Isolation’s Hold

Disability covets isolation –
this stripped-back, box-like state.

Rustic serenity, with room
to breathe would be preferable

but old memories creep in, and
lack of self-worth leaves the door open

phantoms of former torments
unwanted visitors, shadowy

invaders target loneliness,
misconstrue lack of health

for neediness, prey on weak –
hearted, presume incapability.

I am unwell, not unwanted, effort
to protest ignored, I grow wary of

fellow travellers, am vandalized by
nightly attacks, attempt to reach out

aim for strength, logic, clarity,
dial-up past abuse instead, cannot

fathom the purpose of unsolicited
persecution, grasping at isolation.

(Isolation’s Hold was first written in June of 2017.  I am resubmitting it here for Reena’s Exploration challenge: isolation.  Seems to me is also reflective of the times.  Image from personal collection.)

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VJ

Permission to write, paint, and imagine are the gifts I gave myself when chronic illness hit - a fair exchange: being for doing. Relevance is an attitude. Humour essential.

41 thoughts on “Isolation’s Hold”

  1. Pingback: Reena's Exploration Challenge #127 – Reena Saxena

  12. Yes, isolation leaves us open to those past demons, too easy for stray thoughts to take over. I love the two line stanzas, I think it adds to the power of the message.

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  14. I grow wary of
    fellow travellers, am vandalized by
    nightly attacks, attempt to reach out
    aim for strength, logic, clarity,
    dial-up past abuse instead, cannot
    fathom the purpose of unsolicited
    persecution, grasping at isolation.

    These lines resonate. I have always gone between solitude and isolation. Reaching out when feeling isolated and then retreating to solitude. This is poem is so appropriate to our times and so beautifully written–it will touch many in different ways on a very personal level.

    Liked by 2 people

  15. Sure reflects my experience of “now”. ISOLATION. Triggers associations with “social distancing” and “quarantine”; triggers facing the unknown, alone, no one to explain what’s happening.

    I sense that humanity on this planet collectively is unwell but not unwanted … individuals vary in the degree of unwell, and many do NOT recognize the overall vulnerability … it’s a crazy world we live in.

    Thinking it won’t last forever, I have begun a mental focus on things I can do undeterred by obligations to be elsewhere … opportunities during isolation from most humans. (Thankful our critters are not susceptible and will be interrupting indulgences with woofs and purrs.)

    Liked by 2 people

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