Active Calming
Alarm and anxiety’s fingers, like those of ravening zombies, reach through my consciousness, determined to steal light from day.
I push to snap their menacing pathways closed to keep them away. Their faces press up against the transparent barrier as they pound without tiring.
De Jackson (aka WhimsyGizmo) is today’s host for dVerse. De says:
Just pen a poem of precisely 44 words, including some form of the word close (pronounced either way, and as any form of speech you choose, or invent).
I watched “Train to Busan” last night (a zombie movie) can you tell?
Tao Talk 
perfect image for your excellent words!
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Thank you, Kathe.
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“Alarm and anxiety’s fingers” — what a strong opening line!
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Thank you, De!
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The beginning sounds a lot like some of my nightmares… chilling really.
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Bjorn, so sorry to hear you have nightmares like this! You could try dream analysis to figure out what’s trying to “reach you.”
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I just wrote on Glenn’s that horror stories are a bit of an antidote for me. It doesn’t seem as frightening as real life. :)
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Merril have you seen “Train to Busan” (available on netflix.) It’s pretty good and not super scary. If you want super scary, “Pandorum” is a good one (also on netflix.)
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Thanks! I haven’t see either one. I was taking a break from Korean horror, but maybe I’ll go back to it. Did you see Under the Shadow? It’s an Iranian horror/thriller on Netflix. It’s one of those not sure if it’s real or not type of horror, which is my favorite.
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No I haven’t, but will check it out.
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Beautifully penned! I absolutely can relate. <3
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Thank you, Carol Anne. We’re all isolated, but we’re all in this together.
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And what we are facing is as terrifying as zombies, indeed! Great metaphor.
Also: I like the title “Tao Talk.”
Very catchy!
https://atozwriting.blogspot.com/
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Thank you, Sati! Yes it is. And glad you like the title.
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Our minds both touched on the macabre; I see your ravening zombies and raise you invisible vampires.
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:) I really do feel like I”m on the verge of hysteria at times.
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Great imagery, Lisa.
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Thanks, Dale, and welcome to dVerse! Work that poetry gene to your heart’s content.
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Thank you, Lisa!
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a very graphic description of your inner demons Lisa …
pray they subside
so you can enjoy the ride :)
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Kate, these feel more like outer demons, trying to get at me. Regardless from where they come from I appreciate your prayers, thank you Kate.
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take care precious, this too shall pass :)
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<3
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Kate, your comments section is closed on your poem today? Beautiful Horizon!
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thanks heaps for the clue Lisa, I wondered why nobody was chatting! I had published it as I posted the link but later found it in ‘drafts’ … jolly WP gremlins!
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WP gremlins do like to keep things chaotic don’t they.
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can’t complain … they plagued me for ages but have given me wide berth for a month or so :)
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Wow. Good writing, Lisa. I think I need to watch a few zombie movies in order to keep up!
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Thank you, Susan. Yes you do!
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A bit scary but really good.
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Thank you, Sadje.
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A pleasure Li
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That tense…I like it…
Plus I want to jump in that picture.
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Hysteria is hovering here right now, especially when my son has to go back into the hospital every day. When I see so many people ignoring social distancing I want to scream. I told him to just quit his job :( Yes, if I could go into that picture with my kids and wait it out I’d be a happy camper.
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Yes hysteria is right under the surface. I feel bad for your son…I am freaked out going in a grocery store…I can’t imagine a hospital. I hope he stays alright.
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Thanks Max. All well-wishing for him is appreciated.
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It is like fingers playing with our minds…(K)
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YES
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You are so brave to watch zombie movies! I love the fingers of alarm and anxiety with their relentless pursuit. Such a metaphor for the daily horror show of mainstream media.
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Train to Busan is the first one I’ve watched in awhile, and it made up for lost time! So scary because it had that same feel of deserted streets and widescale effect on the population. I stay away from the media horror show or I’d go into full-scale hysteria. My son has to go to his hospital job every day and it is driving me to distraction.
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Keep them at bay, though it is easier said than done. Hope you are safe and well.
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Grace thank you very much. Hoping the same for you and yours.
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You had me at alarm and anxiety. That you also had zombies to deal with! Yikes. I hope you manage to turn the channel. I like how it was a & a’s fingers, reaching, that made it creepier.
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Thanks, D!
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Good one, Lisa! No zombie movies for me but I find the rippling water photo calming.
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Nature what I need to focus on. Thanks for reading and your comment.
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Alarm and anxiety are like zombies. I like the description of them as tirelessly pounding.
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Yes they are, lurking about and ready to pounce.
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Yikes! Zombies while we’re in the middle of a “ronapocalypse”…double yikes. Very well written :)
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Thanks, Vivian, and I love your term “ronapocalypse” :)
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Lol!
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Your opening line is marvellous! Take care and praying for your son’s safety.
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Punam, thank you very much <3
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You are welcome, Li. 🙂
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I’m going to just focus on that soothing, gently rippling stream flowing under that ancient bridge…so calming. My emotions seem to swing from calm and cool to anxiety and near panic at times. It’s the unknown and the what-ifs–AKA zombies! :) I wish the best for your son.
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Thank you very much <3
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Oh, those zombies!
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I think you have written what many may be experiencing, “Alarm and anxiety’s fingers, like those of ravening zombies, reach through my consciousness, determined to steal light from day.”
Love the photo.
Thank you for this gift to my morning.
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Glad you enjoyed it, Ali, thank you.
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It seems that many people feel like this is some Zombie apocalypse. The world really is strange right now.
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I see the zombies as fears that threaten to overwhelm. The nameless, faceless beings that are lurking and waiting to attack, maim, and/or kill can seem like zombies as well. There is little defense against them other than staying away from them, as far as I can see. Yes, strange times are upon us.
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I sit here in awe day after day…
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