by Mike Ellwood
Member since:
November 20, 2006

Devotion

November 17, 2008 04:31 PM EST (Updated: November 25, 2008 03:45 PM EST)
views: 115 | rating: 10/10 (12 votes) | comments: 26



Devotion

Sometimes the closest friend can ask too much
While roses bloom and promises are made
That are not kept because you are afraid,
And then you feel too shamed to keep in touch.
Those expectations shared somehow betrayed,
Dismissing how you cast aside the crutch,
You turn your back to limp away for such
Support, though free, could never be repaid.
Wood had supported you; at times you'd grip
So hard the grain left imprints in your hand.
The sense of loss assaults you like a whip,
While faded rose stems, twisted in a band,
Remind you of the cost of your friendship
In love too true for you to understand.





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Comments: 26

Mary Bee Nov 17, 2008, 4:59pm EST
Very intense and well said...especially for me today. Glad I read it.
Sharon P. Nov 17, 2008, 5:11pm EST
Sometimes we ask too much of friends. Sometimes, as friends, we are not strong enough.
Sad but true.
Granny Janny H. Nov 17, 2008, 5:30pm EST
You use wood in a remarkable way as well as rhyme. The faded roses say so much and give the poem a double meaning for me. A human love ignored and lost and the love of God too true to comprehend. Write on, dear poet.
Robert W. Nov 17, 2008, 5:57pm EST
It is timed well as I walk away from a twenty year friendship. She asked much to much and returned far to little. Well said!
Linda T. Nov 17, 2008, 7:19pm EST
Friendships are only as strong as the people involved in them. Sometimes pride prevents us from reaching out to our friends when we need them.
glenda j. Nov 17, 2008, 7:46pm EST
ty
Erica Hidvegi Nov 17, 2008, 7:58pm EST
Oh what perfect timing for I have seriously let a deep friendship go poof in a matter of one harsh act ! but forgiveness lends hope in this poem as i see all is not lost.
Lewis (taking over Gather) K. Nov 17, 2008, 8:42pm EST
Been there, on both sides: the destroyer of friendship, and the destroyed. Friendship, so strong at times, can be so fragile at other times. Great job.
Nancy L. Nov 17, 2008, 10:05pm EST
Sometimes it's about timing. It's hard to get in sync with other people's lives. We need and they need simultaneously, and it doesn't always work. Even if we have to say goodbye, forgiveness is essential if we want to invest our time in something more worthwhile than anger.
Ian B (in Toronto) Nov 17, 2008, 10:15pm EST
Very good, very true.
I don't think I would have understood this when I was younger.
Georgiana S. Nov 17, 2008, 10:53pm EST
I seem to keep all my past friends alive by thinking of them often!
Andrea (Ms. Conservative) L. Nov 17, 2008, 11:00pm EST
Leaving a 10 as my comment!
Jan S. Nov 18, 2008, 1:04am EST
Sometimes our loved ones turn away from us despite the love, money and support we shower on them. Nothing hurts as much as having someone so beloved turn away, especially your child.
At the risk of sounding presumptuous, I think I know how God feels when His children scorn His gifts and turn away from Him.
Jennifer R. Nov 18, 2008, 8:34am EST
Sometimes we don't understand why others care for us the way they do it is only our place to be grateful and reciprocate when we are able.
April H. Nov 18, 2008, 9:42am EST
VEry nice
Elmo A. Nov 18, 2008, 11:31am EST
hits a spot on many of us
Sharon B. Nov 18, 2008, 9:15pm EST
thanks for sharing
Sheila Deeth Nov 20, 2008, 11:17pm EST
Wow. Beautiful symbolism - more than the rose and thorn. Loved it.
Susan Budig Nov 24, 2008, 5:55am EST
I am drawn to the last three lines of this poem, Mike. The rose stems twisted in a band make me think of barbed wire. The friendship of which you speak sounds toxic beneath its beauty.
Mike Ellwood Nov 24, 2008, 10:57am EST
The wood, the scourging, the crown of thorns, the imprints, the cripple helped - it was an act of contrition, really.
Susan Budig Nov 24, 2008, 2:09pm EST
mike, your comment above took me directly to your poem for another reading. Would you say that this is an inspired poem? Relating to divinity?

Now I want to write something myself. :-)
Susan Budig Nov 25, 2008, 1:56pm EST
I keep coming back to this poem. Mike, please post to Mindful Poetry. It's a beautiful sonnet. That I found the relationship toxic (see above comment) now shocks me, but intrigues me.

I have never successfully written a sonnet and this prods me to try again.
Shelbia C. Nov 27, 2008, 3:12pm EST
Very intense.
Elise w. Nov 30, 2008, 12:24am EST
it seems the number one thing most people want is to live their lives with no regrets, but that is not reality. Regrets are inevitable. Dealing with them in a healthy way and moving on is the key. Wallowing in the quicksand of our mistakes is crippling.

Captivatingly written. :-)
Roberta Moto Dec 23, 2008, 4:27pm EST
I like this one

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