cowardly survivor

arqios


Notice of absence from arqios
an absence of Presence conjures Absence…


 

Shadows chase him through
narrow alleyways and wide streets.
He quickly darts - heart pounding,
mind flickering with past confrontations.

Echoes hiss with accusations,
louder than any voice -shout.
Fear pushes him forward,
no room for bravery or heroism.

Each sunrise finds him breathless,
unyielding, and ever hiding.
His reflection in still waters,
a reminder of those left behind.

Unknown strength drives him to see
another dawn; to breathe in the salty air:
A coward, some might say,
but undoubtedly a survivor.

 

 

 

  • Author: crypticbard (Pseudonym) (Offline Offline)
  • Published: February 10th, 2025 02:47
  • Comment from author about the poem: unrequited apologies are a real thing
  • Category: Unclassified
  • Views: 44
  • Users favorite of this poem: sorenbarrett
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Comments +

Comments10

  • orchidee

    Good write A.

    • arqios

      Thanks O.

    • sorenbarrett

      Here lies one of two possible choices. In this life we have the choice of fight or flight neither better or worse than the other. Both adaptive responses and here is flight and it seems to work and be adaptive. Metaphorically we all run from certain feelings and is it cowardly some would say so I think it adaptive to that particular person ill equipped to fight back. Very nicely constructed and worded Cryptic

      • arqios

        And over the years learning and growing alongside this fight or flight mechanism I’ve observed a third option that ails quite a few: freeze; not a very useful one. Play dead may at times be more useful but not much better than freeze. 🙏🏻🕊️

      • Poetic Licence

        Some get strength from their fears and it drives them forward others there fears make them retreat. One of the only things i learnt from an early age is if you are going to fight, pick the right fights to fight. Enjoyed the read, made me have a think.

        • arqios

          So true! Thanks kindly 🙏🏻🕊️

          • Poetic Licence

            You are very welcome

          • 2781

            He who fights and runs away
            Lives to fight another day
            (Author unknown)

            • arqios

              A well appointed familiar saying indeed! 👍🏻🙏🏻

            • Thomas W Case

              Superb work, my friend.

              • arqios

                Thanks TWC👍🏻🙏🏻🕊️much appreciated.

              • Neville


                although I taught a martial art in Northampton and elsewhere for many years .. I always thought that a good pair of trainers was often the most effective means of self defence .. but I do know where you are coming from squire .. Neville

                • arqios

                  Ah, cross trainers for me, thanks… meet ya at the boardwalk!

                • Cassie58

                  I’d say he was a survivor. All of us have to deal with challenging situations in our own way. We pick our own strategies. We are all different. Interesting write arqios. All the best.

                  • arqios

                    That was so nice of you to weigh in that way Cassie, thank you🙏🏻🕊

                    • Cassie58

                      Thank you. I am so often misunderstood.

                    • Goldfinch60

                      Never give up arqios.

                      Andy

                      • arqios

                        Thanks Andy, that means so much to hear. You are a true friend 🙏🏻🕊

                      • My Boy Ryngkhlem

                        That unknown strength...we all have hidden in doubt, rising when needed. It pushes us forward and keeps us going. Good write, dude!

                        • arqios

                          Thanks, Ryngkhlem 🙏🏻🕊good of you to comment, much appreciated and welcome 🙏🏻 🕊

                          • My Boy Ryngkhlem

                            You're welcome, Q.

                          • Ma5on

                            arqios,

                            Your poem paints a gripping & emotionally charged portrait of a fugitive, or perhaps a haunted soul, struggling between fear & survival. The imagery is vivid, the pacing urgent, & the tone reflective.

                            This is a well-crafted, gripping poem with a powerful message about survival. The flow is sometimes a little awkward but to me that adds a gritty emphasis, overall, it’s a compelling piece.

                            Very much enjoyed,

                            regards

                            Ma5on

                            • arqios

                              Thanks Ma5on for that comprehensive and much welcome review. You are much appreciated 🙏🏻🕊



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