruction, and triumph. Did it make you feel anything?
Copyright © 2020 Headstall; All Rights Reserved.
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Stories posted in this category are works of fiction. Names, places, characters, events, and incidents are created by the authors' imaginations or are used fictitiously. Any resemblances to actual persons (living or dead), organizations, companies, events, or locales are entirely coincidental.
Note: While authors are asked to place warnings on their stories for some moderated content, everyone has different thresholds, and it is your responsibility as a reader to avoid stories or stop reading if something bothers you. 
2020 - Spring - The Storm Entry

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  • Popular Comment
Timothy M.
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The calm center is called the eye of the hurricane. Does this mean the storm cannot see the havoc it creates, but only the blue sky of deceptive stillness? There is no reasoning with the storm, only picking up the pieces afterward and learning the warning signs in order to avoid future onslaughts if possible.

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lomax61
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This is lovely. I’m sure this will strike a chord with many in its simplicity, but also in its universal appeal for those who have been in abusive or cheating relationships. I love the sting in the tail in the last verse, where the hurt party has worked through the grief, and is now ready: “I take my turn to be the storm” and to rage at the person who hurt them, whenever they reach out and try to play on their time together.

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Aditus
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I'm sure many can relate, and a film plays in their head while reading this. Others however, will envy you for  'a different me', as they haven't been able to reach this point yet, if ever.

Amid all the tragedy and sadness, you manage to send out  a ray of hope one can survive the hurricane or even become the storm.

Thank you.

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Headstall
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18 hours ago, Valkyrie said:

This shows both sides of the storm perfectly.  The initial onslaught is the worst, then the calm, then the back wall... getting through it makes us stronger, as the last stanza shows. I really like the last line.  It shows growth and strength.  :hug:  

Thanks, Val. It's easy to use weather as a metaphor for a relationship. The dynamics can be volatile and destructive, keeping us off balance and praying for the calm. It 's hard to admit love doesn't cure all when we feel so strongly. It never has and never will... just makes us blind for a while. We can only hope we come to our senses... and be smart enough to take cover when we do The last line was the whole point, and to be honest, role reversal can be immensely satisfying... even fun. :)  :hug: 

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Headstall
17 hours ago, dughlas said:

Oft the hurt and anger don't really end they just morph into other sentiments ...

Exactly. Once the gold plating wears off, and we see the cheap metal beneath, we have to find a way to move forward and survive. Sometimes that means fighting your instincts... not always easy, but going back would destroy what's left of you, and you know that. So, you fight the good fight, and you heal... just enough. Thanks, bro. :hug: 

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Headstall
16 hours ago, Timothy M. said:

The calm center is called the eye of the hurricane. Does this mean the storm cannot see the havoc it creates, but only the blue sky of deceptive stillness? There is no reasoning with the storm, only picking up the pieces afterward and learning the warning signs in order to avoid future onslaughts if possible.

In this case, the calm is only a reprieve until the rage and deceit begin again. Good question... does the storm convince itself it is only spring rain? Or does it know full well the destruction it causes? Maybe the storm and its victim are both guilty of deluding themselves. Sooner or later, though, we have to move to a safer place, no matter how hard it is. That's if we want to survive. And you are exactly right, there is no reasoning with a storm... so many wasted years trying....

Thanks, for reading and commenting, Tim. :hug: 

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Headstall
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13 hours ago, lomax61 said:

This is lovely. I’m sure this will strike a chord with many in its simplicity, but also in its universal appeal for those who have been in abusive or cheating relationships. I love the sting in the tail in the last verse, where the hurt party has worked through the grief, and is now ready: “I take my turn to be the storm” and to rage at the person who hurt them, whenever they reach out and try to play on their time together.

It is a satisfying thing to reach the point you can say no and truly mean it. Actually, it's more of a relief. :)  I'm pleased you liked the last verse... as the saying goes... karma is a bitch. That said, we never walk away unscathed. Love can be wonderful, but it can also keep us in our own little hell despite the passage of time, and it is a difficult thing not to look back and think 'maybe'.... Thanks, lomax, for reading and commenting.  Cheers... Gary.... :hug: 

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Headstall
6 hours ago, aditus said:

I'm sure many can relate, and a film plays in their head while reading this. Others however, will envy you for  'a different me', as they haven't been able to reach this point yet, if ever.

