Turning Point

Played host to insecurity –
catered to bullying
undermined by warped
agendas, butchered by
provincial minds –

Retreated, convalesced,
sanitized lost vitality,
believed in phantoms
haunted by compulsions
deflected attempted rescues
ignored counsel to let go.

Shell-shocked
aftermaths
incoherent
self-judgment
inescapable.

Where do I go from here?

Ignore criticism
disarm cruelty
sanctify privacy
detach, discern
redefine boundaries
embrace enlightenment

Focus on caring
be receptive –
choose life.

(Turning Point first appeared here December, 2015, a year and a half into isolation imposed by illness.  I offer an edited version here with the intention of demonstrating the psychological toll of unexpected isolation.  The loss of our routine, life, connections affects us all on many levels. Be kind to self and others.  We all respond to that loss differently.  Linking up with Eugi’s Causerie weekly prompt: enlighten.  Image my own.)

Published by

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.

35 thoughts on “Turning Point”

  1. Pingback: Eugi’s Weekly Prompt – Enlighten – Roundup – Eugi's Causerie
  3. Pingback: Eugi’s Weekly Prompt – “Captivating” – April 6, 2020 – Eugi's Causerie

  6. Your poem demonstrates the psychological toll of unexpected isolation very effectively. I was so relieved to reach the turning point in the last two stanzas. As Jazz noted, it’s the turning point we’re all hoping for in the current crisis.

    Liked by 1 person

  9. Pingback: Sharing – “Enlightenment” prompt participants – paeansunpluggedblog; The Ederren; One Woman’s Quest – Eugi's Causerie

  11. This is strong, poetic testimony! “Shell-shocked” makes just sense, as does ignoring criticism.

    I’m reminded of the last line of “Dover Beach,” where ignorant armies clash by night. Criticism to take down others, more so win (something), is ignorant. And pointless.

    The directive to “choose life.” After everything, it’s grand advice. We need to hear it.

    Liked by 2 people

  12. Apt for current times … with advantage of having come through the turning point thus able to witness the possibility. That possibility is what we all have fingers crossed for with this COVID shift from prior normal. Your reflection is a boost – thank you!

    Liked by 2 people

  13. Perfect title and love how your words flowed from negative to positive. Love your pivot line posing a question! A powerful piece, V.J. and thank you for participating.

    Liked by 2 people

  17. Pingback: Turning Point — One Woman’s Quest – Reena Saxena

Comments are closed.