With lacklustre eyes
and steel-trap jaws
the BLACK DOG trots - -
- - unbidden,
angst-riven
mist hidden
at heel
keeping pace - -
- - maintaining the space
in a chilling embrace
of raw power - -
- - Overwhelming
fear ascending,
tears descending
it tightens the grip
that controls the measure- -
- - increasing the pressure
testing the mettle - -
- - to breaking point.
BLACK DOG is Churchillian 'speak' for depression.
Mon 10th Mar 2025 16:56
Dear Flyntland,
It seems like UKRAINE - - ? GAZA - - -? -- and all places in-between may be exploring the overwhelming, almost suffocating nature of depression through the image of Churchill's "BLACK DOG." The way you describe its grip—unrelenting and powerful—suggests a force that isolates and tests one's strength, much like the struggle with mental health. The connection to global turmoil, like the situations in Ukraine and Gaza, might be hinting at how personal anguish mirrors the broader suffering seen in the world. It’s a haunting piece that made me reflect on both personal and collective struggles. Thank you for it.
Regards,
Rolph
Thank you, Aisha and Holden, for liking my poem. I am not sure if I got the punctuation right on this one—I think it is a bit of a tongue twister.
Thank you, Graham, for reading and for your comment, I hope the threat of conflict, that no one can win, will bring about meaningful worldwide talks for peace, I fear that I am being a bit naive but at least I can dream.
Thank you also to Nigel, Tom D. Hugh, and Manish for your likes.
This is one of those poems that just turned up with very little needing to be changed.
There is very little in the news currently that elicits anything other than negativity. The world cannot be allowed to slide into
another global conflict even though some would most certainly benefit from it. in the words of the song it's a question of balance!
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Flyntland
Wed 12th Mar 2025 20:44
Thank you Rolph for your comments and like,
Thank you also to RBK, New Shoes, Stephen G., and to Naomi for reading and liking.