The Fog
Let me ask you about your dreams.
No, I don't mean the dreams you dream at night while you sleep...
I mean the dreams you dream while you're awake and alive and able to think, and while the thoughts in our head often run at a mile a minute, fading continuously in and out of existence... the thoughts in your heart, those tend to be just a little bit different.
Because day in and day out, they often say the same thing, telling you exactly what to do and what you need, acting as a bridge between the person you are and the person you long to be...
But for most of us, it isn't that easy.
There exists a fog... that blinds us, making it hard to see clearly...
And we call this fog fear.
Fear is a poison that seeps into your heart.
It makes you question the end before you've even decided to start, it strangles the artist before he's even made any art, it keeps us from walking our path just because we think it'll be hard.
It continuously whispers "safety" and "caution" until we're fully under its control and we get to a point where we cant even hear the voice of our own soul, and before we know it we're left with this hole that keeps us from feeling... whole.
And we cant quite remember why.
Because we're under fears spell, wrapped in its lies.
So we look for methods and alternative ways we can fill whats left.
We take drugs, we buy products, and have meaningless sex...
But nothing seems to work, its like the hole never ends.
So we smile and nod and try to pretend that we're fine, while each day we keep to ourselves that we're dying inside...
And we ask ourselves... why do we exist, why am I alive?
While the answers been inside you, waiting the whole time, but you're so deep in the fog that you can no longer feel it, the voice of your soul drowned out, you can no longer hear it...
But calm down.
Calm down.
There is a solution.
You must think less, and do more.
Thats it, thats the only thing that will open the door.
And little by little, fear will become less and courage more, until the fog starts to lift, with your vision restored, you'll have the power to spread your wings... and finally soar.
Now I can't promise that things wont be hard.
Thats the thing about life, it's bound to give you some scars.
But as long as you keep your eyes on the prize, as long as you keep going and strive, as long as you're in touch with the purpose in your heart, the reason your alive, you'll be able to look fear dead in the eyes and say...
I'm no longer your slave, you have no control.
My life is mine to live, and mine alone.
Great poem buddy!
Thank you!
Awesome post man, love it.
Thanks for sharing <3
Of course brother, glad you enjoyed!
Very well written this poem! Bravo
Thank you very much : )
Good stuff, Justin! The characterization of fear as a darkening fog was spot on. Compelling. It read more like fiction than poetry (that’s a good thing! To my eyes, at least), and that helped me establish a much deeper connection with the underlying story of your text. It was quite impactful. The one image I didn’t like was “you'll have the power to spread your wings... and finally soar”, only because spreading wings and soaring are a bit cliché IMO. Still, that didn’t take away from the strength of this piece. Amazing job!
Thank you for the detailed response AND the constructive criticism, I appreciate both very much.
It's interesting that you perceived it as more of a story, I suppose looking at it through that lens I can absolutely see where you're coming from!
For years I listened to other people in exactly what to do - and how to do it. Especially when it comes to writing. I wasn't the person that I wanted to be and the fear of disapproval kept me from being a writer and artist. Feeling empty because I couldn't live up to other's expectations was awful and it really did feel like I was walking through fog. Since joining Steemit I have started to let go of the fear and I am learning to just enjoy writing and creating what makes me happy. Not everyone will like it but hopefully along the way it can be enjoyed. This was a very well timed post for me - I have been thinking similar thoughts lately. Well done on the expression of these thoughts. :)
I'm very happy to hear that : )
It's hard when other people give you their perception of what you should do, especially if it's people you care about. You have a desire to not let them down.
That being said, you must do what is best for you, because at the end of the day it's your life, and you and you alone must deal with the choices you make, for better and for worse.
Keep up your work as a writer! Never give up because thats the only way you can fail : )
Very well executed. I know that fear is often my "hell hounds" and I have learned, little by little when to recognize it. I am a little closer to reacting less fearful to new challenges. One day at a time. Thanks for the excellent article and poem!
You're very welcome! Glad you enjoyed : )
❤ tremendously, actually.
I love fog ;) The imagination can run wild
Very true, glad you liked the post : )
This post just sucked me right in. I love your writing, you get pretty deep and complicated thoughts out and "exported" into writing.
Beautiful.
God damn it, are you my soul? This quote was just like ripped out from my brain, made me even understand myself a bit more actual.
Props for this dude.
Peace from Sweden, Steem on friend!
I'm so glad you liked it my friend, there will be plenty more in the future coming your way! Thank you so very much for the kind words : )
I will wait with excitement :) thanks for making my feed that much more interesting!
What a clever write! Too long I wrote little to nothing because it didn't fit the "mold" of others' expectation. I still write very short verse, but, I am making my way through the fog.
As long as you're making progress, thats all that matters
Beautifully said brother! I like your perspective on life, I feel many similarities with my life. You have a new follower ☺
I'm glad to hear that! thank you very much :)