I speak to my chest,
“Breathe.” I ask
My heart to be still
And be slow.
When I say it’s okay,
There is a part
Deep inside that knows:
It’s never all right.
There is nothing left
But final surrender.
I’ve tried surrenders.
They are temporary.
Why does evil presence
Continue to beat me
Hammer blow after
Hammer blow. It returns.
I will try to accept
Harsh operations of others.
They do not love,
And I must not love.
I surrender my passion.
I must be real.
I must pay the bills.
I must not love.
stillfugue 
#1 by heather grace stewart on December 3, 2010 - 7:04 am
This is fantastic.
There’s something William Carlos Williams about it.
I love your honesty. Also love the repetition–good rhythm.
#2 by Carl on December 3, 2010 - 7:28 am
Again, thank you so much, Heather. I do appreciate your taking to time to comment.
#3 by Evelyn on May 17, 2013 - 9:03 pm
“I speak to my chest,
“Breathe.” I ask
My heart to be still
And be slow.”
this stanza twists and turns like a silvery fish in the sunlight…