Facets of Life

By Heather Mitchell

Life is but a splendorous ethereal jewel—sparkling brilliantly as it spins throughout time and space. Each of its countless colorful facets represents a memory, fleeting feeling, or thought. There is no better way to capture a finite moment in time, emotion, or personal revelation than with a poem. This carefully compiled collection of chronologically arranged pieces contains inspirational and introspective poems in a variety of formats and styles. It is the second in what will hopefully be a series. The first volume is titled Heart, Mind, and Soul, containing autobiographical poetry by the author Heather Mitchell, written between ages thirteen and twenty-six. This volume, Facets of Life, picks up from that point, spanning ages twenty-seven through forty-four. Although still autobiographical, these increasingly complex poems are much more introspective and thought-provoking as the author ages, further matures, and faces many unusual trials, yet somehow finds the inner strength to not only survive but to persevere. This book is sure to encourage self-reflection and personal growth. Readers may also find insights to which they can relate or take comfort in knowing that others share similar seemingly insurmountable trials, thus helping them feel less alone. Facets of Life is perfect for those seeking to explore their inner selves, face hidden demons, and most importantly, celebrate their own uniqueness.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Page Publishing, Inc.
• Release date: Jul 11, 2022
• ISBN: 9781662463778

Book preview

Conquest through Acceptance

So long hath I battled this destructive enemy,

Which seeks daily to completely vanquish me.

Relentless brutal attacks are impossible to ignore,

Exhausted now from fighting an unending war.

Thoughts of utter helplessness often fill my head,

Combined with confusion and a sense of dread.

Many differing strategies have courageously tried,

Yet freedom from my invisible foe remains denied.

Repeatedly strike out angrily with physical might,

Yet brains not brawn shall conclude this fight.

Wisely know sometimes just giving in,

May be the only way to outwit and win.

Gather fortitude and inner strength,

To face my monster at long length.

Fleeing steps now cautiously retrace,

Bravely my personal demon embrace.

Warmly welcome it now as a part of life,

Thus concluding months of emotional strife.

Cast aside terror, struggling to stay sane,

In time, self-confidence hope to regain.

Know I’ll stumble or may even fall,

With so much at stake must give my all.

Hated nemesis, meet your ultimate defeat.

Upon this proud day conquest is complete.

2004, Age 27:

Sometimes acceptance is the first step toward healing and the only way to put aside pain caused by life-changing illness.

Simple Things

Our relationship remains ever so grand,

You keep my heart under gentle command,

As we pass through days hand in hand.

Simplest moments bring greatest pleasure,

Their intrinsic meaning impossible to measure,

Time spent together an undeniable treasure.

Awaken each day with a stretch and yawn,

Anxious for a kiss to greet bright dawn,

Sorrowful that soon from your side I’ll be gone.

While hard at work for love secretly yearn,

Concealed desirous fires harmlessly burn,

Monetary rewards must strive to earn.

At long day’s end hasten home, fleeting fast,

Rush headlong into enveloping arms at last,

Comforted knowing time of separation has passed.

Together share an evening meal,

Whether sad or filled with happy zeal,

Free to openly express how we feel.

In cuddly moments it’s clear, my sweet,

Life is now utterly complete,

This solid union none shall ever defeat.

By the darkness of night there’s nothing to fear,

As your tender arms hold me unbelievably near,

While sweet love words intrigue my attentive ear.

Undying devoted fervent protection,

Along with warmest deepest affection,

Your loyalty escapes not detection.

No gilded diamond ring keeps our connection sound,

Nor lavish gifts or daring acts of bravery profound,

Rather the security felt just having you always around.

2004, Age 27:

Appreciating everyday pleasures helps relationships endure.

Someday

He’ll come again,

Just as I live long and hope for.

I’ll smile again,

Grateful to look upon his angelic face.

We’ll be again,

Together in a world only lovers dream of.

Embrace again,

Rekindle smoldering mutual passion.

Love again,

With more fervent romance than ever before.

Rebuild again,

Fragile bonds which even time cannot erase.

Trust again,

In each decision made by one another.

Share again,

Future plans successful and bright.

Laugh again,

Sweet fond memories made long ago.

We’ll live again,

Wrapped in endless happiness and bliss.

Never again,

Shall be torn asunder to suffer as now.

Wish again,

With each dawning day and darkening night.

