Tags
@TheosTrek, Illness, Original Poetry, Rough Waters, Sailing, The Sunday Whirl, Troubled Waters, Wordle #68
I’m a week late with this Wordle (#68) – and I will try to catch up with #69 a bit later this week. The words for this one were obviously sea-minded, and I could not help but use those allusions, except I added what might be considered a twist when I decided to relate my journey on the sea to some of the rough seas I traversed while fighting a disease that did its best to kill me.
The Sunday Whirl for August 5, 2012
********************
Rough Waters
For some days, I felt it sinking. Sensed,
before I knew, that my link with life was eroding.
That strength upon which I had depended,
stored within the marrow of my bones
was washed out, leaving little trace behind, only
the barest shiver of a wake to lead me back
to a safe port, a healing harbor. At last too tired to follow,
I watched the ripples fade. It was no longer
in me to navigate through this relentless storm,
that day by day surged over my ravaged body
and dwindling resolve.
The pitch and yaw of my weathered craft
battled with the mounting waves,
as unpredictable as any microbe that
attacked my aching body, whittling away
at my strength, at my anchor of calm -.
that once-solid faith that had been my link
to survival, the rail at my back.
The deck of my sinking ship, awash
from bow to stern, splintered and sank
beneath me. When all I had stood upon
was gone, I gave into despair – yet
in despair I found there a shining, saving grace;
The nascent seed of hope nestled within,
and as I drifted deep inside, I felt one steady hand
reach down, and in his grasp, with but a word,
the sea was calmed.
********************
To all my Gentle, Patient Readers, I wish you the abundance of enough. . .
This reminds me of that praise that proclaims that in order to rise up we need to get to the bottom – could be like a rabbit hole in Alice’s Wonderland. But there is that nascent seed of hope. And one day the White Rabbit will be on time and everyone will rejoice with him!
Not sure if you saw my 68: it is the prequel to this weeks (at least by a word…):
http://julesgemsandstuff.blogspot.com/2012/08/sw-wordle-68-staying-afloat.html
Thank you, Jules! Throughout the long years of severe illness, near death and constant pain, I was constantly lifted in prayer by countless people. I know that it saved my life. Never underestimate the power of intercessory prayer!
I’ll be over soon to read your #68!
Jules, after about 10 tries at posting a comment on your Blogger site, I have given up: Here is my abbreviated comment for your Wordle #68:
Twice Blogger erased my comment. I wanted to tell you what a fine job you did weaving your story into the whole. It is ab exciting and enticing tale.
Quick nit-picks: “From port to stern” should be unless I am greatly mistaken, “From bow to stern – meaning from the front to the back of the ship/boat
Also, The captain in the WHAT? – I think you left out a word there. These Wordles are always such rush jobs, it’s easy to miss the little things like these – something I do often. This is a great poem, and I mean no offense. I appreciate it when my gaffes are pointed out – other eyes are much better than mine when reading my own work!
Thanks for reading and commenting so intelligently on my work!
This reads beautifully. The hope at the ends is palpable. Thank you for your good wishes, I send them back your way with renewed energy. Your words are inspiring. Thanks for writing with us.
I shall be working on #69 today. . .maybe something will get up soon to post. I’m glad you like this one – thank you for taking the time to read and comment.
I love this Paula. The ending is so full of hope.
Worth meditating for a long time, in a quiet place.
Thank you
John
Thank you, John! I hope and pray that you and June are experiencing some fine sailing these days!
Oh, Paula. If but for a drop of your talent– and even less than that for your pain, ha! I have been in need of that hand for sometime now and I know it will reach out in time.
You know the hand is there, Dannie. Sometimes the ship has to come near sinking before we quit relying on it, and learn to rely on that hand that is always reaching out! I love getting your comments – they are always so encouraging and mean a great deal to me.
You just get better and better. This is a cohesive whole with depth and layered meaning depending upon the readrs frames of reference. Another definite keeper.
Hubs