Inverted Poem by Janet Willemien Mulligan

If my sense of dignity was wrought
with a plaguing scarcity.

Then should I give of myself
with the full force behind my faculties?

Too timid a soul to master all the
courage available to me

Because I’m living in foreign lands
that seem barren compared to my home in the sea.

Where I stroke the tides,
my body so easily collides.

At home, here, emotional currents
persuading me to stay and play; and love to reside.

Until now, my home swelled up
this valleys’ hillsides.

I cannot freely glide along
these mountain tops

I have to trudge up the big boulders
and cliffs’ tops like road blocks.

Just to survive the insanity I see
surrounding me in this social chaos.

Adapting to the new ways of time’s changed days,
of nature’s newfound era or stage.

“Play” says the voice wanting me to stay.
To give a chance to the game of illusion that preys

On the inhabiting here; I’m supposed to instill fear.
And I wonder if I can make it okay here;

Where I am akin to no peer
This game is a solace to me…

Dark
Cold
Cloudy

… And drear