Tag: Double Inverted Etheree

• 

Aishwarya, aka, Kitty from Kitty’s Verses, was Colleen’s selection from last month’s challenge. She has provided the photo for this month’s challenge.

• 

I’ve chosen to write a Stacked/Double Inverted Etheree

Twenty lines with a syllable count per line of 10/9/8/7/6/5/4/3/2/1, 1/2/3/4/5/6/7/8/9/10 syllables per line, which looks like an hourglass when centered on the page.

The track meanders to nowhere special

I imagine places, people, dogs.

The train driver speeding through lunch

I hope he forgives me. If…

I step out, one last step.

Feet, a friend to air

Sigh. The track cries

Stay strong. Fight.

Crush it!

Live.

***

It

Isn’t

Who I am.

Brought to these tears

Lost. Anxious. Depressed.

Peering up there’s heaven

And down, the track is groaning

Pleading, don’t kiss death. Lucy, live.

I halt! I see them. And who I am.

Family, friends, my dog barking, come home.

© M J Mallon

This poem is inspired by a book I reviewed recently by Jackie Carreira: The Seventh Train. I’d recommend reading it. Here is the link to my review: https://kyrosmagica.wordpress.com/2020/08/15/book-review-the-seventh-train-by-jackie-carriera-book-review/

The book touches upon the impact of suicides on train drivers. Hence, the mention in this poem.

A sad topic but an important one to address, particularly during these difficult times.

Remember, if you are ever feeling lost, low or depressed there is always a better day waiting for you in the future. Today might be hard but keep your family and friends close to your heart and always talk through your problems with a friend, family member or counsellor. A problem shared is always halved.

https://colleenchesebro.com/2020/08/18/colleens-2020-weekly-tanka-tuesday-poetry-challenge-no-191-photoprompt/

Sending love, hugs and hopes for happy days.

•