ABPA - Australian Bush Poets Association

nowhere is close to somewhere

He looks with ancient wisdom he sees and knows not all
but when he comes to visit he can cause your life to stall.
Timeless in his coming he can break your heart in two
tear your life asunder wondering what are you to do.

No magic stones can break his spell, his eyes are closed to pain
Your life goes on an endless trail where there can be no gain.
You sit with vacant stare and wonder when the pain will end
a red dirt road to nowhere without a single turn or bend.

But duty calls and on you trudge through endless pain and tears
no one can know your sorrow as it follows through the years.
Nowhere is close to somewhere but you might as well be dead.
You can but grin and bear it when the Black Dog rears his head.

Bob Pacey (c)

Probably writing about it is a step towards coming to terms with it.
in my opinion, poetry recognises that there is more to what is said than what is said ( if that makes sense ) and that applies to the dark night of the soul.

Very well written, Bob - on a dark subject that really deserves addressing. Depression is one of those invisible illnesses that so many people suffer in silence, alone. I agree with Neville - the real impact is sometimes in what is left unsaid.

Just a little point - I believe you have two typos - one in the second line of the first verse - perhaps should be an "r" on "you" (he can cause your life to stall), and the same in the third line of the same verse - should this be "break your heart in two"?

Cheers, Shelley

That's ok I got a moderator to fix it

Well done Bob on a subject many people struggle with.
Great use of the prompts here.

cheers
Sue

Nearly missed this, Bob, as it's the October 5 homework and the reference to "22/9/2015" made it look like an oldie. It's a very apt use of the prompts, particularly the "red dirt road to nowhere"...that will resonate.

Cheers
David

Well done Bob - a good write and as others have said one that will resonate with many people. Lucky you've got that moderator on side. No more spelling errors/typos will be seen

Excellent poem Bob with really great use of the prompts.

Cheers all and Ta Bob