We stand, not still, but swaying with regrets
wrapped in whirlpools of choices, chances, echoes of steps we never took.
Each ankle bound by silent storms, each toe trembling on shifting ground.
Yet here we are
upright, undaunted, dancing on the edge of collapse.

I feel the closing line captures the courage in your work so powerfully — “dancing on the edge of collapse” stays with me long after reading.
~David
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, David!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Very atmospheric for the season ahead, when all the withering (at least in my neck of the woods) preceeds the dimness and cold of the coming winter…
…and yet wait long enough and spring will round the bend. Hopefully humans can break through some of the spell that is a creeping worldwide darkness.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Amen! 🙏🙏
LikeLiked by 1 person
Brilliant write, Reena!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks, Susi!
LikeLiked by 1 person
You’re welcome!
LikeLiked by 1 person
wonderful the tension between fragility and resilience is compelling🙌
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thank you, Ange!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes … and yes.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you! 😃
LikeLiked by 1 person
‘We have the power to think what is right or wrong, but no power to change anything.’ So true, Reena. Brilliant take.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks, Indira!
LikeLike
Deftly written quadrille, Reena, every phrase a treat to read.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you so much!
LikeLiked by 1 person
What a strong opener this is, Reena:
“We stand, not still, but swaying”
Oh, my.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you so much! We should be happy about our feet on the ground and gravity, if not the mind 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
So good Reena
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks again 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Always! 🫶🏼
LikeLiked by 1 person
Your poem sums up how I feel quite nicely. Brilliant write, Reena.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Glad that readers can relate to the precarious position of humanity. We have the power to think what is right or wrong, but no power to change anything.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Exactly!
LikeLiked by 1 person
That’s just how I feel these days, Reena, ‘each ankle bound by silent storms, each toe trembling on shifting ground’. It’s scary, ‘dancing on the edge of collapse’.
LikeLike
We are all caught in different kinds of whirlpools.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Indeed… we insist of dancing. (maybe it is just a way to silent the screaming)
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes. If may be a way to silence the inner voice.
LikeLike
I’m a little daunted.
LikeLiked by 1 person
😃😃
LikeLike
wow I love this poem So many great images
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you so much, Marja!
LikeLike