Depression's Jig
wikimedia commons
Barona 1
I dance the jig of depression’s watch
waiting
in the slowing two-step of waltz undone
to see if its face
has changed this time.
A grimace loosens
as torso bends toward
my ever present partner,
and those watching
seldom realize
that this represents
improvement
over the flatness of the watch,
and I wonder
how many more
dances
will fit
on my dance card
before the music stills.
Wow, Audrey--I really like this. Wish you didn't have to dance with it.
ReplyDeleteThank you Susan! Me too--but it is what it is--
Deleteugh...felt piece...i am glad there is improvement for you even if others dont see it....and perhaps you will get a breather between dances?
ReplyDeleteActually mine is seasonally related--sadder in winter--but the rest of the year is usually fine--I need to get a light box---thanks for the read Brian!!
DeleteVery powerful poem!
ReplyDeleteThank you Madeleine!
DeleteIt's funny, reading this, and then realising that I wrote a poem on a similar theme...and thinking that it's strange the way we see it as a dance, like it dances with us, but like we have no control, or rather it's like a controlling partner....this poem describes and encapsulates these feelings so well
ReplyDeleteThanks Stu!
DeleteWell, I hope there are many other 'players' on your dance card and that depression's grip on you does not last long. I do know how possessive and demanding it can be; but don't fall for his wiles!! Find a livelier partner instead...perhaps one who likes salsa dancing instead of the waltz! (Smiles)
ReplyDeleteActually, I love salsa! To eat and to dance--thank you Mary!
DeleteLove this..a clear expression of the 'dance' of depression. I do this dance sometimes too. Definitely feel it more during the cooler months...don't need the light box though...get plenty of sun here in Florida. Hope its grip isn't too tight for you this winter.
ReplyDeleteGayle ~
Thanks Gayle!
DeleteWow, such good writing. DO get a light box. My sister has one and it really helps. We live in a valley where the skies stay gray for too long a time thru late fall and winter, so I know how energies are affected by the weather. Mine are too. I take 1000 mg of Vitamin D daily and that helps somewhat. I note great awareness in your poem. The scary closing lines hit close to home. I wonder that for myself as well. I have a lot of dance left in me yet....hope there is time!!!!! Be well, kiddo........get that light box! SO worth it!
ReplyDeleteThank you Sherry! I get out and exercise and that helps too-
DeleteI know someone who did so well with SAD once she got a light box. She used it twice a day for 15/20 minutes and it made all the difference to her depression. Wasn't cured but, was a whole lot better.
ReplyDeleteGreat metaphors here for describing how insidious it can be.
Thank you Bren--my sister-in-law uses one and it helps quite a bit
DeleteYou fought back with these words.
ReplyDeleteA great poem, whether personal or not.
Instead of the SAD lamp, sitting indoors, you could try two or three sessions of 40 mins walking per day, outside, in the light. Hard to make time, I know, but this keeps both mind and body fit.
Thank you aprille! Exercise does help!
Deletegreat poem Audrey loved how many times would the dance card be filleed before the music stills - may that music be a cheery one x x lib
ReplyDeleteThank you libithina!
Deleteknow it's not the same as SAD but love the sun too - not much this summer in uk just grey days - but it does lift and cheer - x lib
ReplyDeleteAs one who has lived a lifetime with depression as my companion, I understand the message and admire the beautiful manner in which it is shared. Very well done.
ReplyDeleteI can relate to this. My melancholic temperament constantly tries to keep me in a black mood no matter what time of the year. Great writing here.
ReplyDeleteWell hopefully writing brilliant verse like this will help keep your spirits up, enjoyed.
ReplyDeleteMelancholy is such a tough dance partner, especially in winter. Here's hoping you get a sunny one this year!
ReplyDeleteI like how you used the metaphor of the dance and card for something dark and life changing, depression ~ Lovely share ~
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing this. I can definitely relate and connect with your poem. I love the way it's writeen I dance with depression all the time. But I've taught it some salsa so it's learning how to dance with me ;)
ReplyDeleteThis is a brilliant description of depression! Dancing is the perfect metaphor for how I try to handle it, I think. Either that or surfing. :)
ReplyDeleteThis was really beautiful. Looking forward to reading more of you work.
ReplyDeleteI agree with Heaven, I like the tone-reversal of using dance for something not thoroughly good nor lively.
ReplyDeleteyes... a dance with depression and so difficult to get out of its embrace!
ReplyDeletethis is beautifully written!
♥