Sometimes when life is tough we have to administer self CPR to our emotional or spiritual beings. It could be because of memories of a loved one (as in this poem) or any number of hardships life brings our way. Just remember to keep on going, and breathe, while putting one step in front of the other. You can make it through this!
I reach inside – Self CPR
I reach inside, grab hold
And squeeze
Rhythmic pattern
I must breathe
And squeeze
Heart stopped, stuck again
Memories of you
Course through
And squeeze
I feel compelled to let it be
But no, I must go on
And squeeze
Fight the pain, weather this storm
And live to see what life
Breathes into me
And squeeze
Expand the lungs
Draw in the air
And squeeze
Self CPR
For the pain in me
A throb
What’s this
A beat
Hey that was on its own
A breath
It’s me
In life’s embrace
It’s nurturing winds
Caress my face
Back from the edge
I take a step
Into life’s new grace
Stephen Kellogg – 2010
Stephen Kellogg
Stephen Kellogg's Blog 
By far, my favorite of yours, Stephen. I like the breaks in the lines, the pulsing and the possible flow promised if only the writer could catch his breath. Painful, yes, but beautiful, too. ….and honest. Write on!
Leslie,
As always, thanks for being so encouraging… Still struggling to find / make time to write…
I really appreciate your taking to time to give thoughtful feedback! I tried to make it read like someone getting CPR and a focus on the need to breathe… I wasn’t quite sure how that would go over, so thanks.
Peace,
Stephen
Agree with Leslie, Stephen.. Painful, almost got carried away by the visuals… and then at last “A throb
What’s this
A beat
”
So wonderful.. !
Breathe easy my friend..
Rachanna,
Thanks for the feedback. I always appreciate it especially when you bring out a specific part. Feedback helps! Thanks for the encouragement and taking time to read and respond…
Peace,
Stephen
This is incredible. I was caught in the rhythm so much, I felt my own heart implicating the same technique. Reminds me so much of early Bishop, whom I love. This is really amazing!
Michael,
Thanks for stopping by, looking around and for leaving comments. It’s very much appreciated! Thanks too for the complement of comparing my works with Bishop’s. She has some amazing poems. Your comments about how you read it and your reaction while reading it were very encouraging as well.
Peace,
Stephen
finally, you managed to resuscitate it…i thought it will never get its beating again… the images are very clear and the transition from the reality and the mind is clearly defined here.
and the pauses are brilliant. poem need not to be too wordy to be felt, it’s the proper placing of right words which matters most.
you’re good in suggesting pieces stephen..:)
J.B.
Thanks! This is one of those that I like to go back to and read. I was happy with the way it turned out and need the reminder from time to time.
I appreciate you taking the time to comment on these and glad you like the suggestions. Hopefully you’ll have time to dig through the blog some more and find others that you like as well.
Peace,
Stephen
PS, if you liked the way this one read, you may also enjoy this one:
https://stephenkellogg.wordpress.com/2010/04/05/heartache-poem/
Peace,
Stephen
no problem! i welcome all suggestions and critics because I believe that every one has something to say.That’s why we’re here at WordPress.
(this mindset was credited to Mr.Dean J. Baker , he told me such words when I was a newbie..gosh, how he banged my head with his words! hahah!)
he’s here: http://deanjbaker.wordpress.com/ check him out! 😉
J.B.
Thanks for the suggestion. I’ll take a look at Dean’s blog.
Peace,
Stephen