Amid all the tragedy and sadness, you manage to send out  a ray of hope one can survive the hurricane or even become the storm.

Thank you.

I'm sure many can relate, regretting the years wasted. And yeah, that 'different' me still bears the scars and still plays the game of 'what if,' but knows there is nothing to be gained there. The tables are turned, and I am now the storm, but as satisfying as it is, it doesn't take away the damage... and maybe it shouldn't, because that gives me the sense and strength to stand my ground. Thanks for understanding this one, Adi. :hug: 

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Marty

A well written piece, Gary. :thumbup:

It reads almost like a three act play: storm, calm (the eye of the storm), storm.

Often the wind can be the most destructive part of a storm. But, as the wind is circulating around the eye of the storm, the wind (destruction) is in the opposite direction once the eye has passed.

As others have already stated, this poem will strike a chord for many who read it. :yes:

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Headstall
20 hours ago, Marty said:

A well written piece, Gary. :thumbup:

It reads almost like a three act play: storm, calm (the eye of the storm), storm.

Often the wind can be the most destructive part of a storm. But, as the wind is circulating around the eye of the storm, the wind (destruction) is in the opposite direction once the eye has passed.

As others have already stated, this poem will strike a chord for many who read it. :yes:

Thanks, Marty! I'm pleased you saw it that way. The poem is over in seconds, but in actuality, the process takes years. All things considered, I prefer being the storm... feeling powerless sucks. :)  Cheers! :hug: 

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Headstall
10 hours ago, Parker Owens said:

I feel the howling winds and slashing rain of the storm you experienced. While it echoes in the far distance now, you’ve written new thunder to peal across the page. Whoever hurt you should cower under his bed. 

Lol. I don't know about cowering, but his regrets don't keep him warm at night either. I'm pleased you could feel the storm, and I thank you for reading and commenting, Parker. :hug: 

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wildone
  • Site Administrator

I will have to admit, that I personally don't think I've ever experienced an adversary the I'm picturing from the opening stanza :unsure: I imagine as we start talking about our pasts, we learn that more and more people have experienced these hurt and emotions.

As others have mentioned, this is an example of how one works to finally take back their life and destiny. The final stanza is an excellent conclusion!

At least that is what I took out of it ;) 

Thanks for sharing Gary!

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Headstall
6 minutes ago, wildone said:

I will have to admit, that I personally don't think I've ever experienced an adversary the I'm picturing from the opening stanza :unsure: I imagine as we start talking about our pasts, we learn that more and more people have experienced these hurt and emotions.

As others have mentioned, this is an example of how one works to finally take back their life and destiny. The final stanza is an excellent conclusion!

At least that is what I took out of it ;) 

Thanks for sharing Gary!

Yeah, you got it right, Steve.

I sure can pick'em, and it was a lesson that took too many years to learn. My mom loved too deeply for her own good, and to be completely honest, which this poem is, I didn't learn from her experience... I was cut from the same cloth it turns out. You don't see the storm as clearly as you should when you're in it, but I was lucky to finally reach a point where I could see no future. It was a long tough road, and now I get satisfaction from being able to say no despite gale force winds. I almost feel pity for the overtures, but I like being the storm more. :) Thanks for checking this one out, Steve, and for leaving such a thoughtful comment. Cheers... Gary....

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Headstall
11 minutes ago, Defiance19 said:

Gary, the Storm provided the perfect metaphor. I’m glad by the last stanza you’re still standing, and in control no matter which way the wind blows. 

Well done, dear friend.. :hug:

Hey, Def! Yes, I'm still standing, and still standing my ground. :)  Not easy sometimes, especially when you're lonely, but I'm a different person now. I agree Storm was the perfect metaphor for such a relationship, and the way the tables have turned. Thank you, dear friend... your kind words are much appreciated. :hug: 

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KayDeeMac

WOW !  I just stumbled onto this Gary and I'm not sure how to respond!  Your poetry is gut-wrenching!!

I have been blessed with a partner that I love dearly.  We have had our ups and downs but we have somehow managed to persevere. 

I'm sorry your story is not so happy!  Perhaps it is "that" - that makes you able to produce such real and enduring stories of how it should have been!  I truly hope you do not take that as condescending -  because it is NOT! 

I truly have an admiration to you and your wonderful writing ability  !!  THANK YOU !!

Take care my friend!!  Love ya!!

David

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