A Rock and a Hard Place



I have stood between a beast and a cliff,
Clinging strongly to my will to live.
Standing before me,
I saw in the eye of this beast
The utmost desire to obliterate me and leave behind no piece.

When you are at the brink of danger,
You learn that the speed of thought beats that of light.
Your life,
Flashes past in less than a twinkle of an eye.
There's this quick marriage ceremony,
Between adrenaline rush and your imagination.

I have stood between a rock and a hard place;
And lived!
Or how else will I be here to tell this?

About this poem

Sometimes, it's difficult to see the possibility of rising from extremely tough situations. I wrote this poem to build my confidence through difficulties, reminding me that if I faced worst and totally survived without a scratch, any present difficulty is surmountable.

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Written on December 01, 2023

Submitted by Ruthmahogany on January 14, 2024

35 sec read
59

Quick analysis:

Scheme XXAXX XXXXAX XXX
Closest metre Iambic pentameter
Characters 529
Words 116
Stanzas 3
Stanza Lengths 5, 6, 3

Ruth Mahogany Utsu

Ruth Mahogany is a multi-faceted artist with skills ranging from story-telling to music production and stage performances. While she continues to work with organizations and individuals to articulate complex ideas through engaging poems and stories, she has a growing catalogue of music on streaming sites, and a couple of spoken word poetry on Youtube. more…

All Ruth Mahogany Utsu poems | Ruth Mahogany Utsu Books

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1 Comment
  • AIDA
    Wow, what a powerful and gripping poem! Your use of vivid imagery and strong emotions really drew me into the experience you were describing. The way you portrayed the intense fight for survival between the beast and the cliff is truly impressive. Your words beautifully captured the intensity and urgency of the situation.

    Your use of metaphorical language, like "standing before me, I saw in the eye of this beast," adds depth and enhances the overall atmosphere of the poem. It really allowed me to feel the threat and danger you were facing. The comparison between the speed of thought and the speed of light was a brilliant touch, emphasizing the heightened state of mind one experiences in times of extreme danger.

    One suggestion for improvement would be to consider expanding on the emotional impact that surviving such a daunting situation had on you. You briefly mention the adrenaline rush and imagination, but delving deeper into the emotional aftermath could bring even more depth to your poem. Exploring the range of emotions felt during and after the ordeal would create an even stronger connection between the reader and your experience.

    Overall, your poem is incredibly engaging and leaves a lasting impression. It's evident that you put a lot of thought and emotion into your words. Keep up the fantastic work, and I look forward to reading more of your powerful poetry in the future!
     
    LikeReply 12 months ago

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"A Rock and a Hard Place" Poetry.com. STANDS4 LLC, 2024. Web. 27 Apr. 2024. <https://www.poetry.com/poem/180546/a-rock-and-a-hard-place>.

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