Home » Poems » Lin Lane » The Eclipse of Sanity

The Eclipse of Sanity

Howling winds flung me into the sea waves lashed kelp ropes around me my belligerence grew when I was seized anger brewed the tighter they squeezed With fists raised and teeth clenched I resisted the harder they wrenched voice rang out in acrimonious scream my face contorted, wild eyes agleam spittle dribbled from cracked lips I neared the verge of sanity's eclipse Man is but an elfin grain of sand a mortal never has the upper hand when wrangling with a sea of thunder I was punished and plowed asunder beneath coral reefs to ocean's floor I cursed until I could no more My swearing wails echoed my destiny retched was my body from an angry sea briny foam spit me on the rocky shore done with me like an oft beaten whore My crime was that I'd chosen wrong the one I loved became my swan song Piercing needles of torrential rain burning injections increased the pain Such bitter tea the cruel sea can steep and I, a crumpet, tossed in restless sleep

Post Comments

Poetrysoup is an environment of encouragement and growth so only provide specific positive comments that indicate what you appreciate about the poem.

Please Login to post a comment

Bill Baker

Date: 3/27/2024 10:49:00 PM

The terrifying struggles in life were well displayed in this tale of the raw emotion and pain of choices we make in life. The metaphor of the sea was excellent, Lin. My soul resonated with your struggle with the angry sea and the pain and suffering that life can dish out. All we can do is fight through and never give up, my dear friend. That closing verse, I really enjoyed, especially the last two lines, "Such bitter tea the cruel sea can steep and I, a crumpet, tossed in restless sleep."

Lin Lane
Date: 4/2/2024 8:11:00 AM

Hi Bill. Thanks an awful lot for your commentary on this one. Sometimes we have to admit our weaknesses and move on as best we can. I apologize for not replying sooner.

Jay Narain

Date: 3/27/2024 11:03:00 AM

A nice poem with lots of imagery and poetic intensity. Well written.

Lin Lane
Date: 3/27/2024 3:09:00 PM

Thank you for your insightful remarks, Jay.

Daniel Turner

Date: 3/26/2024 7:32:00 PM

You win some, you lose some, and some get rained out. Your poetic prowess on full display with this one Lin. Such is love. Sometimes it can be very cruel.

Lin Lane
Date: 3/27/2024 3:09:00 PM

Such is love and the good and bad emotions that it brings and takes away from us. It's really good to see you commenting on my poetry, Danny. Thank you.

Sara Etgen-Baker

Date: 3/26/2024 4:41:00 PM

Absolutely magnificent, Lin, in so many ways. Your rhyme scheme was so smooth I didn't even notice it. Your imagery was captivating (wrangling sea of thunder) and (needles of torrential rain). Your poetic voice and style is powerful, expressive but without being overburdening or difficult to understand. I also liked 'bitter tea the cruel sea can steep.' A fave! Enjoy your evening, hugs, Sara

Lin Lane
Date: 3/27/2024 3:08:00 PM

Thanks as always, Sara for your wonderfully phrased remarks and review. I always appreciate your input. Hugs.

Jan Allison

Date: 3/26/2024 3:22:00 PM

Such intense imagery Lin, I especially love "Man is but an elfin grain of sand a mortal never has the upper hand when wrangling with a sea of thunder I was punished and plowed asunder beneath coral reefs to ocean's floor I cursed until I could no more" excellent poetry as ever my friend:-) hugs jan xx

Lin Lane
Date: 3/27/2024 3:07:00 PM

We are nothing in the realm of the world, Jan. You are still my #1 cheerleader! Hugs

Daniel Henry Rodgers

Date: 3/26/2024 9:16:00 AM

Dear Lin, I loved how you plunged us into the depths of human turmoil with striking imagery and raw emotion. The struggle against forces beyond our control, symbolized by the relentless sea. Your portrayal of belligerence and resistance reflects the universal battle against fate. Ahhh the fleeting nature of life's struggles and the power of acceptance. Lin, I really liked this one.- Blessings, my friend, Daniel

Lin Lane
Date: 3/27/2024 3:06:00 PM

Hi Daniel. The plunge of often quick, but the saving and recovery is a slow process that never quite heals without a scar. Thank you for taking the swim with me in these lines.

Paula Goldsmith

Date: 3/26/2024 9:11:00 AM

WOW!!! What a sad Rhyme write/story. I enjoyed reading this one. Love your line, "My crime was that I'd chosen wrong the one I loved became my swan song." The questions is, why do we do this??? Have a great/wonderful day..................

Lin Lane
Date: 3/27/2024 3:05:00 PM

Hello dear Paula and thanks so very much for your kind comments. The answer can only be found in our hearts. They want what they want.