When Shadows Grow Bold


In abandoned walls
where hope stores dreams
I collect words to armor
my spirit when shadows grow bold.

Dejected sheep dance
the world’s ballet of bleak,
but I refuse to dance its choreography.

I will stand on my toes
to reach for stars.
Optimism never surrenders.
It thrives in midnight light
where the tenacious
dandelion breaks stones
to bury roots

©Susie Clevenger 2016

Real Toads ~ The Tuesday Platform

Comments

Rosemary Nissen-Wade said…
A beautifully chosen metaphor!
September 7, 2016 at 4:37 PM
rallentanda said…
Sheep dancing in the bleak world...not a pretty sight.I'll go for the ethereal swan ballet every time.
September 7, 2016 at 9:45 PM
Gillena Cox said…
Wow! This such a gorgeous construct
Thanks for dropping by my blog to read mine Susie

Much love...
September 8, 2016 at 5:08 AM
Marian said…
Ahhhh... thriving in the dark of night. I like this, Susie.
September 8, 2016 at 5:23 AM
brudberg said…
To be a sheep is a lot like being led to slaughter... a metaphor that hurts
September 8, 2016 at 5:27 AM
ayala said…
Beautiful poem, Susie.
September 8, 2016 at 8:11 AM
Sherry Blue Sky said…
Excellent. Optimism never surrenders. I feel exactly the same way. I love that you reach high, refuse to "dance bleak."
September 8, 2016 at 11:26 AM
Bekkie Sanchez said…
"Optimism never surrenders." Such a pure thought. Wonderful poem Susie.
September 8, 2016 at 11:49 AM
Kerry O'Connor said…
I, too, refuse to dance to the choreography of other's expectations.
Well spoken.
September 8, 2016 at 2:08 PM
Anonymous said…
A touching exprssion. Bless you for this
September 8, 2016 at 5:22 PM
Stacie Eirich said…
Ahhh, this one stole my heart Susie -- the most amazing dances happen under those stars, when we're reaching for the light..Thanks for sharing!
September 8, 2016 at 9:14 PM
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