Survival Mode – A Poem ~Sadje’s What Do You See

Posted bySuzette BenjaminPosted inPoetry, What Do you SeeTags:, ,
Photo by Jayson Hinrichsen on Unsplash

Clinging to survival mode on the streets of life.

Those nights alone in the wasteland; a cold companion in neon lights,

Hugging despair in handfuls of Indigo shadows.

Floodwaters of anguish; rusted iron grills consuming fortunes’ fires,

Wading weary limbs, on repeat, clinging to quicksand in quagmires,

With nowhere to go but the homeless margins of population’s numbers.

Leaning on windows of missed opportunity; remorse’s blown glass,

Sleeping behind dumpsters by night, walking the streets by day, sores on her feet, no strength or might,

Once a fashionista, now only the clothes on her back,

Once owner of property; now, not a penny for a dry morsel to eat.

Destitution is an impoverished bedfellow but a wise counsellor,

Tutoring the student of the will; Yet, seeking no followers or fame,

Instructing on the difference between pricey and priceless.

Indeed, weeping may endure for more than one night; in fact,

Two endless weeks, as one long dark night in the looking glass.

Out of affliction’s ashes; compassion’s Phoenix soars, carrying a priceless lesson in her wings.

_________

Survival Mode – A Haiku

Compassion’s oasis

Embraces weary arms folding

In night’s cold desert

****

Remarks:

Dear friend, as you may have surmised, this poem is wholly autobiographical.

****

Written for Sadje’s What do you see #72

#WDYS

#WhatDoYouSee

#Keepitalive

Published by Suzette Benjamin

Positive thinker, inspirational, writer, faith

36 thoughts on “Survival Mode – A Poem ~Sadje’s What Do You See”

  1. Suzette, this is such a poignant poem, my friend. Amazing strength shown by learning lessons from destitution. Thanks for sharing your story through this fantastic poem.

    Liked by 2 people

    1. Thank you David for your always kind support. It was many many years ago. And, many lessons learned, even looking back on it. Challenge and loss have a way of shaping ourselves. Amen. Peace to you, David😊

      Liked by 1 person

  8. I can so relate to this. Time moved on, things changed but the experience of it remains. You expressed it eloquently, no one is exempt from circumstances beyond their control. Blessings. 🙏🏼🌻

    Liked by 1 person

    1. I love your comment/point that “no one is exempt from circumstances beyond their control” Very well said and absolutely true. Thank you for your kind words. Blessings on your day. Cheers. 💐🌈

      Liked by 1 person

  11. Pingback: What do you see # 72 – A Roundup – Keep it alive

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