ABOUT TO SUCCUMB by Maureen Lancaster

How do you find yourself once you realize that you have become so deeply lost that you are ready to take that last breath: the one before you succumb to the tar-sands of fear and despair which are dragging you-ever so relentlessly-under?

You dig deep, really deep, to find within yourself the understanding that only YOU have the power to let the past be released, in order to allow the present to heal, and the future to unfold with hope and trust as your soul journeys along through life's lessons.

For me, the vision of that quagmire tar's grip as I slipped off the rock that I was desperately clinging to, still resonates and reminds me of the days past; not only of how helpless I felt, but more of how empowered I was slowly becoming during those initial gathering moments of strength. For it was in the struggle that i realized how strong my will was.

"From the Earth" by Brooke Shaden

ABOUT TO SUCCUMB...(a series of Tankas)

Maureen Lancaster

about to succumb

black depths clawing at my soul

trying hard to breathe

panic overwhelms my grip

sinking ever deeper now

about to succumb

yet my will calls out to stop

if you but just stretch

a firm grip is to be had

once more release fear's tight grasp

about to succumb

at each attempt who will win

my will grows stronger

each inch, suction now abates

freedom found in wearied gain

released, I now pause

battle-worn I nurse my scars

symbols of my trials

carved deeply into my soul

I emerge, my freedom won.

Maureen Lancaster: Maureen is a spiritual woman who shares her life journey through her writings. Not considering herself a formal writer or poet, she started writing as an outlet for healing and finding wholeness following widowhood with her first book, Revelations of a Singing Bowl. Currently she shares her poetry about loving relationships, both with others and with oneself, on her Facebook page, Musings of Love. Maureen, a spiritual intuitive, also shares her love of all things metaphysical on her Facebook page, High On Spirit. Finding herself continually inspired by the poetry and lessons that she sees within everyday occurrences, she hopes that her words will resonate with others who may struggle from time to time on their journey; for coming to the understanding that we are not alone was one of her most valuable lessons. Revelations of a Singing Bowl is available as a free abridged iBook.

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