you were my shoulder
i lay my head upon you
where i learned to sleep
daily arrivals
would calm the tremors of my
shaken psychosis
you always wanted
more of me, I would prostrate
blind, oblivious
you were in control
but i woke to the cold dawn
sick of your deceit
the truths that you told
between the lies were only
my own self-abuse
Shared with Tanka Tuesday #53 – rensaku. This poem follows on neatly from yesterday’s, the effects of alcohol still on my mind and foregoing the request of seasonal poetry in the prompt, perhaps. This set of senryu tells an autobiographical story and maybe, just maybe, highlights an emotional spring, an awakening.
The seed of the idea for this poem came from reading Matthew Maitland’s ‘You Want Mythology?’
Today’s Daily Stoic poem:

Hi Shaun, I liked how you incorporated the line ‘the truths that you told
between the lies ‘ from Mathew’s post into your poem. The lines flowed seamlessly highlighting a toxic relationship.
You packaged the hard truth beautifully in your stoic poem. Enjoyed reading your post.
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Thanks Smitha 🙏 and great that you checked out the inspiration for my write. I know time is short for everyone but I feel it’s best to give credit where it is due and hopefully some follow the links as you have. 👍
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Shaun, I can feel the weight of this piece – the paradox of toxic dependency, how something can feel like a sanctuary while simultaneously being the maker of our own collapse🙌
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Thanks Ange 🙏 I’m glad the idea came across well.
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A strong poem, glad you woke up and released the lies.
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Thanks Elizabeth 🙏
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