Facing Fears

(a memory of a first fear)

i recall
in times gone by
a girl wide eyed with fear
staring into the dimness
where shadows danced
to a night light’s tune

peering over white cotton
her young ears listened to
the click click clicking
of dragon flies flicking their
long menacing legs on
the ceiling in the gloom of
an upstairs room

too afraid to scream
too afraid to dream

till the boy in the school yard
told her to gather her fears
in the palm of her small hand
and she did

she called on all her courage
took a deep breath
before catching from the
long grass of the playing field
at morning break
a resting specimen

where she cradled it
delicately within cupped fingers
and thumbs of both shaking hands
closing her eyes tight
trembling with trepidation

six thread legs tickled her skin
and soon it surprised her
that it was harmless and
more afraid of her
than she was of him

so she opened the hold
gently blew him a kiss
said her goodbyes
then released him
without harm
into a waiting blue sky

Reviews

[Andrew John]

Nice one, Chris. I do remember being a little afraid of insects and spiders; no more. I do recall fearing bees, but a friend taught me beekeeping - and how to wrap up and wear a veil. I came to love beekeeping (not doing it any more, though). Thank for these thoughts.

[Chris Shaw]

Hi Andrew, many thanks for the read and sharing your thoughts. The bee keeping sounds interesting. All the best.

Chris

[Ken Simm.]

I was afraid of the dark from an incident that happened in my childhood. I was afraid of Rats from the same incident but long ago some one I loved told me to put what represented my fears into a box and place it on a mantlepiece where I could see it. And blow me didn't it work. So that is what I do even now. Although only metaphorical fears. I would not imprison anything.
So this poem brought to the fore, memories, empathy and how to deal with things so well and quite prettily. Thank you for that Chris.

[Chris Shaw]

Many thanks Ken for your share and your thoughts. I appreciate you. Pleased you stopped by. Have a great weekend.

Chris

[Dave]

As a child, I was afraid of all kinds of bugs until a friend pointed out to me how much bigger I am than any of them.
Take care Chris. I'm sorry that I've been absent from here for so long..Dvae

[Chris Shaw]

Hello Dave. Hope you are yours are all keeping well. Thank you for your visit. I had a few fears as a child. All out grown now I might add. Have a great weekend.

Chris

[FGFRANKLIN]

It is wonderful to overcome any fear. I love dragonflies. They represent to me the wonderful strength of seeming fragility. Most insects can't fly in all directions but the dragonfly can because each of its wings are independent and fragile as these insects might seem they have been known to traverse entire oceans in flight. That's simply astounding to me. Dragonflies and mantises are two of my favorite creatures for their unique abilities.

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Fabian. I appreciate the thoughts you have shared here. All the best.

Chris

[FGFRANKLIN]

I was amazed when my wife held a five inch long praying mantis in her hand. She is generally terrified of bugs. I guess motherhood is great for conquering fears too.

[Archishman Rick]

An exceptional imagery of overcoming fear after a bit of external encouragement. At times that little push is all you need. A very worthy message has been shared by you here. Points of fear for each individual may be different and even far apart, but that doesn't call for cold shoulders, discrimination or bullying to a point where the subject feels lost or hopeless. Rather, friendly guidance and support is the way.
Cheers

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Archishman Rick for sharing your thoughts here. I appreciate your visit.

Chris

[Sharrumkin]

Very nice. We all have fears most of which we learn to outgrow.

[Chris Shaw]

Many thanks for your thoughts. I appreciate you stopping by.

Chris

[duff]

Wow Chris. This is painting with words. Beautifully done.

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you duff. I appreciate you stopping by.

Chris

[Neville]

flooding or implosion therapy can be very effective in treating the kind of anxiety/fear you so eloquently outline .. obviously it did in this case .. a decidedly gripping read our M ... N 🙂💜

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you my friend, but who is M? :)
💜

[Neville]

I have absolutely no idea maybe down to my delirium 🍷🍷I suspect someone may have got my C .. N 😎

[willweb]

That was beautiful Chris. To imagine things through a child's eyes and mind, so much can happen that most of us never take the time to see. Wonderfully written

[Chris Shaw]

Thanks for all your encouragement will. Have a wonderful Tuesday.

Chris

[red93]

Another fascinating memory and insight from yr Past Chris. Beautifully remembered and related. Excellent ✨️✨️✨️✨️✨️

[Chris Shaw]

Many thanks Tony, I appreciate your thoughts. Hope your Sunday has been a good one :)

Chris

[M]

It's probably a well observed cliche now, but confronting our fears is the only way to truly overcome them. It's what holds us back from enjoying a lot of beautiful, simple things that life has to offer. I am sure a great sense of relief and achievement was realised once that harmless specimen was released to its freedom. I like the gentle smatterings of rhyme throughout the poem and the positive message that underlies the experience. Nicely written poem.

[Chris Shaw]

Dear Makhabat, your warm review is very much appreciated. Thank you so much. Sending you all good wishes.

Chris