Cherubic and reeking
grief’s pallor heavy
he comes to me
Of course, he does
I am schooled in compassion
seldom flinch at raw pain
I attend to the wounds
listen; reassure
but I am weary
My own sorrow unattended
loss and betrayal an inner bleed
know I have only so much to give
But he is not alone,
there is another
a mere child…
Cherubic and reeking
grief’s pallor heavy
he comes to me
Of course he does
and I will sign on to stay…
schooled in the art of compassion.
(The stories that come to us in the dreamtime, often celebrate anniversaries. Years ago, I was in a cycle of abusive relationships, culminating with the one represented in the poem. We met on New Year’s Eve. My son, then early teens, remarked to me that I always chose relationships that asked a lot of me but seldom gave in return. While I laughed it off in the moment, his words remained with me, especially as this man also betrayed me with another. It was the turning point I needed to do some real soul-searching.)
Image my own.
What a bright young man! Yes, many of us make bad choices and give until there is nothing left. What is wrong with us? This was so poignant VJ. Thanks for sharing it today.
Wishing you happiness and good health in the New Year 🥰
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Thanks Christine. Wise before his time that one. Happy New Year to you too.
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🥰
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Oh my GOD. The poem is brilliant! But what you have shared just went right into me. I am exactly like you. Though I have only ever had one relationship, which was abusive and still is, to some extent. But, like you, I give and give and give to others, and get no return, though I do not do it for return. Yoyr post has really hit home to me, for I have just been considering what to do in the New Year. Yet,cwhat IS there to do, now? 71 and badly dusabled! Yet we share a house, that is oyr own, together. I know tgere are answers, just not sure what, yet lol. It will, I am sure, become clearer!
Thankyou for your deeply honest post.
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You are so welcome. Sorry to hear you are in a bad situation. Your story reminds me of my Mom. She was in a bad situation with no where to go. Assertiveness training helped her to stand up for herself and in the end, did make her life more palatable. Take care.
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A powerful, honest, and raw write! Well done V.J.! 🙂 ❤
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Thanks friend. Glad I’ve turned that corner.
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Yes! I’m glad we both have! 🙂 ❤
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You really do well to turning words into something that is creatively magical. This is well done: “loss and betrayal an inner bleed”.
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How insightful – your son! And what a beautiful, emotional poem!
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Thanks so much, and thank goodness for the wisdom in our lives.
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From the mouths of babes …
My pre-teen son told me one day in the kitchen what I should look for in a man (had been single several years and I think his point was: find a man) – I grabbed my grocery list pad and wrote down his specifications. I don’t recall all the list, but last was “looks don’t matter”. Years later I met my current husband and took note when my son gave a definitive thumbs-up. (Looks are a plus.)
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That’s so sweet, and I’d say you scored on all counts.
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When I look back on my life, I wish I had learned some life lessons much earlier. For some of us the learning takes longer. “Cherubic and reeking” love the pairing of these words!
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Me too, Betty. Wasn’t certain about that wording but it is exactly what drew me in – his boyish vulnerability and at the same time I could smell his grief. Exact combination to trigger the rescuer in me. Thanks.
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Your son is pretty profound.
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A friend of mine calls him Obi Wan Kenobi. He always has been.
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❤
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I am super grateful for the footnote on this one. It definitely felt dreamlike. Often kids are the best seers of situations. I really like your work. Lots of love to you and best wishes for a hail and hearty 2021. 🙏💗
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Thanks Lia. All the best to you too.
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That must have been hard to hear from your son. “Cherubic and reeking” is a very powerful image.
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Unexpected for sure – we forget teens pay attention, lol. Thanks Liz.
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You’re welcome, V.J.
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Very raw, V.J. Kids often provide much needed perspective.
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Sometimes caring, sometimes not, lol. Thanks.
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Yes, indeed! My pleasure.
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This is so impactful, VJ. I felt the importance of the dream. I wish you peace and comfort in the new year.
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Thanks Debra.
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