THIS CYNICAL HEART by Ginny Brannan

My family recently lost a young cousin…

At only six years old, he had struggled all his short life with an undiagnosed disease, and when the doctors finally put a name to it they also determined that his time here with family was limited.

I wrote this poem in the days after his passing. It is about coming to terms with my own doubts, and about envisioning a place where this small child (and really all of us) will be free from pain and illness, free to run in ways he never could do in this life.

Most who have read this think that it is about finding one's "inner child," and while I can appreciate their perception, I really had something different in mind as I wrote it. To me, it is a prayer of sorts to "never lose hope." For the child that was lost, and the "child" in all of us.

Photography by Elena Shumilov

This Cynical Heart

by Ginny Brannan

Imagine a place with no pain existing,

where ills that are carried through life disappear.

Like Thomas, this heart is quite bent on resisting,

yet lingering questions insist on persisting;

their answers illusive and ever unclear.

And still I am finding my mind keeps returning

whenever the stillness and quiet appears.

I ponder the purpose of life, disillusioned—

the darkness that settles, no certain conclusion;

for ages I’ve tarried, alone and austere.

I wonder how long I’ve withdrawn in seclusion,

closed off from emotion, these goals cast unclear?—

Where cynical thoughts thrive without absolution

despondent, in need of insightful intrusion…

does anyone notice behind this veneer?

In my heart I envision a child that’s running

and playing with others, no longer constrained—

surrounded by light of the love that he carries,

his purpose fulfilled, this small emissary

reminds us “Be happy, we’ll meet once again.”

Photography by Elena Shumilov

Ginny Brannan: Residing in New England with husband of nearly 32 years, son and two cats, Ginny Brannan took poetry and creative writing courses in both high school and college. Foregoing degree, she headed directly into the workforce. In 2009, Ginny found herself out of work and facing the ominous task of finding employment in a cyber world and declining job market. Struggling to keep afloat, a long-time friend suggested she tap back into her creative side and pick up a pen and write (or Macbook and type as case may be). She credits the therapeutic effects of writing to getting her through this stressful time. Ginny writes both traditional poetry and free verse. She has been published in The River Muse, an on-line Art & Literary Journal. You may read more of her poetry on her website here, listen to her recite her poems here or connect with her Ginny on twitter.

~If you are interested in seeing your poetry appear in this blog, or submitting a poem by a woman that has inspired you, please click here for submission guidelines. I greatly look forward to hearing from you!~

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