Dolor Poem by John Duffy

(A lone voice whispers)

Does fear in whatever form it chooses to appear in

Like a shapeshifting configuration of self-depreciation

Announcing the possible visitations sin

Emotional physically or spiritual

The three intricately laid foundation stones which it builds up from when it first enters the skin

Affect the way the Native finds new roads or instead chooses lonely highways to navigate life

Does its carefully leather-bound invisible suitcases they might present to then be carried everywhere like priceless jewels

Contain handwritten contracts to avoid taking chances

On people places or newer experiences and to always seek to abstain

Never to seek unfamiliar lands of hope to help them renew

As pledges once written in silence

Prevents them from embracing their secret God-given name to empower them to pull through

Does Dolor's archaic supernatural form take a strange irregular shape

Which keeps them invariably on the run

As it guides all their emotions like a machiavellian orchestral conductor

From which it transpires there is no escape

Under the dire threat of the sword of Antipathy

As it seduces them perpetually and becomes their only lover

Did you know Dolor is simply Fear translated into Latin

Will you find the strength and courage to throw its gifts of free suitcases

Into the gushing four winds and let the Trinity of Holy lights

Come steamrolling in

Copyright John Duffy