Acceptance
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Acceptance
A poem from the book "A Sliver of a Chance" by Brian Sankarsingh - reproduced with permission
Have you ever delayed making a choice because you could see no uncomplicated way out of your dilemma? You know those times where it seems like any decision you make is bad? Those times inspired this poem for me. I think all of us face some of these times in our lives, and while I cannot give you strength or advice, I can assure you that many people eventually find happiness despite having these choices to make.
I walk among the tombstones grey No more games left to play Without direction, I’ve lost my way To and fro Back and forth Darkness by the light betrayed I taste the solemn dragon’s breath Hot red coals and the stink of death As I lay covered in my sweat, Can it be? Even for me? Take my pain; let me forget Dread fills the mourning light Silence beckons, hears my plight Noises from a voracious sprite Fear abounds All around The beast growls low, in hateful delight I rise up to meet the oncoming storm Stepping gingerly into the chasm Surrounded in a sickly warmth I am revealed In my appeal To fight against the fiery swarm No light in my tunnel occupies Everything breeds a nest of lies From his throne, he gleefully spies Lost for time I have no rhyme I turn to face my own demise
Bio: Brian Sankarsingh is a Trinidadian-born Canadian immigrant who moved to Canada in the 1980s. He describes himself as an accidental poet, with a passion for advocacy and a penchant for prose, an unapologetic style, he offers his poetry as social and political commentary.
"Darkness by the light betrayed," indeed! So often the way isn't it? Thanks Brian.
As always, I appreciated the introduction very much. For those who default to a more literal/concrete orientation, the introduction is in our “native language” and serves as a guide to enter the abstract realm of poetry without getting lost. As for the poem: it so powerfully, vividly, and accurately captures in words the intensity, darkness and turmoil of those moments.
What this poem depicts is part of the human experience, yet there seems to be widespread reluctance to deal with this end of the experiential spectrum, leading to all kinds of problems for individuals and relationships. Many can’t (don’t want to) empathize with this level of pain, not from ill will, but because it’s too dark, uncomfortable, and emotionally threatening. Consequently, people express watered down sentiments like “I’m going through a bit of a rough time” which doesn’t begin to capture the actual dread, darkness, fear and desperation being felt; then they resort to all kinds of (often inappropriate or extreme) coping measures to try and “Take my pain; let me forget”.