Through the Labyrinth of Pain
Bound by the pain of past…
Often in life we encumber ourselves with the limits of past pain and conditioning, believing that we will fall again. This simply creates obstacles and in the end we suffer what we fear. Forgiving past and living in the possibilities of the present is a different way of life.
A labyrinth of recompense
dares each step into future,
choices like vultures circling,
as fear takes hold,
and doubts lead us to ill-founded takes
on what life does address,
what truths have told.
The labyrinth is so dark at times,
walls thick enclose light-less paths,
filled with the apprehension
of those scars,
that preclude our clear vision,
blurring choices that could steer
our steps to freedom.
The weight of burden
is often too much,
when that labyrinth of fear
dictates our steps,
and echoes of past reignite our pain,
remind us of our past refrains,
and the consequence of our folly.
Yet without that labyrinth,
our steps are in a straight line,
in the light of unencumbered time,
and suddenly decisions place themselves,
like jig-saw pieces settling,
and limits just fade from mind,
as we traverse our world.
How darkness can cloud the mind,
remove the light of possibility,
and in kind, limit life,
where everything is a labyrinth,
and horizons are hidden from mind,
as in darkness we stumble,
relive our pain and bound by fear, stagnate.
Tony DeLorger © 2017
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Amazing words, Tony! I anticipate pain, and you are right in that it can cause my fear to become real, and actually happen. Thus, I am trying to think more positively, but still sometimes I am haunted by memories that I do not wish to live thru, again.
There is a Bible verse in Philippians that says to think of Excellent, Lovely, and Praiseworthy things. There is a reason for this. When I consume myself with such darkness, I drown in my own sorrows and then can be of use to no one. Yet, if I can be happy, and think bright thoughts, I will be strong, and able to be there for others.
Your poem really makes me think, and is personally inspiring because I do find myself needing to make a purposeful effort to not be taken down by thoughts of dread.
Thank you!
My pleasure and I agree, we need to be conscious of all those dark thoughts that originate from past. A positive perception is what we need to practice to allow a balance present and then following a positive and fruitful future. Glad you enjoyed it Tamara.
Very well penned thoughts, Tony. If one can be honest with Self and confront those past pains, learn to forgive, then it opens the heart to future joys and pleasures of love and life. Excellent work, dear poet.
So glad you enjoyed the thoughts Phyllis, enjoy the remainder of you day. Cheers!
It’s taken me a long time to cross the hurdles and overcome fears, anger, vindictiveness, and ultimately forgiveness. I was born into pain and suffering, it surrounded my aura, my very soul. It tore at me for years, only through writing about those demons am I able to let go and feel the healing over me. So Tony, I agree we must let go and renew our spirit with positive light and head for that mark of perfection. To know thyself, should also be to love thyself, I’ve struggled with both for a long time. But I’m free now and can laugh, smile, show kindness towards my fellow man/woman/child who are going through what I did in my youth. Beautifully penned sir.
Thanks Vincent, yes that’s the struggle, to face and forgive the past in order to be clean of the negativism we once carried. Writing as you know is a cathartic need for the likes of us and indeed it saves us from the past and also we learn as we teach others, there is a better way. Cheers!