How dark is the darkness
that takes away sense
and memories of light?
How dark is the darkness
that devours what was
what is, what will be?
How dark is the darkness
that locks one in despair
and throws out the key?
How dark is the darkness
that tricks the mind to see
escape through a window
to the ground 23 floors below?
How dark is that darkness?
I wish not to know.
No one needs to know.
~~~~~~~~
For DVERSE Poets’ Pub where Bjorn challenged the patrons to bring a poem asking questions. The inspiration for this piece came after reading an old newspaper article (posted on FB) about the tragic life of Filipino actress who eventually took her own life. The only picture I had that was almost suitable for the theme was a picture of a wilted sunflower. I edited that heavily in picmonkey until I felt the picture has the atmosphere I am looking for. Just to be sure, I asked the opinion of my older children who (maybe, fearing my disappointment) agreed with me. What do you think?
Because the image is a result of a layer of edits, I link it too with WPC: Layered
Here’s the unedited original for reference.
MY WALL 
Good one. I liked this
Thanks, Yassy. 🙂
It’s a knowledge I would like to know how to avoid… darkness and the light from the window in a high building is such an understated way to express suicide.
Unfortunately, the window was the way out of the lady that inspired the piece.
I really liked the image and I didn’t realise at the beginning it was a wilted sunflower a beautiful flower, but also one that can demonstrate the reality which is that often those in despair are often able to hide their sadness behind a veil of something happier. A brave poem.
Thanks for the feedback, Alison. 🙂
I like your post 😊.
Thanks, loshame. 🙂
Take a look on my last post and follow me if you like it 😀.
Nice description of darkness in the stanza about tricking the mind. I agree with the final two lines.
Thanks, Frank, The last two lines are my hope that nobody goes through unbearable darkness.
I like it and your header photos, too, although VERY different.
janet
Now that you pointed it out, the photo in the post is indeed a marked contrast against the header photo. 🙂 I prefer the happier photo better.
You’re right, we ought to be careful what we ask, even out of compassion.
True. It is both a wish for privacy and a hope that no one knows first hand the answer.
I feel your grief, which you don’t “wish” to know. The older I grow, the more fragile life (both physically and mentally) seems to be. Could light have retrieved the key and unlocked the door?
It might be that age has brought us acceptance of life for what it is and we stop arguing with life for what it is supposed to be. 🙂
A very wise conclusion, Imelda. There’s always a lot to learn from you. 🙂
just passing on wisdom learned from others. 🙂
Fantastic contrast between light and darkness.
Thanks for the feedback, Irene. 🙂
Thanks. 🙂
An evocative poem. I think the wilted sunflower would be more effective if it still retained it’s color, even in the darkness. It is a great accompaniment for your poem.
Thanks for the input, Beverly. I guess, simpler is better, right. 🙂
I liked this one a lot.
Thanks, Jenna. 🙂
I wish not to know.
No one needs to know
Yes, one just can’t fathom some occurrences without invoking some mentally deranged sort of mind that thought about it. Very well done Imelda, the images too!
Hank
Very nice, super creative.
Thanks. 🙂 Your feedback makes me so glad.
Oh, this is so bleak. This story has really touched you, hasn’t it?
It did. The actress involved was quite popular and very beautiful and funny (at least on TV). It was such a sad thing when her life turned a dark turn.
The drooping flower is perfect for a life lost too early. 🙂
Thanks for the feedback, Olga. Much appreciated. 🙂
This is general human behaviour that we see or get affected by the negative expressions more than the positive ones failing to train ourselves to control our negative thoughts. One should understand that it’s upon us what we allow to get on our mind..the person who masters this art..is the happiest person
🙂 Thank you for dropping by and the insightful comment, Anu. 🙂