Let me write this all again! I hate this editing on Renderosity!! GRRRRR Hi all, Sorry I have been so quiet lately, I work for an extremely busy construction company and year end is chaos. I am also looking for some original digital artwork/photos that can be published in my book of poems next year. (yes that means you too Vera, Sir Piet, Zelda, etc!) I do not have money to pay for them at this stage but if the book is successful then you should find doors flinging open from all sides. Just send me a PM with your queries etc. Hugs all! The following poem was written yesterday under the influence of a mild form of blood poisoning (fishing hook in finger) so I was not feeling well. **************** The depth of depression Depression, dragging me down into the dark depths of dread. An effort to smile to breathe to live is almost beyond me I know with my head that the light is there I have felt with my heart that love is around But how to wade through the negative? How to lift your heavy feet to walk forward, is what I want to know. My face feels puffy, Tears of release not even an option My body is weak, tired. How can I carry on? Some may say, turn to the light or Step by step, day by day. But how? How do you live in this hole? How do you climb out of the deep well When your fingers are crushed When the sheer walls have no footholds? Yes, I see the light, so far above me. Shining down like a warm beacon of life But it does not reach this far. I curl up on cold stone floor Shivering weak ready to go. A glimmer catches my eye. The light so far above Moves The haze around it fades. I see a candle A tiny speck of warmth against a vast sea of cold. It flickers wildly buffeted by winds of torment. I peer to see who carries this light but it is still to dim, To overwhelmed By the thick oppressive darkness. My muscles scream in agony as I lift myself No energy Little want. I flop back down to the hard stone and wait Wait for destiny to decend Wait for death to creep closer I close my eyes against the light Emptiness fills my soul Fills my emotions. I sigh, ready to stop fighting. A tug on my shoulder Makes me jerk Eyes tear open search But there is just black. A warm touch Fingers gripping my arm firmly yet encouraging Shadows still surround. I grab the hand. A lump in my throat Threatens to choke. Strong arms lift me Support me. My hands are guided forward. A rough thick rope bumps my skin But I cannot hold on. I look upward and see the light far above. The candle is gone no longer shines nearby But it's duty had been done. I feel arms enclose me Warm, loving, helpful. Fingers fasten straps around me Tight, strong, secure. A tug on the rope begins the journey Upward. Slow Steady Arms still hold me firmly The light grows stronger. The walls cling to me, trying to hold me back Hold me down But the rope pulls up up up. I close my eyes Trusting Relaxing Hope starts to creep in Along with it, peace. up up up The light shines though my lids I open them squinting against the glare Of daylight Of warm sun pulsing against my skin I see my best friend smiling at me. Arm still wrapped around my waist Holding onto the rope. Copyright SR Hulley 2006