Arts of the Earth
SAFE TO CROSS
Big brown columns plunge their feet
into murky waters, secure my bridge.
The river flows slowly, undeterred.
A boat sends its lonely laments
answered by a gull´s circling screeches.
The river flows slowly, undeterred.
Sunset signals old lanterns to start
they throw pools of yellow hopeful light.
The river flows slowly, undeterred.
It is safe. I can continue my walk unafraid
Cross this bridge to find a new home.
Veronica Marjon Van Bruggen
Burnt out
Burnt out.
Burn out.
Such odd phrases an evocation a reminder
Of a bonfire
Or a rocket falling backwards to earth
Nothing certain. It describes nothing. No feeling of the way emptiness
Seeps into the core of the soul
No give. No giving any more.
No seeing who or what you are.
Other people’s words empty tunes
Bells that toll but fail to ring true.
Demands are made sweating begins
Empty hands shake holding nothing
And that hiding place sleep. Sleep fails
Lying in darkness surrounded by ghosts
Of past words days the nightmare begins
Involuntary shouting swearing announces
That feeling of shame of failing
That stays through the following day
Overrides everything
Those positive achievements
Those days and times when a battle was won
The commendations waved away as worthless.
Burnt out says everything says nothing
It is a meaningless phrase.