Yearn again,

Soon desperate quiet desires might come true.

2004, Age 27:

Although we may learn to cope, move on with our lives, and sometimes wish to reclaim lost love to linger on.

Great Debate

I’ve long remained willingly ignorant,

Carried forward by life’s steady current.

At dawn’s light am quickly whisked away,

By rapid tides of hard work and responsibility.

Return home with evening’s star exhausted,

Lying nearly broken amongst pounding surf.

So much must be successfully accomplished,

Entirely failed to heed ominous gathering signs.

Black clouds slowly crept up around a carefree soul,

Thunderous doubt-driven rumbles sound ever closer.

Deliberately averted weary eyes from lightning flashes,

Passing arguments had no larger meaning honestly believed.

Oh, how my nervous stomach began uncontrollably churning,

With frothing whitecaps like an unruly tempest tossed sea.

As steady rain falls from once sparkling untroubled blue eyes,

Forcibly admit I need now bravely face this growing storm.

Bonds forged of fastidious iron betwixt two lovers,

Stand strained stress-warn gravely weakened.

Can and should they be rescued from powerful fate,

Ponder I here upon, my great debate.

What was once a raging crackling blaze,

Has been reduced to smoldering dying embers.

Is passionate attraction gradually waning,

Or merely squelched by confused emotion?

I feel no desirous tingles when reached for.

Perhaps it is only a heavily burdened heart,

Filled with worry sorrow unease longing,

Unable to totally enjoy pure pleasure.

Miss loving completely intimately wholly,

Without building concern lessening tenderness.

Shall flickering flames be cautiously rekindled?

I don’t inquire after love’s eternal strength,

Nor wonder regarding everlasting devotion,

Rather dedication unto himself is questionable.

Seemingly helpless adrift without direction,

Pathetically sad observing such stagnation.

Creative able bodied yet content to lazily dream,

Wastefully spends days in childlike fantasy,

Constructing masterful sky castles lacking substance.

I toile daily striving towards self-improvement,

All the while frustrated watching him calmly loll.

What about future promises goals aspirations?

Retaining admiration is markedly difficult!

True feelings, thoughts, wants duly consider.

Has sweet love deteriorated before unseeing eyes,

Maybe gone dormant like stored dried seeds?

Can I adore one who doesn’t really love himself,

Offer basic human respect, encouragement, trust?

Have relations become simply convenient,

In which each stays for comfort’s sake only?

Hunger not for independence, utter freedom,

Just personal space, relaxation, blissful peace.

Consider frequent heartrending arguments.

Are these natural healthy cathartic outlets,

Or purposeless ranting raving outbursts?

I plead each morning for genuine healing.

Will hope return, ending our entrapping cycle?

Foreboding gloom hangs oppressively above,

Entangled with gnawing relentless questions.

I must break free from life’s current,

Escape its gripping flowing torrent,

Lay aside all worldly concerns,

Attend this matter in grave earnest.

Warily measure pros against cons,

Make a choice, thus changing two lives.

Sleepless nights spent in deep rumination,

Days are lost to constant contemplation.

Standing at a crossroads my path looks unclear,

Neither course dominates current listless desire.

Here, I’ll quietly linger, continuously thoughtful.

2004, Age 27:

Examines mounting inward struggles and indecision when faced with a stagnating relationship.

Human Football

Just a human football waiting to be tossed in the game,

Lacking respect, dignity, recognition, even a name.

Positive expectations greet each new dawning day,

Anxious for the kickoff, confident to begin play.

Approach my job with an energetic cheerful smile.

Reciting competitive pep talks all the while.

Diligently toil completing various tasks assigned,

Universally compassionate, understanding, kind.

Never viewed as a team member just a lowly ball,

Convenient scapegoat forced often to take the fall.

Not one day passes without feelings unduly hurt,

Self-esteem stamped roughly into cold hard dirt.

Fellow staff doesn’t know me yet finds many faults,

Numerous put-downs follow baseless insults.

Frequently ignored as though invisible or unseen,

Fervent dislike openly confessed in tones mean.

Thrown thoughtlessly from gripping hand to hand,

Everyone’s toy, under merciless command.

Hike! Zoomed rapidly aloft by the quarterback,

Sense of direction sickeningly lack.

Caught up in havoc, rushed swiftly