THE POWER OF METAPHOR

Occasionally a submerged memory 
will leap up in a sudden wave 
and as the breaking crest topples down
onto my head
the undertow
will begin to pull me under.

But I’ve learned 
at such times I can save myself 
by calmly repeating this instruction:
don’t try to resist—open yourself
open up your arms—open up
the cage of your chest:
surrender 
and feel the full force of the feeling.

And if I then do as told
I will rise up
from the deepening darkness
to the sun 
spangling golden 
on those light blue waters

and a rolling wave of peace
will carry me home to the sandy shore.

Yes, by using metaphor in this way
I can stop myself from drowning.

But so easy to forget
when a sudden wave rises
and my head gets pounded once again.


the power of metaphor

I claim to be a novelist, poet, essayist, cartoonist, graphic artist, peace monger--and I'm trying to be a world citizen. As for my backstory...let's just say I've lived and worked all over the United States.  I'm self-taught, for the most part, which is like stumbling around blindfolded while looking for the right door.  It's an on-going process. Lacking any true musical ability, I try to make music with language, while also making meaning.  

the power of metaphor

mythsteps