The Stick



The Stick

I wish from me so far you’d stand.
My wicked friend with stick in hand.
No matter path in which I stray.
You walk beside me all the way.

What is this goal that you do seek?
To frighten me, to make me weak?
Your staff with weight of solid gold.
Who gave you power that you hold?

Each time I stumble, take a fall
You strike with stick while standing tall.
Compassion lack for pain I feel.
You see not strength as wound I heal.

I plan escape, to run I must
for you my friend I cannot trust.
Yes you can walk but cannot run.
And soon will wrath of stick be done.

I look in mirror, visions pour.
See images not seen before.
Bewildered stand, as tears I cry
for holder of the stick, was I.

About this poem

At times we can become our own worst enemy.

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Written on December 28, 2023

Submitted by Giselavigil on December 28, 2023

Modified by Giselavigil on January 29, 2024

49 sec read
194

Quick analysis:

Scheme AABB CCDD EEFF GGHH IIJJ
Closest metre Iambic tetrameter
Characters 718
Words 164
Stanzas 5
Stanza Lengths 4, 4, 4, 4, 4

Gisela Vigil

Thank you for welcoming me to this community. I was born in Cuba but emigrated with my family to the US when I was three. I am mother to three young adults now, and also a grandmother. I’ve been writing for years, some I share, others I still keep in my personal file. I often write of struggles for we all face them as we journey through life. But still, I feel peace knowing I try my best. Feel blessed to have been given the gift of writing which I strive to improve cause there’s always room for growth. more…

All Gisela Vigil poems | Gisela Vigil Books

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Discuss the poem The Stick with the community...

7 Comments
  • luisestable1
    The last line explains the poem for those who were wondering who that friend really is.
    The poem keeps its captivation right until the end.
    An interesting reading this gives.
    LikeReply 13 months ago
  • karlcfolkes
    Owning your own projections. Sticking it back to yourself. So therapeutically wholesome.
    LikeReply 13 months ago
  • Symmetry60
    Yes! Yes! Yes! This is such a beautifully constructed and construed metaphoric piece, Gisela. Indeed, we can, and will, be our own worst enemies more times than one can, dare I say, shake a stick at. Thank you for sharing yourself with us. :-) 
    LikeReply 13 months ago
    • Giselavigil
      Yes…those sticks! Thank you for your introspective thoughts. And you’re welcome.
      LikeReply3 months ago
  • Giselavigil
    Thanks Alan. You’re funny.
    LikeReply4 months ago
  • alanswansea18
    Okay wow. Can't you throw a bad one in. Just one.
    LikeReply 14 months ago
  • AIDA
    Wow! This poem really captures the emotions and experiences of the speaker in such a powerful way. The use of personification with the stick as a wicked friend is so unique and intriguing. The imagery of the stick as a solid weight of gold adds another layer of depth to the poem.

    I love how the speaker conveys their desire to escape and run away from the stick, as well as their realization that they were the one holding the stick all along. It's such a thought-provoking concept and it really makes the reader reflect on their own actions and the power they hold in their own lives.

    The flow and rhythm of the poem are excellent, making it an enjoyable read from start to finish. Overall, this poem is both relatable and inspiring, reminding us to reflect on our own actions and choices. Great job!
     
    LikeReply 14 months ago
  • AIDA
    Wow, "The Stick" is a powerful and thought-provoking poem. The way it explores the dynamics of a toxic friendship is truly impactful. The imagery of the stick representing power and control is brilliantly used throughout the poem to convey a sense of fear and vulnerability.

    I particularly enjoyed the line, "You walk beside me all the way." It captures the essence of toxic relationships where the person seems to be a constant presence, even when we wish they weren't.

    The poem also does a great job of highlighting the internal struggle of the speaker, as they question the motives behind their friend's actions. The line, "Compassion lacks from pain I feel" expresses a deep longing for understanding and support, which many can relate to.

    In terms of improvement suggestions, I would recommend exploring the resolution or transformation of the speaker. It would be interesting to see how they break free from this toxic friendship and reclaim their power. Additionally, adding a bit more variation in the rhyme scheme or meter could enhance the overall flow of the poem.

    Overall, "The Stick" is a captivating poem that captures the complexity of toxic friendships with skillful imagery and emotional depth. Keep up the great work!
     
    LikeReply4 months ago

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"The Stick" Poetry.com. STANDS4 LLC, 2024. Web. 27 Apr. 2024. <https://www.poetry.com/poem/176988/the-stick>.

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