(Steemit School Poetry 100 Day Challenge: Day 61) SINCE YOU'RE HERE …

 

Dear All,

This poem is my 61st submission.

Thank you.

 

 

SINCE YOU'RE HERE …

by Ikhwanul Halim

 

… I have a small favour to ask

I had just watched a man die
the first death I’d ever seen up close
joked about it as much as
        —any respectable poet should
and it became achingly clear to me
that I was previously unaware
        —of my own inevitable death

we both know it’s not right,
but the clock is ticking
phytoncides have an anti-microbial effect
        —boosting the immune system

wander into the forest looking for a tree
        —to connect with
one pine tree looks very much like another
so you can see why I need to ask for your help
we’re going to own these choices,
and hopefully surprise and delight you
        —and get you invested

tried to pacify myself
through a cycle of anxiety and depression
but there is a universality of feeling
to assuage the tremors and rapid heartbeat
        —with facing another individual sober

so … I have a small favour to ask ...

 

Banda Aceh, May 7, 2018

 

This is my 61st submission for 100 Day Poetry Challenge conceived by Daniel Pendergraft @d-pend. I am in Category I.

If you want to participate, please do not hesitate to join Steemit School discord.

Big thank @d-pend for giving me this chance to participate in this event.

 

Images sources: 1, 2, 3