Thing 205
The Monster paid me an unannounced visit today.
It let itself in through the locked and bolted back door
on its way to another grief.
It took me in its arms as I,
limp as linguine and just as strained,
offered no resistance.
Its cowl became my heavy hood;
the weight of its robe dragged me to half-staff…
lugging laundry downstairs,
crying as I failed to muster strength to open a jar,
wracked with fear I’d be discovered here alone
with Same Old:
Telling me I’m worthless, a drag on my loved ones,
why bother with it all? Run away to a
thin spot on the icy lake…
Only my Boxing Gym of the Soul saved me.
My Trainer whispered spoke shouted in my ear,
“Slough off the robe, ooze off the couch.
Flop to the floor and exercise.
EXORCISE THE MONSTER!”
After my walk outside, the demon slunk in a corner.
Finally giving up, it didn’t bother to say goodbye,
But I make sure the door hit it in the ass
as it left to cripple someone else.
© 2012 Amy Barlow Liberatore/Sharp Little Pencil
For Poetic Bloomings, the prompt was Fear; also at Poets United’s Poetry Pantry.
Sharp Little Pencil 
booguloo
Nice Job!
Sharp Little Pencil
Thanks, Michael! Peace, Amy
whimsygizmo
“limp as linguini and just as strained”
oh, YES.
and exercise/exorcise are the same in my world, too, my friend.
hugs to you, and gratitude for this piece. wonderful.
Sharp Little Pencil
De, having hung out in your kitchen, I knew you’d get the “strained” comment. Thanks for your kind words on this, because it turned out better once I did a bit of editing… Yesterday was GORgeous and I went out for some sun. And yes, exercise/exorcise is a concept from therapy. The breathing in and out, the mindfulness, breathing in the Spirit and breathing out the negatives… peace, Amy
Karen
Powerful, and I know a monster or two!
Sharp Little Pencil
I write about all of them. Some were under my bed as a child, and one was on top, which is the worst monster for me. Depression is something, along with the manic part, I’ve learned to personalize, so as to separate it and look it square in the eye… thanks! Amy
Kim Nelson
Go, Baby, Go! Take that Black Dog out for a walk and leave him out there on his own. You deserve to be unburdened!
Sharp Little Pencil
Kim, you’ll like this: “Yeah, but first I have to get off the couch, call the dog, find the leash… unbolt BOTH doors, put on my sneaks…” A million ways to avoid what must be done, and yet therapy has helped me look at depression (and mania) as forms separate from myself, so The Black Dog is perfect, thanks!! Peace, Amy
Debbie
Wow Amy!
Sharp Little Pencil
Thanks, Debbie…
Roger Green
Kicking some serious butt, as you usually do
Sharp Little Pencil
Hey, Roger, sometimes I kick the butt… sometimes, the butt butts me! Thanks, Amy
kaykuala
It seemed to be a bother to you Amy! It was intimidating when It’s supposed to be man;s best friend. Can adopt a different stance to enhance friendship again, I suppose!
Hank
Sharp Little Pencil
Monsters as my best friends… hmmm, have to dwell on that. Love your comments, Hank, because you always think outside the box! Amy
Misky
Winter will soon be over, and the warming sun will be with us again. A walk in the fresh air is a help … sometimes … it can’t always be counted on for relief though.
Sharp Little Pencil
Babe, you know me so well. That’s why I have a full-spectrum “Happy Light.” I sit beside it for an hour each morning on cloudy days. Well worth the money spent, because it helps with Vitamin D production. Peace, Amy
brian miller
mmm…yes, i know this friend and he does come around…and good job fighting back and not letting him steal your night….
Sharp Little Pencil
Thanks, Brian. Yes, there are so many folks I’ve seen overwhelmed by this type of depression, including my mom (who drank to self-medicate and became agoraphobic). Knowing these behaviors run in my family, I do kick my OWN butt out the door some days! (wink) Amy
jannie funster
Hi, Amy! I like the part about the half staff, nice imagery.
I need to let the door hit my monster in the ass too. After coffee.
xo
Sharp Little Pencil
The half staff was one of the last thoughts added to this poem, glad you picked up on it. And coffee first, ALWAYS. Always always!! (wink) Peace, Amy
Jennifaye
Don’t let the “monster” get you. Exorcise! (The best way to do this is to write. :))
Sharp Little Pencil
I combine the two: Get out of the house, walk or bus to a cafe, write there. It’s not good for me to hole up at home too long. Today I go to the therapist and from there, usually to a cafe downtown. Lovely walk after talking it all over! Thanks for the encouragement… peace, Amy
Sherry Blue Sky
That coach gives good advice. Outdoors, a lot of solace is awaiting us. Love the last two lines!
Sharp Little Pencil
But somethings the COUCH wins out over the coach… sigh. Peace!
oncealibrarian
I’m running out of superlatives for your work. I just love it. What would I not give for a talent like yours? You keep inspiring us, Amy.
Sharp Little Pencil
I’m turning redder with every comment. You are too kind! Thanks again for the encouragement… peace, Amy
Old Egg
This poem has made my day. Laughing out loud to the unresponsive computer screen may not be much but it certainly gave me a lift.
Sharp Little Pencil
I figured you’d like my letting the door hit it in the ass! My whole approach to managing manic depression hinges on my ability to laugh at my predicament even as I document its difficulties. (wink) Amy
Tracy Crenshaw
Wonderful and amazing! Those damn monsters are certainly a pain in the ass! Beautiful phrasing :0)
Sharp Little Pencil
Tracy, thank you for stopping by. I appreciate your kind words – and now am off to see what your blog is doing!! Peace, Amy
Renee Espriu
I like this alot, Amy. I have the same evil nemesis myself. Wonders what a walk can do.
Sharp Little Pencil
Yes, Renee, but first one has to get one’s butt out the door! Oy, the wonders of depression! Peace, Amy
dani
love this one, Amy! gotta keep fighting!
♥
Sharp Little Pencil
Thanks, Dani, and amen to that! Amy
Lindy Lee
It’s always exciting to learn of another crush of the monster…
Sharp Little Pencil
Just wait til I get my hands on Rush Limbaugh, ha ha ha
Lindy Lee
Please do keep me posted…
Pingback: encore presentation: 2012 featured poets ~ Amy Barlow Liberatore aka Sharp Little Pencil | my heart's love songs