Nov 16
Learning Curve
the dreams of flight
have abandoned my nights
the frantic swimming through heavy air
close to the danger of the ground
some nameless fear
always close behind me
faster and faster I’d fly
but never quickly enough
still my heart pounded
still my breath was forced
maybe courage has taken hold
deep in my brain stem
branching out from the amygdala
a bitter sweet almond of emotion
formed by repeated trust
the tape played over and over again
the neurons drumming
the learning curve arcing
until I simply know it— in my bones
I can turn and face the terror
I can stop
and simply gaze into its eyes
Pamela Olson, 11/16/08
Written for the prompt “courage”
Painting by Rick Mobbs
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The physiology of healing never sounded so elegant;wonderful images!
Healing into courage is a beautiful thing. You have given me something to aim for! God bless.
I just let my amygdala read this poem, I hope it helps her plight. She hasn’t release emotions like you say as of yet, you may have planted the seed for her.
Your poem is nice, it is a nice version of how we gather our courage. I read tonight that courage and lustiness are related, this might be the emotion your speak of (I doubt it!).
For sure, I learned a new word, amygdala. I did look it up for a simple explanation, I may study this function more.
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My poem was an attempt to be dark and strange (your comedic/noir idea) but not real heavy. Usually mine are intended to be cheerful with a touch of humor. I hope you will return for next week’s, it will be more cheerful I promise.
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Just to be able to put this down is healing, is it not? I understand how long it takes to get to this point. Good poem.
Healing can take a lot of courage, this means looking at reality
of your condition, and not just what you fear it might be. It means letting go, and that can be scary.
beautifully captured moment and journey
A true testament of courage, this.
Now this is a brand of courage worth learning. I love how you weave together the intangible fear with the neurological/physical elements. Really great.
I love this piece. It speaks to many senses.
..it’s a very sensitive poem,in some ways exploratory,and surely elegant..many thanks..
A wonderful take on this prompt. There is much to ponder here…
This sounds very good to me! well done!
this is both a wonderful work of art and of psychological truth. Learning to facing the fear (I call it “dancing with the beast”)is extraordinarily liberating.
You can’t know how much I relate with it…
foundations of wonder
yes! the courage arrives.