Strung Up By Despair Poem by RoseAnn V. Shawiak

Hiding under the umbrella tree, not wanting anyone to see
the many tears of hurt hiding inside me all these years.
Afraid to come out, afraid to be rejected again or
abandoned like last time.
Heart so heavy with sorrow's burden, life becomes
overwhelming - ivy of remorse flows and clings over this
entire being.
Wanting to hold chin up and walk about as if there's
nothing wrong, but it can't be done now.
Morosely fidgeting with ideas of death and the happiness
it would bring to everyone.
Allowing these thoughts to conjure and brew while an
infinite debate is carried on inside with head and heart
undecided on which avenue to pursue.
As a body hangs limply in air, strung up by intense despair,
life is carried on somehow in spite of suicidal thoughts
held in mind by a devastated human being.

(10/9/96)