For The Sunday Whirl Poetry Prompt: Wordle #100
http://sundaywhirl.wordpress.com/
Instruments of Survival II
I have no ambitions and no desires.
Being a poet is not my ambition.
It’s just my way of being alone.
___Fernando Pessao
There was a time when friends
called me a master wordsmith,
shared my train of thought
with some amount of ease.
Lived on a different street,
marched to a different drummer,
while words were always humming
faintly in the background.
So much has changed, been
rearranged, places and faces
that stretched imagination,
creating wild sense of willing.
Certain daring to say those
things that had never been
said, take the risk to carve
whatever beckoned me. When
it beckoned me. Much older now,
perhaps not so bold, yet knowing
the die has been cast, and words
have ever been, will always be
chosen instruments of survival.
Elizabeth Crawford 3/17/13
Notes: Have been bucking a certain level of depression. This word list threw me because it offered so many ideas and avenues, that I got a bit overwhelmed by it all. Eventually it reminded me of a poem I had written over twenty years ago, and given the same title. Then happened to find an old memory stick with nothing but poetry on it. When I found the Pessao quote, I figured I knew where the words wanted to go. Happy 100th Brenda.
Soul's Music 
Amen to that. That is how I survive.
I believe it’s true for most of us here on the circuit. Thank heaven for the circuit, yes? And thank you for reading,
Elizabeth
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I’m sorry you’re depressed, Elizabeth. Your talent is cheering for us, your readers, so I hope it can do the same for you. Your poem is superb.
Oh my, Viv, superb? I sometimes think my wordle angst is simply me cheating me out of this. Who could remain depressed when surrounded by all of these words? Superb being one of the best for today. Thanks for stopping in,
Elizabeth
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Survival without competition… because you can say it how you want…
Perhaps that is one of the major reasons for choosing these instruments, Stan. Thanks for reading and commenting,
Elizabeth
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A lot of us seem to be coming to the same conclusion that words are what help us survive..and maybe even conquer..there is great comfort in that..
And comfort and some level of peace in just expressing whatever needs to be gotten out, don’t you think? Thanks for reading Jae,
Elizabeth
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I love these lines “…and words have ever been, will always be chosen instruments of survival.” This poem is a delight. Words are travelling the brains of poets always and ever.
Strange, but when I think back, I realize they called to me as a child, long before I knew anything of poetry or writing. And I’m so glad they continue to do so. Thanks for stopping by,
Elizabeth
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I’m sorry you’re dealing with depression, Elizabeth. I’ve been down, too. Perhaps spring will uplift you as it has me (we’ve been on spring break and the weather has been very cooperative).
http://lkkolp.wordpress.com/2013/03/16/the-sickening/
We are still locked in to the snow and cold, but then this is Wisconsin and it is still March, so its expected. Hope you are right, but today is certainly helping me feel better. Thanks for taking the time Laurie,
Elizabeth
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Yes indeed, Elizabeth. Words are definitely the means for survival. Words are friends who are always with us, friends we can always depend on. I understand this poem. And may spring (and warmth and sunlight) revive your spirit!
Actually my friend, I needed today and all of these words and various voices. It really does make a difference. And thanks for being your usual supportive self, I deeply appreciate that,
Elizabeth
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I love the theme of the piece, and the sounds in the third stanza, Elizabeth. As flowers push their color up through dirt, may some new growth color your spirit this spring. You are a lovely poet, and I am ever grateful that our journeys intersect each Sunday.
And I feel very much the same Brenda. Even though I own my wordle angst, I view this as a challenge, and don’t feel quite complete when I miss it. Thank you for all that you do and for putting up with all the hazzle. Happy 100th and many many more,
Elizabeth
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A forward-looking view, to conquer depression. A nice choice of “Words that beckon”
An outlook that offers some hope.
When I realize how long the words have beckoned me, I am both humbled and amazed. I’m not sure we are supposed to conquer the depression, so much as accept it as a part of the whole balance of things. Just because I don’t feel up and light, doesn’t mean there’s something wrong with me. That’s the hard thing to remember. Thanks for visiting Marian,
Elizabeth
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I understand your struggles with depression. It’s insidious, that particular black cloud. I loved the feeling of this poem. “So much has changed, been rearranged…” I loved that line so much.
Funny thing is, as soon as I posted that comment, my mood started to change. I truly do believe that words are magic, as well as healing. Thanks for reading,
Elizabeth
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instruments of survival… very good title and last lines. Full of the feeling of time passing. I also love the quote from Pessoa, which rings true 🙂
Found the quote years ago and put it on the memory stick with all that poetry. Really liked it then and still do now. Thanks for reading Veronica,
Elizabeth
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Words have been arrows and bullets, feathers and sunshine. We just breath them in, listening, striving to survive. Some days are so much easier. Wishing you some easy ones. This verse was well wordled. I don’t even look for the words…I just know they are there. They have to be – like taking the next assured breath.
The being at the mouth of the cave…may not be what you expect. Stay tuned 🙂
I wasn’t really expecting anything, just wanted you to be aware of the classic mythological element you created with those one hundred words and what a job well done. Today went easier than I thought it would so all these well wishes must be having an effect, yeah. Thanks for dropping by,
Elizabeth
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Elizabeth, I’ve been a bit blue, too. Hope springs brings a lift of mood. I really like the quote. I can relate to knowing the die has been cast. At a certain age we do know that it has. Well done!
Sabra, I am thinking a bit blue must be good for wordling, yes? We have a few weeks before we can even think about spring, yet, but today’s word list and its results did some lifting already. Thanks for stopping in,
Elizabeth
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Words are our survival, Elizabeth. I am so sorry you are battling depression and hope it ends soon. Beautiful poem and it is so nice to have you with us, my friend.
Pamela
Pamela, thanks for your concern, but I am actually doing okay. I seem to cycle through these things periodically. Glad you liked the poem, I thought your double effort was fantastic,
Elizabeth
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A good way to survive!
I think it’s the best, of course there’s an element of self-justification in that statement, oh well. You, my friend, have and are busy. Congrats on the Art Shows and the publication. As always, thanks for being here,
Elizabeth
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Keep writing to push through the dark place. Nicely wordled, Elizabeth!
I am never very fond of what I’ve written in the dark places of my life. I always recall it as whining and self-pitying bitching. Then go back later and find some of the best lines I’ve ever written, ready and waiting for me to finally wake up. Thanks for your concern Nan,
Elizabeth
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I feel power here.
And you know how I feel about power…
Elizabeth
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Elizabeth, I felt this poems deeply. We overcome and persevere. That’s what brought us here. An excellent and expressive piece.
Thank you very much Walt, seems like several of us caught the same fire from these words. So glad to be a part of it all,
Elizabeth
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So melancholy, Elizabeth. Left me with a tiny little ache in my heart for you.
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So true Elizabeth, tis words that help us survive. They help us step up don’t they?
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I understand what you are going through, it’s been a grey winter for me too. Yes, words are wonderful but they can be the gun too.
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Poets blaze new trails all the time, ever seeking direction. spring will be here before you know it and the ever present grey days will soon pass. Be cheered by this thought.
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I have let the words slide away from me of late. Too afraid of what they might say. Darkness lurks in the corner. I need a summer breeze. Your piece reminds me that creativity may not always be bright. Your instrument of survival serves you well. Peace and blessings. xo teri
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