I Shall Not Cry Aloud

A Poem by Betty Hermelee

a period of hard times

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

Kady R.

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.

2 Months Ago

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

2 Months Ago

Welcome Betty🤗🤗🥰🥰

Reviews

Desert Knave

The personal pain jumps out of this one. Many people feel that putting on a brave face is the best way to get by, myself included. Very good write. ~Jim

Posted 2 Months Ago

2 Months Ago

Thank you so much for your supportive and understanding review!
Warmly, B

Chris Shaw

There is an air of gloom here, the atmosphere hangs heavy. Trying to put on a brave face when the chips are down. I’m right with you Betty. In a similar place. A day at a time. Looking for some light in the darkness. Such relatable lines. Keep positive dear friend.

Chris

Posted 2 Months Ago

View 2 more replies

2 Months Ago

I'm trying, sometimes agonizing because it such a slow process!!!
xoxo

2 Months Ago

It’s painful, but remember to look after yourself too Betty. Got to keep your energy levels up x

2 Months Ago

Promise I will! xo

Soren

I can feel this poem and its heaviness. It casts shadows and out of that darkness there is always the hope for a brighter day. Very nicely penned Betty

Posted 2 Months Ago

2 Months Ago

Thank you dear friend, always an understanding review!
Warmly
B

2 Months Ago

You are most welcome Betty

Neville

What a dreadful place to be in .. I hope and pray you et al will find yourselves in a much brighter place afore too long and be filled with such resolve that your new found enlightenment & circumstances enable the crafting of a more uplifting if not golden sequel .. yours both warmly and truly .. Neville 🌻💛👍

Posted 2 Months Ago

2 Months Ago

Thank you Neville for a very supportive and understanding review!
Warmly, B

2 Months Ago

You are and always shall be most welcome Betty .. Neville ..🌻

RomaJ

This poem beautifully captures the weight of inner turmoil while balancing hope. I love how the “black cloud” becomes both a literal and emotional presence, yet there’s a quiet resilience in the trust that light and clarity will eventually return.

Posted 2 Months Ago

2 Months Ago

Thank you RomaJ for a very thorough review, much appreciated!
Warmly, B

Buddhistboy73

Thanks for sharing this emotive write Betty...

A heartfelt poem about the love of another and the longing that accompanies their absence...

These are my favourite lines:

Soon, I trust, darkness shall fade
into a slice of light, a pinch of clarity
a forewarning of better days ahead

Thanks for sharing this poem Betty...

BB73

Posted 2 Months Ago

2 Months Ago

you're very welcome and a lovely review!
Warmly, B

emmajoygreen

An incredibly moving poem - almost a cry for help. Stress like this takes time to accept or cope with.. is a long journey back to that peace both you and husband can sit back and whisper, 'tis over, thank the heaven '

Posted 2 Months Ago

2 Months Ago

Beautiful, heartfelt review my dear friend...
you are so sincere and i give you many stars..... read more

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17 Reviews

Added on October 13, 2025
Last Updated on October 13, 2025

Author

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..