This photo draws me in
Immediately I see the crocodile
As my predator
The frog is me, you see
Then my mind travels with imagery
The power differential is obvious
Big fierce carnivore
His powers draw you in.
All his talents
Befitting a true predator
Keep you there
Looking through
The lens of betrayal
I can dull the pain
Make it seem
Like it’s not so bad
Somewhere I know
It ain’t right
But still
I keep the secret
Just pretend
That’s not a croc I’m holding onto
Cling to the source
Of pain and betrayal
For decades
Until finally
I risk to trust
In the power
Of my leap
Of Faith
by Randy Ellison
Thanks to Margaret at Life’s a Dance and Photographer Jonathan Blair for a great photo.
That photo is worth a thousand words. Thank you for sharing it and your wonderful poetry! June
incredibly and frighteningly apt!—clinging to the danger itself!
I am in awe Randy. Blown away. When I put that image together with those words, I was thinking about sexual abuse — from being assaulted in various ways as a young teenager– and then clinging to the “safety” of my emotionally-abusive husband of 20 years.
An author in England contacted me about using this image/with words as well. So clearly, it hits a strong chord with many people.
I drove home tonight listening to news about the trial of Jerry Sandusky. And it made me feel palpably and physically scared. As a 54-year-old woman (with nothing to fear), I have to remind myself (as I’m listening to the stories told by boys who were raped) that I have nothing to fear.
And I go on to continue thinking about how damaged people can inflict so much damage on others.
But then, too, I think about the amazingly wonderful good things accomplished by those with the warmth, humanity, and courage to reach out to others. Like you. Thank you. I wish you the very best. xo Margaret