Manic Ballet



Fetters of the past
hold me with
their dark teeth
biting into the joy
of my present.

I seek escape
In avoidance.
A manic ballet
danced in toe shoes
tied with repressions ribbons.

I wish to take a grand jeté
forward into tomorrow
where I am healed.
How does one obtain freedom
from years living in quicksand?


©Susie Clevenger 2011
Prompt #280 forward

Comments

love your wonders,
life does its own miracles.
cheers.
Zouxzoux said…
"Manic ballet" is such a strong visual. I like this very much - good work!
visually poetic with each word. :)
Cad said…
I wish to take a grand jeté
forward into tomorrow
where I am healed

There are many around who would wish the same thing... Well said.
Oh, yes. Wouldn't it be wonderful to be able to fast forward to the good stuff. Awesome write, Susie!

http://charleslmashburn.wordpress.com/2012/01/29/the-sun-on-my-face/
Mary said…
Susie, I really understand 'manic ballet.' I think there are many ways that one can heal. A close person in my life said, however, "The only way out is through."
Kerry O'Connor said…
Gosh, this is an excellent piece - you sustained your metaphor perfectly and the pic is a marvellous accompaniment.
Ruchi Jain said…
life is enigmatic...:)
Marian said…
ugh, living in quicksand. such a simple phrase, and so clear.
Tigerbrite said…
The picture is very expressive of your words. To set the spirit free from the chains of today's material life and false restrictions.
If only there were easy answers...
the central image was very evocative
Sherry Blue Sky said…
What a fantastic metaphor! The "dark teeth" and "manic ballet" are such accurate descriptions. I love the "grand jete forward" - I think that leap IS the actual escape from the mired past. We just leave it behind.
amazing grace shown here, Thanks for sharing.
Unknown said…
Really like many of your word choices here, and the idea of mending amongst questions came through, love the ending thought regarding the quicksand. Really nice piece. Thanks
Anonymous said…
Well danced, Susie! - I know the feeling...
Elizena said…
I really enjoyed reading this and I have to admit that even at my great age of 50 I wish I had the power to jump forward in time where I'm completely healed. Blessings!

http://kickinitwiththekids.wordpress.com/2012/01/30/garden-of-laughs/
Teresa said…
Very powerful and moving poem.
Kay L. Davies said…
Beautifully done, Susie. The fetters of the past, indeed.
K
Ella said…
I love all the strong words to display the message~
Such great imagery!!!
Well Done
Fireblossom said…
It takes as many steps to get out as it took to get in, so they say. I love this, especially the first stanza, Susie.
Semaphore said…
Funny, I mentally switched the places of the last two lines and the three lines before that, and the poem ends on a more hopeful note. Good read!
Unknown said…
This is powerful. Wanting to do jump into healing but restricted ... man I love the images in this poem. This is really good :)
Susie Clevenger said…
Thanks to all of you for your wonderful comments on my poem..
Margaret said…
manic ballet... what an image and perfect! And I also like Mary's quote "The only way out is through."

I love it when poems carry a metaphor throughout a piece.