Erasure of Self
Like goosebumped skin
erasure sets in
Eyes closed to sun
Energy, none
The me people know,
the warm glow,
cedes to the smear
of what is now here
Go, thou dread curse
Take with you your hearse
Better days will come
If I ( )
© 2014 Amy Barlow Liberatore/Sharp Little Pencil
Imaginary Garden With Real Toads. Artistic Expressions’ Margaret asked us to write to a sketch. This one I completed at the onset of my last depression. As always, I crawled out, just in time for Riley’s triumphant graduation! Peace, Amy
Sharp Little Pencil 
brian miller
congrats to riley on graduation..and on you walking through yet another darkness to find the other side…erasure sets in is an interesting turn of phrase, particularly in context….
Sharp Little Pencil
Thanks for the Riley mention, Brian. Yes, even in the fog, I can make that game face and enjoy it for all I have in me. Thanks for hangingwith me always. amy
http://vivinfrance.wordpress.com
When you go missing, I know you are suffering, and always send positive vibes to you. It is good that you can write (and draw) about the effects. Congratulations to Riley.
Sharp Little Pencil
Viv, I feel held tightly by so many wonderful people like you, Robin, Brian, Hank, Jae, Pamela… the list goes on… Roger, Cos, Kim… thank you for noticing when I’m not around. I mean it. A
Jae Rose
There is a fragile beauty shining here..it’s all about the ( ) ..harder than it appears to fill wisely..happy sunday to you x
Sharp Little Pencil
The parentheses simply appeared. Not a matter of not having a rhyme, but each may fill in her or his own blank, right? Love, A
coalblack
Yep, it’s just like that, not even enough energy or focus to finish the sentence.
Sharp Little Pencil
God, you know me so well!! Love, A
Roger Green
(drink some rum). I always miss you when you’re not around…
Sharp Little Pencil
Ha ha, you were the first to fill the parentheses! Good for you, Rog. Thanks for missing me. As I told Viv, I feel the embrace of so many fellow poets and writers… Amy
Misky
Sending love to you, Amy. xx
Sharp Little Pencil
Right back atcha, babe. A
whimsygizmo
Sending love and hugs, and admiration, always, for your writing talent.
Sharp Little Pencil
Thanks so much, De! xo, A
journalread
Yikes! I like the whole poem, and think the lines: ‘cedes to the smear / of what is now here’ particularly effective – nice use of poetic devices.
Kim Nelson
Must be so proud of Riley… and she so proud of you!
Pamela
Amelita, you are so brave to write like this. Congrats to Riley! How wonderful.
Paz and amor,
Pamelita
oldegg
No matter the joys in life there is always a black dog sniffing around. Let’s hope he has wandered off elsewhere.
ManicDdaily
Well, no erasures should be made to your poem. So sorry for this problem. You convey it beautifully though. K.
kaykuala
Graduation is a grand achievement! Well done Riley! Pl convey regards late as it is, Amelita! You’ve got over the little irritants, that’s what they are, just irritants. Not to be restricted too much. You’ve fought against it very well! Great!
Hank
Kerry O'Connor
Your metaphor is very effective in portraying the dissolution of self brought on by depression.
Good to see you in the garden, Amy.
Sharp Little Pencil
THANKS TO ALL THE COMMENTS! If I took time to reply to ALL I would never get to your site. SEE YOU AT YOUR PLACE. Y’all are the most compassionate group of people.
Laurie Kazmierczak
Era sure
Time may pass slowly
erasing good vibes and times…
coming back for sure
Amy, I’m working on my Haiku and you have just inspired this…so glad to be getting your updates!