Poetry Friday ~ Photo Prompt

20 Nov

It’s the third week of the month! Time for Colleen’s Poetry Challenge‘s Ekphrastic Photo Prompt!

This challenge explores Ekphrastic writing inspired by visual art (photographs). Diana Peach from last month’s challenge has provided the photo for this month’s challenge.

The Saddest Leave The Least Of Clues

Depression sneaks up when least expected

What you once had seems far above you

as you spiral into darkness

sapping your life of meaning

but you smile all the time

though you’re rarely fine

You leave no clues

Depression

is like

cancer

“Real depression is when you stop loving the things you love.”

Atticus

When I saw the image chosen by Author, D. Wallace Peach it reminded me of a beautiful soul who couldn’t see her ethereal beauty in the water because she was shrouded by the darkness of depression. I have several loved ones who suffer from depression. This poem is dedicated to them and to anyone else who is struggling with this disease. What a lot of people don’t understand is that there are two types of depression. Feeling extremely sad when you lose a loved one, a pet, or when you lose your job or go through a divorce is perfectly normal. People expect you to suffer some level of depression when you experience something terrible. Being diagnosed with clinical depression is an entirely different thing. This is an illness that stems from there being a chemical imbalance in your brain. When depression hits it does so without warning, and it comes with muscle aches, loss of focus and concentration, insomnia, overeating or loss of appetite, headaches, digestive problems, anxiety . . . . It is a disease like diabetes, lupus, COPD, Alzheimer’s or cancer. Whenever I get a chance, I try to create awareness because there’s a stigma attached to this disease and there shouldn’t be.

Click on image to read an excerpt from my upcoming book, The Rise of Gadreel.

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74 Responses to “Poetry Friday ~ Photo Prompt”

  1. John W. Howell November 20, 2020 at 3:49 pm #

    Excellent, Vashti. You describe depression very well.

    Liked by 5 people

    Reply
  2. Gwen M. Plano November 20, 2020 at 3:57 pm #

    Beautiful articulated through your poignant poem, Vashti. Depression eats at the soul…like cancer. You explained it well. 😘

    Liked by 4 people

    Reply
  3. Ana, Extraordinary Reads November 20, 2020 at 4:42 pm #

    So much truth in those words… Simply great😊

    Liked by 3 people

    Reply
  4. yvettemcalleiro November 20, 2020 at 6:54 pm #

    Such a heartfelt poem, Vashti! I am quite familiar with depression and the many faces it wears. Thank you for bringing attention to it with your post. 🙂

    Liked by 5 people

    Reply
    • Vashti Q November 20, 2020 at 10:06 pm #

      It’s my pleasure, Yvette. I know there are many people who are unaware of the seriousness of this disease, so I’m happy to create awareness. I’m glad you liked the poem. Thank you❣️

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
  5. Annette Rochelle Aben November 20, 2020 at 7:12 pm #

    so many illnesses are not visible… ❤

    Liked by 4 people

    Reply
  6. Priscilla Bettis November 20, 2020 at 7:45 pm #

    It’s a touching poem.<3

    Liked by 3 people

    Reply
  7. Jill Weatherholt November 20, 2020 at 7:57 pm #

    Wow! Such a moving poem, Vashti. You are spot on about depression. ❤

    Liked by 4 people

    Reply
    • Vashti Q November 20, 2020 at 10:11 pm #

      Thank you, Jill. I’ve been there and seen its effects on others too.💓

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
  8. memadtwo November 21, 2020 at 7:27 am #

    There is so much truth in your words. Too many are afraid to ask for help. (K)

    Liked by 4 people

    Reply
    • Vashti Q November 23, 2020 at 1:57 pm #

      That’s why it’s so important to create awareness because without help things can only get worse. Thank you. ❤

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
  9. harmonykentonline November 21, 2020 at 8:00 am #

    Vivid and poignant. I love it, Vashti 🙂

    Liked by 3 people

    Reply
  10. robbiesinspiration November 21, 2020 at 10:04 am #

    A very sad poem, Vashti. I know people who experience depression in the manner you have described here and it is very destructive for the person and their family.

    Liked by 3 people

    Reply
    • Vashti Q November 23, 2020 at 1:59 pm #

      It does affect the entire family, Robbie. And it’s such a misunderstood disease.

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
  11. Marje @ Kyrosmagica November 21, 2020 at 11:16 am #

    The image is bound to bring those kind of emotions Vashti. Sad, but relatable to many.

    Liked by 3 people

    Reply
    • Vashti Q November 23, 2020 at 2:01 pm #

      So many people suffer from depression and hide it from their families. It’s sad because no one should suffer alone. Thank you, Marje. 🙂

      Like

      Reply
      • Marje @ Kyrosmagica November 23, 2020 at 3:48 pm #

        It’s particularly difficult at the moment what with covid. Tough times. Always important to keep open and find a way to write about depression and the like so people don’t feel alone.

        Liked by 1 person

  12. D. Wallace Peach November 21, 2020 at 11:52 am #

    A sad poem, Vashti, and an important message about depression and how devastating it can be for a person and those who love them. Hugs. ❤

    Liked by 3 people

    Reply
    • Vashti Q November 23, 2020 at 2:03 pm #

      Thank you, Diana. It’s a misunderstood disease, and the stigma attached to it make it difficult for those suffering from it to get the help they need. Hugs & kisses ❤

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
  13. balroop2013 November 21, 2020 at 12:29 pm #

    The poem rightly highlights the sad reality around us, many people just refuse to see the effects of depression. Well-penned Vashti.

