though there be 500 miles of endless track
You can't outrun the devil
though there be 500 miles of endless track
The only way to beat the devil
is to stare him down while he stares back.
_____
September 29th I will have 26 years continuous sobriety, Goddess willing.
This is a blues in two parts. Find the other part at Coal Black's.
for dverse poetics
Shay--You can do so much with just six lines. I love the repetition, and the last two are priceless.
ReplyDeleteperfectly stated in its simplicity. Loved this ~ Rose
ReplyDeleteOkay, I had to come back because I remember the "Two Part" part of this title and thought, 'Did I miss a postscript note? Did I read the whole piece?'
ReplyDeleteI then took the time to go back and follow your link to the other piece. Both of these would be perfect sung by a Mississippi Delta blues singer. (Please don't tell me you write music as well. That would be way too much talent in one person, Shay.)
Truer words were never spoke.
ReplyDeleteCongratulations on the 26 years of continuous sobriety despite the times the devil's 500 times of trying to lure you back.
ReplyDelete~laurie
OOPS! This should read:
ReplyDeleteCongratulations on the 26 years of continuous sobriety despite the devil's 500 times of trying to lure you back.
Thanks ~laurie
rock on shay....glad you stared him down....and a nice little penning to maybe remind a few that find themselves still running...
ReplyDeleteLove it, love it!
ReplyDeletestare him down, girl, even if it is one day at time (congrats)
ReplyDeletethis is a real blues for sure...love the pic
ReplyDeleteI can almost hear you singing :)
ReplyDeleteI read the other part of this first, and I can't pick which one hits me hardest, but this one has the ring of truth, deep and real, and like all the best blues, it takes the depths of misery and makes it a well out of which to pull a bucket of that water which keeps you alive. Fine, sharp and cogent piece, Shay.
ReplyDeleteThat is some journey you have taken.. congrats on this milestone.
ReplyDeleteYes, only way to do it is to stare at our selves ~
I am happy to see you go this far though I have known you only for the last few months. Hope all is well~
Love this blues and your clarity. Some writers claim their words are found at the bottom of a bottle; clearly yours are found in the brilliance of unobstructed vision. Excellent (I haven't read part ii yet)
ReplyDeleteA big pat on your back congratulating you on 26 years. Loved the blues in this and part one. You both did a fantastic job!
ReplyDeleteCalifornia Ink in Motion
Stare and keep staring, Shay! Congrats on your milestone!
ReplyDeleteCongratulations is a palty word here but there aren't really words for these victories. I'm an ACA in Al-Anon so I admire you and I don't throw that word around. I read both parts at once and all I can leave is a moment of silence and deep appreciation of your creative gifts.
ReplyDeleteFantastic! I'm getting the whole "Robert Johnson standing at the crossroads waiting for the devil" vibe. Thumbs up. +++A. Would buy from again.
ReplyDeleteNice, nice, nice.... And then I got to September 29th and 26 years-- WOW, WOW, WOW. High Five to you.
ReplyDeletexo jj
I have no question that the Devil would lose bad to the likes of you dear!
ReplyDeleteWow - that is a long time - 26 years. I admire that.
ReplyDeletei'm not at all surprised that you have the strength to stare down the devil, Shay. congrats, sweetheart. ♥
ReplyDeletethis is brilliant blues on its own merit ~ going to Coal's when i leave here.