Desolation Row.

 

Foundation.

A poem that takes one on a twisting journey through an emotional rollercoaster to hopefully reach rebirth. 

Examining the trauma of lost love, the ache that loiters, ending with the resolute mutual human perception of seeking redemption.

Breaking up with someone carries such trauma. 

Have you too walked on Desolation Row?

Title.

Desolation Row.

(A lone voice whispers)

Did you know Love and sorrow are one? 

This I know now. 

For even the sky needs the winds, rain, and snow. 

Just like some of Mother Nature's mesmerizing things, Which can never be outrun. 

Have you too walked on Desolation Row and felt them both? 

Rode in those two crazy boats?

Wore one of their red or gray housecoats?

Clinging on steadfastly from love to sorrow, coast to coast?

Filled with wild desires and hopes?

Powered on relentlessly.

By a hot or cold silent knowledge, feeling like a surety bond.

Of a strange fire from the Great Beyond?

But like baby seeds, dreaming of birth, praying for the sun's blazing fire to grow.

Waiting deep below within the Earth.

With a heart dreaming of a new spring.

A new rebirth.

Are you still waiting for those hidden golden bells to ring? 

To start of freedom, sing?

Or do you still wear that gray housecoat and just die inside every time? 

As you think of them.

While floating metaphorically alone.

Into the fading blue like a white feather, blowing lonely in the cold winds.

Beneath a heartless sky?

Which always seems to be standing, smiling, and watching in all weathers.

Only to then melt into the early morning sun. 

For all things, all said and done.

What is it to escape needing? 

When you have no loved ones or tall tales to be spun?

But to try to find freedom in a new kingdom.

One that rises and falls with the tides of mortal new hellos and old goodbyes.

If it could be seen.

For when you've walked in those shallow rivers of silence to endlessly die.

To taste its sweet musk of defiance as you inside cry.

You too might sing like me. 

Oh Hosanna, Oh Hosanna.

For to reach the mountaintop, you too shall begin to pray to climb. 

To take a sip from Absolutions ceremonial silver cup.

To try to put on love's red housecoat once again.

For when you reached rock bottom in relationships.

The only way is

 up.

(C) Copyright John Duffy

Painting by Filip Petrovic.

Shared under fair usage policy.