    Liked by 3 people

    Reply
    • Vashti Q November 23, 2020 at 2:05 pm #

      You’re right, Balroop. Some people are in denial about it. They think it’ll just go away but in reality it’ll only get worse. Thank you. 😀 xo

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
  14. Jessica Bakkers November 21, 2020 at 8:45 pm #

    Amen to this Vashti. Very true.

    Liked by 3 people

    Reply
  15. coldhandboyack November 21, 2020 at 9:11 pm #

    Depression is no joke, and in 2020 it seems to be on the rise.

    Liked by 3 people

    Reply
    • Vashti Q November 23, 2020 at 2:09 pm #

      You are so right, Craig. This year could break anyone, imagine someone already suffering from depression. 😮

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
  16. Colorful Sisters November 22, 2020 at 2:38 am #

    Definitely an amazing blog 🙂

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply
    • Vashti Q December 1, 2020 at 5:06 pm #

      Awww. Thank you! I’m so happy you enjoy it. 😀

      Like

      Reply
  17. judeitakali November 22, 2020 at 6:50 am #

    Very deep and moving 🧡

    Liked by 3 people

    Reply
    • Vashti Q November 23, 2020 at 2:10 pm #

      Thank you, Jude. I’m glad you think so. 🙂 xo

      Like

      Reply
  18. Colleen M. Chesebro November 22, 2020 at 3:56 pm #

    What a beautiful way to bring awareness of a terrible disease. Thank you for your kindness, Sis. I can’t wait to read your new book. ❤

    Liked by 3 people

    Reply
  19. dgkaye November 23, 2020 at 12:25 am #

    A sad and important awareness announcement through poetry. I can’t help but wonder about the so many more in these depressive times for many, who are affected and alone. Beautifully evoked my friend. ❤ xx

    Liked by 3 people

    Reply
    • Vashti Q November 23, 2020 at 2:15 pm #

      I think about that too, Debby. This has been and continue to be an extremely difficult year. I can’t imagine how it must be for those who suffer from depression or are sick and alone. It’s heartbreaking. Thank you, my friend. Take good care of yourself. ❤ xo

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
  20. Smorgasbord - Variety is the Spice of Life. November 23, 2020 at 2:16 am #

    Wonderfully expressed Vashti.. and unfortunately the mind is the part of the body that is the least understood, and least talked about honestly. Chronic depression impacts the whole body physically as well as mentally and this compounds the problem.. ♥

    Liked by 3 people

    Reply
  21. Smorgasbord - Variety is the Spice of Life. November 23, 2020 at 2:19 am #

    Reblogged this on Smorgasbord Blog Magazine and commented:
    This year has had a powerful impact on our lives physically, mentally and emotionally. For those who already suffer from chronic depression, it has been even more complicated. Vashti Quiroz-Vega brings this into perspective in her powerful poem in response to this week’s Colleen Chesebro poetry challenge.

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply
  22. jenanita01 November 23, 2020 at 3:52 am #

    The worst part about depression is that not many people understand that you cannot simply “pull yourself together, and stop being silly.”

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply
    • Vashti Q November 23, 2020 at 2:31 pm #

      Exactly! This disease is very misunderstood and not taken seriously enough. Those are the worst things you can say to someone suffering from depression. It’s heartbreaking when the people you rely on don’t understand what you’re going through.

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
      • jenanita01 November 24, 2020 at 3:24 am #

        and this attitude always makes depression all the worse…

        Liked by 1 person

  23. jenanita01 November 23, 2020 at 3:52 am #

    Reblogged this on Anita Dawes & Jaye Marie ~ Authors.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
  24. OIKOS™-Editorial November 23, 2020 at 10:27 am #

    A wonderful description of depression. As sad as enlightening what have people to deal with. Thank you Vashti! Enjoy your week, and please stay save! Michael

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply
  25. Jan Sikes November 24, 2020 at 10:46 am #

    Oh my, Vashti! This tugged at my heart. You nailed it!

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
  26. Natalie Ducey November 24, 2020 at 12:00 pm #

    Powerful and poignant, Vashti. You captured it perfectly. I write about my experience in the poem titled Fragile One. Sending love and (((hugs))) across the miles. Stay safe. Stay well. Stay awesome. xo

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply
    • Vashti Q December 1, 2020 at 5:14 pm #

      Thank you so much, Natalie! It must be an amazing poem. I love your work, it’s very emotional, moving and powerful. Sending love and great vibes to you too, my friend. ❤ xo

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
  27. D.L. Finn, Author November 24, 2020 at 12:17 pm #

    Beautifully said, Vashti. It is something not spoken of enough.

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply
  28. Shraddha Singh November 27, 2020 at 2:39 am #

    Well written and expressed

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply
  29. karenringalls November 27, 2020 at 12:42 pm #

    Your poetic description of depression is powerful and poignant.

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply
  30. Annika Perry November 30, 2020 at 5:16 am #

    Wow! Vashti, this is a powerful poem to accompanying the incredible image … you cut to the heart of depression. You do right to highlight this insidious illness which is barely understood by most people; a poem I’m saving to re-read – it’s made a huge impact on me. Take care and stay safe. xx

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply
    • Vashti Q December 1, 2020 at 5:22 pm #

      Hi, Annika! Insidious is the perfect word for this disease. You’re right, most people just don’t get it. I’m touched that you’re saving the poem to re-read later. Wishing you love, peace of mind, and good health. ❤ xo

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
  31. markbierman December 6, 2020 at 9:53 am #

    Beautiful words to describe an ugly issue. Thank you for using your talent to bring to the surface this issue that so many struggle with in secret. It’s okay not to be okay.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

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