48 Comments
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Emma Steel's avatar

I say not today.

.

The road you have walked has been long, made your feet weary, your heart heavy, and drawn you down, but you are still here.

.

I say not today.

.

The burden you have carried has bent your back, almost to breaking, worn you down, but you are still standing.

.

I say not today.

.

Those claws that tried to grasp can hold no grip, for you threw them off with every step you took, that could not hold you fast, you kept moving.

.

I say not today.

.

Death has no claim on you; you are still full of life, living yet to be done, so Death the receiver of all must wait its turn, and wait a while yet, for you all you have been through have armored you, made you stronger, and built you up, even though you cannot see it in the mirror.

.

So, I say - not today.

Rea de Miranda's avatar

Not today

I won't drown today

Maybe next week

Next year

Not today

Because today

I must be here

Thank you beautiful, Emma.

Not today

❤️

Emma Steel's avatar

When death comes calling,

draw it out.

Make the bastard pay,

a heavy price demanded,

so he has to save his pennies

and return another day.

Phillip Slater's avatar

One of the best poems on this subject I have ever read.

The answer to your question? No you won’t, you have too much still to do.

Martine 🦋's avatar

This.... this I felt ... so relatable. Keeping heads above water.

Rea de Miranda's avatar

I feel myself going under, Simona.

Martine 🦋's avatar

🫂❤️

Marjorie Pezzoli's avatar

“Is this what I signed up for?”

So relate…

Rea de Miranda's avatar

I was insane to sign up for it, Marjorie.

Marjorie Pezzoli's avatar

Same here… just had to pick up that dam pen - at least now I can write poetry to process it all

Rea de Miranda's avatar

It helps to let it bleed over the pages. ❤️❤️

pen n. bolsillo's avatar

i felt this. so much. vulnerability. strength. the inner dialog of a sound soul.

Rea de Miranda's avatar

Thank you dear pen

Naz.'s avatar

I felt it in my bones, Rea. Heartbreakingly beautiful and brave writing

Rea de Miranda's avatar

Thank you, Nazish. 💗

Stephanie Marie's avatar

I’ve been in that tunnel, and still sometimes find myself there. The line about whether or not you already died and didn’t realize is something I’ve often wondered too but have never verbalized. What a wild thought. I think maybe we each die a thousand little ego deaths in one lifetime-each one peeling back a new layer until we finally are stripped bare enough to meet our highest, truest self. Maybe that’s what enlightenment is, and when we get there, whether in this life time or the next, what a freaking party it will be!

Rea de Miranda's avatar

You say exactly what I think, Stephanie. It will be a blast! ❤️

Stephanie M. Vargo's avatar

You are beautiful and brilliant. Your writing sings. Life has so much adventure in store for you. Please don't leave.

Rea de Miranda's avatar

I won't leave. Just drowning a little. 💦

Stephanie M. Vargo's avatar

So powerful. One of my favorites you have posted so far. Raw and deep.

Rea de Miranda's avatar

Thank you, Stephanie. ❤️

Mary Tolbert's avatar

Depression can cause such a bleakness and despair that even the light at the end of the tunnel seems snuffed out. I have felt that darkness— been in that tunnel.

Know that you are loved. You matter. You have every right to take up space here.

Sending much love and light.

Rea de Miranda's avatar

Thank you, Mary. Sending love right back. ❤️

Mary Tolbert's avatar

♥️

Aaron J. Govan's avatar

Wow Rea, that's very deep... Such a touching poem!

Rea de Miranda's avatar

Thank you, Aaron! ❤️

Aster solenne's avatar

Amazing Rea!! 😭

J.A.A. Arnold's avatar

I felt the weight, the ache, the desperate search for peace. It was hauntingly honest, and though it broke my heart, I’m grateful you gave voice to something so many feel but can’t express.

Rea de Miranda's avatar

I am glad you took something from it.

Maralet Meyer's avatar

Heartbreakingly true.. so true..

Rea de Miranda's avatar

Thanks for catching up with my posts, Maralet. I am happy this resonated with you!

Virginia Curtis's avatar

I think you have so much left to give, you won't drown if you just keep on

Keep reaching down deep for those gems, those diamond words that make you shine.

No darkness can reach into the depths of your light. Love, Virg

Rea de Miranda's avatar

You warm my heart, Virg. Thank you.

Abby Paradis's avatar

I wonder how long a person could or would tread water if left floating in the sea, no idea how fate will play out, when would they willfully surrender? I struggle a lot with ideation... purpose... I don't know if you're struggling right now, or just connecting to those thoughts through words. If it's right now... do you have anything that you could do to feel purposeful? Alternatively, do you have something you would like to create? Authorship in any medium can lead to a greater sense of connection to self... and personally, medium's other than word, often help me reconnect with joy, rather than strictly process pain. (as always... just sharing... if your choice is to disregard, do so freely!)

Rea de Miranda's avatar

Thank you for your beautiful heartfelt comment, Abby.

I wonder that too. Can you drift indefinitely?

Depression has been a constant companion. I allow it to stay for a little while. I think I need it to stay balanced. ❤️❤️

Abby Paradis's avatar

Actually, I like that perspective. Kind of holding space for the inevitable clouds that’ll roll through sky… and that becomes so, so much more necessary to survive through grief.

Rea de Miranda's avatar

You get it, Abby. 🙏