Tornado Of The Past Poem by RoseAnn V. Shawiak

Raising and lowering the fever pitch of intense mind images,
chasing some around space inside, trying to get a good look
at them.

Trying to make them stand still for more than a second so I
can see what they are, left with a feeling of frustration
hurting me, causing blood to drip down across my eyes.

Fighting the urge to run away, desperately afraid of fear
rising quickly inside this heart and mind, freezing, struck
with immobility.

Tear-stained memories staining a mind, feeling frightened,
seeing no way out of this spinning tornado of the past.

Clinging tightly to the facts, understanding and able to
make some sense of what I do not understand or know.

Sensing the edge of a deep canyon, seeing the opposite side,
taking the risk, taking steps in that direction, not knowing
if I will survive or end up committing suicide.

(11: 34 a.m. - 4/4/95)