Lonely Evening Star Poem by Barry Middleton
Lonely Evening Star
they ask me how I'm doing
they know I'm very sick
they poke at me
like probing a half dead snake
they know there is no danger
cancer is not contagious
they want to know how I cope
they know death stalks everyone
like sticking a toe in a cold lake
they are testing the waters
getting a little closer to mystery
to the grief and isolation
you look quite well they say
knowing all the while I'm dying
your attitude is amazing
you are an inspiration
I curl into my bed
feeble and weak as an infant
lonely as the evening star
fearing the pain and darkness
This is a brave poem, and I am in awe of the courage behind it. But it is a gift to us, a difficult gift to give as it is to receive, but this whole experience you are sharing with makes us n-a-k-e-d, you and us, naked meaning unprotected, naked like that star you evoke in the title. But what radiance shines forth from it and your poem alike! !
Cancer takes one through a lot of emotional places where we might not wish to go. Cancer is like terrorism, not something we want to write about but something we must write about. I have found that by being quite blunt about my illness, I get much more support. Your comment is a good example of that and I thank you for that.
they poke at me like probing a half dead snake The poem brings to fore the socio-psychological aspects of human behavior in the given situation. This is quite appalling. The words such as 'they poke at me.... like probing a half dead snake' are very very significant. Thanks a lot.
The image and metaphor of a half dead snake is indeed appalling but that is often how the curiosity of some people feels. No one really understands unless they are going through the same storm of emotions.
This poem has not been translated into any other language yet.
I would like to translate this poem
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4/26/2024 8:19:57 AM # 1.0.0.1119
That is why I love your poesy, Barry.Because you are able to write poems like this one, where human's great bravity and sensitiveness at the same time can be seen.Your verses show everyone how beatifull life is when you live it trying to make it better for the whole humanity, you expose to light what behaviour humiliates us and what makes us be different from the rest cattle of the universe.It's better to live such a life even shorter than expected than to live one deprived of the bravity needed to live it the first way, depicted here to be eternal consignment to humanity.
My poetry is getting even darker. But I am going to do the best I can until the end. I am not sure when that will be but I know it is getting closer.