The moment

The Three Graces fountain at twilight in Chinon, France.

For the Writers Island prompt, "The Moment," this poem is a sad postscript to Redemption:

In that one moment
you had a chance to admit the truth
and redeem a lifetime of lies;

the chance to lift the burden
of denial and secrecy
that's infused your existence.

Instead, you lost the trust of a son,
smart enough to know
evidence doesn't lie.

When you shave in the morning,
can you avoid your reflection?
Your eyes speak the truth.

Even with age and illness,
wisdom and compassion elude you.
No regret for the unconscionable;

no attempt to seek redemption.
Instead, a searing reminder
of your weakness.

Lacking courage or character,
you refuse to accept responsibility
for your actions.

Run and hide, if you like:
wherever you go,
the truth will follow.

Comments

[tinker]

Tara, you write from the heart with such beauty and truth that shines through the tears it brings to my eyes...what a poignant postscript. I hope some day there will be another chance for redemption, for all concerned...~XOXOXO

[elsa]

yes sad, but profound. i like it very much. you don't need me to tell you but i will: you are a fantastic writer. i am also interested to know what kind of camera you use.
you take wonderful photos.

[jadey]

Wow this is such a powerful post very well done.

[Colette]

Some people prefer to live with fear and pain all their lives (long-term pain), rather than face themselves (short-term pain) and get peaceful. Even if it affects people around them.

I don't understand that kind of paralysis. Unless the person is a sociopath and therefore has no conscience, denying the truth has to be misery-making. So why would anyone choose to live that way.

[keith hillman]

I'm lost for words.

[gautami]

I remember reading the other one. Can it ever escape us?

[Laura]

Tara, you are a constant source of inspiration. What a powerful poem and what an exquisite photograph (of one of my favorite subjects, as you well know.) Thank you so much for all of this. I miss you especially now, reading this and seeing this.

[Just Jen]

I thought this was pretty original. A sad spineless moment....
I also really like your pictures of the department store displays. Everytime you post pictures of a Paris display, I'm always in awe at the time and effort that must go into them. You never see stuff like that around here. It's amazing!

[Jeanne]

Big hugs and have a very good time with your daughter.
Love Jeanne ^j^

[Robin]

Oh how I wish that truth would not hide. This speaks to me on a different level altogether - that of a father desperately wishing for a son's return, while that son is too blinded by hatred and lies of another's doing to find his way back.

A very powerful poem Tara.

[Herb]

Excellent poems, both. Your words always convey incredible power and passion.

[UL]

So very deep and powerful Tara, 'the truth will follow' always - every moment in life gets haunted by the mistakes we make and live with.. thank you.

[SlyGly]

What a somber, powerful piece, as well as the poem before it. Outstanding work!!

[awareness]

Tara.......thank you so much for all of your comments. What a treat to come home from work to find your fingerprints on my blog :)

It's amazing how one can stand in front of the mirror and not really take in the image.......so many people live a life of illusion.....due to bad choices, to avoid shame and recognition of how their choices have hurtfully impacted others.

Your poem sends a zinger right to the core of the heart.

[paisley]

this was breath taking... sometimes i feel that i am too open ,, to loudly obstinately honest about myself and the mistakes i have made,, but i would rather be obnoxiously truthful,, than silently reproached.......

what an absolutely wonderful write.....

[Gillian]

THis is indeed full of truth this posting...the truth cannot hide long.
I believe the longer you run and hide from it, the more damage you do to yourself.
xo
Gillian

[Amber]

These words write a whole movie in my mind... Powerful and sad. And reminds me of a man I know, too. ;(

:)

[rochambeau]

A mournful topic, with a sad ending.
Truly sad, to be given the opportunity, and throw away your chance. And, how pitiful to choose not to own ones mistake and be rewarded with the peace and the blessings that asking forgiveness offers one soul.

Denial comes out in other ways though.
You can run, but you can't hide.

Thinking of you
and sending sparkles!
xox
Constance

[Mary T.]

This was a surprise to me. It shouldn't have been but it was. What power!

[Rethabile]

The first lines pull back the curtains, so to speak, and prepare us for what is to come. The rest is what happens way too often to many among us.

[marja]

The truth will follow Very powerfuo expression of one who made life a big lie. How sad that some people have no idea what havoc and misere they sow.

[Jeques]

Sometimes the cause of a person's misery are his own doing. Because of fear to confront the truth the guilt eats him up till the end. He holds the key to freedom, but he chooses to live a miserable life of lies.

The worst of all the lies is when we believe them.

I wish you well.

~ Jeques

[giggles]

Sadly the pain of this denial never completely dissipates. The passion behind your words stand tall against such abandonment. Both poems were emotionally gripping for me, feeling your pain, her pain, my pain and all children denied their birthright! Yet the star shines brightly amongst others, and in the heart of their mother!

Love to you and yours this season!
Sherrie

[lissa]

Inspirational words. He will have to live with himself by the choices he made.

I read both - very thought provoking.

[Tumblewords]

the mirror - tells it all, if one but looks. Nice work!

[Jo]

Powerful, haunting words, Tara.....this is very well done!

[Rose Dewy Knickers]

I read both poems Tara. I don't know what to say. (((((hugs))))

Rose

xo