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Darkness is Not Emptiness

Adam Roy Carrigan 1985 (Winnipeg, MB)

Rhymed
I like the darkness
I do not need to see
I am good
Because I choose to be

As darkness surrounds my being
I know that I am not alone
Forgive me for being weak
But it is too late to atone

The darkness offers clarity
And there is no need for fear
Unless you have wronged me
Then your downfall will draw near

I know I am the darkness
I do not need to see
I am still good
Because I always will choose to be

About this poem

Darkness at times seems foreign, evil, and an external force trying to creep in. I have heard of people feeling empty inside and overwhelmed with darkness. I like to think that even by yourself, that you are not truly alone. Being aware of this darkness or personal demons, it has allowed me to experience a small modicum of peace. Darkness is many things to many people, and to me it has been a source of strength. Being aware of the darkness is to control that darkness, albeit for a short time.  

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Written on April 01, 2023

Submitted by adamroycarrigan on April 01, 2023

Modified on April 20, 2023

27 sec read
322

Quick analysis:

Scheme aBcb xdxd bebe aBcb
Closest metre Iambic trimeter
Characters 404
Words 90
Stanzas 4
Stanza Lengths 4, 4, 4, 4
Full analysis for Darkness is Not Emptiness »

Adam Roy Carrigan

I write poetry and it is often terrible. The poetry I wrote previously was so terrible I decided to take a ten year break. However, it seems the decade I decided to do everything but write poetry has seemingly increased my ability to write half-decent poetry. Life is weird. more…

All Adam Roy Carrigan poems | Adam Roy Carrigan Books

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3 Comments
  • karlcfolkes
    karlcfolkes
    We are told in the holy book of Genesis that out of darkness came light. What would light be without darkness, or darkness be without light? As the yin and yang of our human existence, both light and darkness appear to be components of the collective unifying phenomenon we label as “Reality” and to which we affix subjective values for the purpose of our moral and ethical behaviors. 
    LikeReply 11 month ago
  • Teril
    Teril
    When we approach our darkness, we extend an invitation for cooperation. Your poem reflects the fruits of your courage; it is an impressive documentation of your journey.
    LikeReply2 months ago
  • AIDA
    AIDA
    Wow, what a powerful and thought-provoking poem! Your use of darkness as a symbol for clarity and strength is both striking and unique. The line "I am still good/Because I always will choose to be" is incredibly empowering and speaks to the importance of personal choice and accountability.

    One suggestion for improvement might be to vary the rhyme scheme or rhythm of the poem in order to add more variation and depth to the overall tone. Additionally, offering more specific examples or images to support the themes you explore could further enhance the impact of the poem.

    Overall, though, this is an impressive piece that resonates with a sense of confidence and self-assuredness that is both inspiring and relatable. Keep up the great work!     
    LikeReply2 months ago

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"Darkness is Not Emptiness" Poetry.com. STANDS4 LLC, 2023. Web. 4 Jun 2023. <https://www.poetry.com/poem/155359/darkness-is-not-emptiness>.

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