Nighttime whispers

The past still beckons me,
though my future is clear.
Still, it’s hard to leave behind
all the things we once held dear.

Unfortunately, people change,
and our hearts wail in disbelief.
And those unspoken topics
are the bearers of our grief.

Woeful whispers in the night
tend to fuel my disheartened spirit.
I try to bandage my bleeding heart,
but nothing can ever cure it.

So many things I want to forget,
but there’s nothing I can undo.
So I spend my days looking for ways
to begin my life anew.

Written by, Michelle Cook


Photo credit: https://pixabay.com/illustrations/sci-fi-fantasy-moon-couple-7143964/

Writing prompt, courtesy of my hubby: Nighttime whispers.

Do you ever feel…

Do you ever feel
like you can’t reach out,
like nobody will understand
what you’re all about.

Do you ever feel
like you don’t fit in,
and you wish you could change
all your thoughts within.

Do you ever feel
like the world waves you away,
as if you don’t matter
like you’ve nothing to say.

Do you ever feel
like you’re doing it all wrong,
and no matter what you try
you still don’t feel strong.

Do you ever feel
like you’re hopelessly lost,
but you still try to continue,
knowing what giving up costs.

Do you ever feel
like a failure or mistake,
going through the motions
even when your enthusiasm is fake.

Do you ever feel
like you just can’t get things right,
but you know you can’t surrender;
not without a fight.

Do you ever feel
like you shouldn’t say a word,
because everyone might think
your words are just absurd.

Do you ever feel
like you hold back all your grief,
and you wish in desperation
for a minute of relief.

Do you ever feel
like nobody will understand,
and you wish for somebody
to come along and hold your hand.

Do you ever feel
like someone should listen,
but at long last, you realize
you are no magician.

© 2022 Michelle Cook


Photo credit: https://pixabay.com/photos/girl-lonely-sunset-sad-loneliness-5560212/

Stay

Why does happiness have to be so fleeting?
We think we can hold onto it, but it’s ever taking flight.
Happiness can morph into madness in an instant
or be extinguished in a sad, unexpected moment like a moth to a flame.
If only I could hold it always and keep it safely cradled against my chest.
But happiness always finds a way to elude me.
I’m watching right now as it inconspicuously floats away.

© 2022 Michelle Cook


Photo credit: https://pixabay.com/photos/heart-balloon-sky-love-red-balloon-1046693/

Say goodbye to the war

Detach and draw away
Under the covers
Cold and gray
Endure the cycle of decay
Bury your head
And fill it with dismay

These are the fallacies
We choose to believe
Filling up our heads
Causing us to grieve
Not even worth repeating
Such thoughts are just defeating

So push through and release
While all your troubles
Beg to increase
Say goodbye to the war
The one that’s hidden
Behind your door

© 2021 Michelle Cook


Photo credit:  https://pixabay.com/photos/cold-frost-winter-the-disease-2722002/

Self-preservation

I’ve been trying inside to heal
Trying less and less to feel
Having the sudden notion
To shut down every emotion
Slipping farther n farther away
Into the great and vast array
Sitting pretty, proud, and poised
Blocking out the senseless noise
Giving up the pointless need
To let others see me bleed
My pen and paper are enough
No need for feelings on my cuff
This world needn’t know
Where all my sorrows go
With nobody standing in my way
I’ll stand tall for another day
Lips pursed and fists held tight
They’ll never know my inner fight

© 2021 Michelle Cook


Photo credit: https://pixabay.com/photos/people-woman-girl-standing-alone-2569004/