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I Shall Not Cry Aloud

I Shall Not Cry Aloud

A Poem by Betty Hermelee
"

a period of hard times

"

I Shall Not Cry Aloud

 

Uncertainty evokes fear in my core

my spirit deflated to a corner of a black cloud

that hovers day and night

I fail to see the sun

though I know it shines sometimes

yet my black cloud always strangles it

 

For as long as my hubby is a disparate soul

I shall bear this black cloud

which obscures my tangible behavior

 

I shall not cry aloud

must mask myself with words of understanding

even endearment

though deep in my gut

my instincts alert me about the truth

they recognize my moods

 

Soon, I trust, darkness shall fade

into a slice of light, a pinch of clarity

a forewarning of better days ahead

one can only provide totality transiently

then rest in between

 


© 2025 Betty Hermelee


My Review

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Featured Review

Hiii Betty,

I can only image what you're going through but the poem helps shows how you are doing. There is nothing wrong with sorrow even if its held in quietly. I see your pain in this poem but there's hope in it that I enjoy reading. Things are temporary what we go through and there is that "pinch if clarity." So heres hoping for those better things ahead and thanks fo sharing what your going through.

Kady

Posted 2 Months Ago


1 of 1 people found this review constructive.

Betty Hermelee

2 Months Ago

Thanks Kady for your warm and kind review, graciously accepted
Warmly
B🌷🌷🌷ðŸ.. read more
Kady R.

2 Months Ago

Welcome Betty🤗🤗🥰🥰



Reviews

Oh dear my friend. trust me things will get better
It is only 1 week since her funeral
My black cloud is slowly lifting and the tears becoming less

So will yours. Stick with it, Please
Pete

Posted 1 Month Ago
I love your poem and how relatable it is. This line speaks to me, "Soon, I trust, darkness will fade." In all your work I believe you pour the very essence of yourself. I love your poem once again.

Posted 1 Month Ago


1 of 1 people found this review constructive.

Betty Hermelee

1 Month Ago

Thank you for your kind words!
Warmly, B
Hey B. How are you? I have to say, I love how this poem holds the tension between quiet endurance and the hope for light. The “black cloud” imagery feels so immediate, and the way you trace the shift toward clarity at the end is both tender and honest. It reads of patience, love, and the small victories of spirit.

Beautiful.
James☆

Posted 1 Month Ago


1 of 1 people found this review constructive.

Betty Hermelee

1 Month Ago

Hi Jansy… a most understanding and thoughtful review! much appreciated😊
Warmly, B
Jansy

1 Month Ago

You're welcome, b.
Betty Hermelee

1 Month Ago

Are these your thoughts, words? Hope so....for being new to the cafe, you sure know how to write...... read more
Betty, I strongly related to your poem. Living alone, totally unexpected at this stage of life, I struggle against the darkness, despair of it never lifting. I hope your positive final message proves true. Thanks for this thoughtful, spiritual meditation.

Posted 2 Months Ago


Betty Hermelee

2 Months Ago

Thank you Michael, for such an understanding review,
much appreciated!!!
Warmly, B
You've presented your emotions beautifully. My favourite part was the ray of hope you highlighted despite the darkness in the end. It strengthens one's faith that no matter how dark the clouds may seem, the sun is out there somewhere and will shine with same bright intensity soon! 🩷

Posted 2 Months Ago


Betty Hermelee

2 Months Ago

Thank you Nayyab for a sensitive, thoughtful review
Warmly, B
Ah Betty, it is hard to feel positive thoughts when impending grief surrounds you, one hour, one day at a time my friend is all i can say .... love to you both through these difficult days my friend .

Posted 2 Months Ago


Betty Hermelee

2 Months Ago

Thank you Stella, for such a lovely and kind review!
Warmly, B
It is all we can hope for Betty. That somehow those dark clouds that invade our thought and lives will find that forewarning of better days ahead with a slice of light to brighten our days and hopes.

Posted 2 Months Ago


Betty Hermelee

2 Months Ago

You are a sweetheart Lorry, and have a very passionate side to you, always
Thank you!
.. read more
This is a personal poem. Perhaps in the future things will be such that readers will be invited to share in the specifics.

Posted 2 Months Ago


0 of 1 people found this review constructive.

Betty Hermelee

2 Months Ago

Thank you Winston; too personal to share specifics
Warmly, B
W. Barrett Munn

2 Months Ago

That I could tell. Just as an aside: it’s great to write a personal or private poem but maybe best.. read more
Betty Hermelee

2 Months Ago

I disagree!
Poetry is for any kind of expression ,be it emotional, personal or something else.. read more
Hiii Betty,

I can only image what you're going through but the poem helps shows how you are doing. There is nothing wrong with sorrow even if its held in quietly. I see your pain in this poem but there's hope in it that I enjoy reading. Things are temporary what we go through and there is that "pinch if clarity." So heres hoping for those better things ahead and thanks fo sharing what your going through.

Kady

Posted 2 Months Ago


1 of 1 people found this review constructive.

Betty Hermelee

2 Months Ago

Thanks Kady for your warm and kind review, graciously accepted
Warmly
B🌷🌷🌷ðŸ.. read more
Kady R.

2 Months Ago

Welcome Betty🤗🤗🥰🥰
ouch. when the sun peaks through the clouds, we must bask and warm ourselves in its reprieve 'til the clouds would have their way again. your words are from the gut and to the gut b.

Posted 2 Months Ago


Betty Hermelee

2 Months Ago

Thank you Pete, I know...times are a bit rough now. hoping to brighten up soon!
Warmly, B
Betty Hermelee

2 Months Ago

I know, trying hard to brighten up!!!
Thanks always Pete
Warmly, B
Pete

2 Months Ago

.. whatever it takes ...

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318 Views
17 Reviews
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 Added on October 13, 2025
Last Updated on October 13, 2025

Author

Betty Hermelee
Betty Hermelee

Black Mountain, NC



About
My love of poetry results from my love of art. As a painter I am able to express myself on a canvas. As a poet my words come from my heart, my moods, sometimes sad, mostly upbeat. I like to use vivid .. more..