When the Bough Breaks

Worn out

When the Bough Breaks

The harshest winds of change

have bent the wood of my once stout back.

There were days gone by

when I could withstand the gale,

could turn my back, my collar up

and see it out.

But now my trunk has splintered

from the many axes ground

and I fall in the merest whisper

of a breeze.

 

17/06/15

Author's Note

Reviews

[Nadia Gerassimenko]

Children are able to bounce back from any calamity easily. I remember as a child, I would sleep on something that truly pained me and the next day, it was all okay. Even young adults manage. But indeed it becomes harder as we age. Sleeping on something doesn't make the hurt go away like magic anymore. What a tragic poem. I felt it deeply.

[John Alexander McFadyen]

Thank you Nadia. I know what you mean as I have often taken salvation in the analgesia of sleep.

[R Smith]

a poem to the mighty oak i feel, it has great beauty John, even though it should fall :)

[John Alexander McFadyen]

Thank you Richard

[Lydia Shutter]

There's only so much anyone can take and it seems the older we get, the less we can endure. Very well written, John. Lydi**

[John Alexander McFadyen]

Many thanks Lydi

[Kelly Scheppers]

...wow, the power of your words cut deeply in this one, John. Love the title, as well!

[John Alexander McFadyen]

Thank you so much Kelly.

[andrew mitchell]

Such strong words John that reach out and strike one down. Very good! for a Scotsman!! lol joke!!!

[John Alexander McFadyen]

Why thank you dear chap!

[AaronFreitas]

Great write John. Love the descriptions and comparisons you make in this write. Most men have no choice but to work until they reach that breaking point. Awesome words :)

[John Alexander McFadyen]

Thank you always Aaron.

[Willard Wells]

Great analogy between man and wood. Beautifully done and so well blended. And the meaning beyond those two can go so many directions. You have left the reader with something complete and yet for those looking beyond, it is their own imagination that will tell a story beyond your words. This is a piece that will stand the test of time past and future with it's meaning. Guess I liked it. :)

[John Alexander McFadyen]

Thank you so much Willard I am glad you enjoyed it.

[sereenaoutloud]

John this literally made me cry.. i can relate so much! sometimes finding that strength when you feel so beaten down is so hard and we are after all only human and we do bleed when we fall....but we are also so very strong and resilient and you will find that inner strength and you will bounce back one small step at a time!!
Keep ya chin up my friend!! :)

[John Alexander McFadyen]

Thank you Sereena. Emotions are many and move in weather patterns changing with the sun and the wind and the rain. This evening I sat and watched and listened to and smelt the evening and it was blissful.

[ANTO]

This reminded me of the Japanese saying about bending like reeds with the wind instead of trying to stand up to them like a tree. After storms the trees are uprooted and the reeds are still in situ. It's never too late to learn to be more flexible to life's winds.
"...from the many axes ground" - great phrasing John.

[John Alexander McFadyen]

Indeed Anto and really I am a reed. Certainly wish I was built like one lol! Working on it! Many thanks.