Monday, March 25, 2013

Something I'd Rather Not Write

This poem came to me in a lightning bolt  yesterday - Sunday - as I prepared to go to church. It had been a strange week. Someone very young had died of a drug overdose sparking memories of my two brothers who succumbed in like fashion though not at so tender an age. How many of us tried to help them set their feet on a better path? I can't even count.

For Jim, David, and Andrew



The Ringmaster
By Susan Sundwall


The Ringmaster’s name is Cocaine
She will smile as she calls out your name

“Inside of the ring, dear, you’ll see,
how your troubles and sorrows will flee.”

So you join in the Ringmaster’s dance;
life is rough, why not take the chance?

That the ringmaster knows more that you
and the things that he tells you are true

The trapeze that you seize flings you high
it’s so pleasant this rush to the sky.

You feel like you’re wearing a crown;
won’t ever, not ever, come down.

It’s so wonderful here at the top.
Please, oh please, it just can’t ever stop.

But you glance at the Ringmaster’s face,
and somehow you see there no grace.

She whispers, “I know you want more.”
And his lies hide the dead on the floor

of the Circus where fools become slaves
and dance all the way to their graves . . .

To their  graves

                           to their graves 




Image: africa                                                                                        Free Digital Photos

14 comments:

  1. This is surely a lightning bolt to the heart for anyone who has been through this with a loved one. May those still dancing for the Ringmaster find true grace and escape, before the grave.
    Karen Lasher

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    1. Pray God it helps someone. Thanks for commenting, Karen. Love you.

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  2. It certainly has been a surreal time, lately, especially last week with the funeral. It was painful knowing that the person who "danced with Ringmaster" really was a kind soul, although a troubled soul. Equally painful was knowing the people that he left behind deeply cared for him. I have his grandparents in mind right now. They acted more as parents than just grandparents. Their loss was unexpected and profound. I wish them Peace although I can only imagine that their Peace will be slow to come.

    I hope that this whole entire experience serves as a wake-up call for those who are contemplating that "dance with the Ringmaster". That dance is short. That dance is also painful to many including the dancer! That dance need not take place. But then I speak to the choir, don't I.

    Peace, Sue. . .

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    1. And peace to you, Ted. In my head this is set to music, doleful and sad. That dance is short indeed. Hugs.

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  3. I didn't know you lost two brothers to the ringmaster, so this must have been especially hard for you as it brought back memories. Your poem needs to get out there were others can read it. Blessings.

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    1. Yes, Marion. You can't believe how hard it is to help people who have this monkey on their back. I just baffles. Blessings back.

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  4. Wow, Susan, what a powerful poem! So sorry about your brothers; that must have been so difficult for you and your family. Hard still, I imagine, in some ways. Sending hugs your way.

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    1. Hi Karen. My brothers have been gone for a few years now. We have one left and he's of strong faith. Thank you so much for the hugs. They always help.

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  5. Jennifer Brown BanksMarch 25, 2013 at 11:15 AM

    Sue,

    A powerful piece and timely commentary, indeed. Let us pray that fewer families will be devastated by this in times to come. Hugs, hon. :-)

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    1. There sure is a lot to pray about nowadays, Jen. Hugs back.

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  6. Replies
    1. He was only 21 and saw no way out, I guess. His grandparents are dear friends. Thank you for reading.

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