WOW...BEAUTIFUL! THANK GOD FOR TIME...AND HEALING. THANKS FOR THE SHARE, REGIS! LOVE, BLESSINGS AND FAITH...HIS+INSPIRATIONS

You write from your soul.

How can others dance when I have lost the beat?
How can others sing when I have lost the tune.
Everyone has the blues--just do not keep them.
Your writing of sorrow is exact.
CarolHawks

Sometimes with a smile on our face we even fool ourselves. But you can only hide from yourself so long.

Sorrow, despair and depression are ugly scars to bear. Reality can be a bruiser!

Thanks for sharing, Reg.

Richard

All my best wishes,
Richard

Regis,

It is difficult to bear one's soul to others. Your words say so much about your pain, and the reality others do not see. God Bless You.

Much love,
Mary

My mental illness leads to sorrowful day, so I must stay positive in my mind and things I do and push myself each day to smile, I love to laugh too. It is a challenge each day to be happy. I do try but grief takes over lots. My deceased hubby laughed lots and I can still hear his laughter. It was so comforting while alive and hearing it now soothes me too. He will never be forgotten and I am told I will laugh again too and sometimes I do. It is a back and forth thing, but this poem explained some of my questions and helped as therapy. Good write too.

Trials are great teachers, Thanks for sharing this work. Safi

very true indeed and quite amazing, how people can smile and continue with their activities when in sorrow !!!Well written

Poignant stuff, my friend...Sorrow too deep and ever lasting can indeed make one wonder how the rest of the world keeps smiling..it isolates and no, if it is accumulated to a certain level, it won't go away...but we can find our way back to little pleasures.

love,
Gina

You are right: a smile can be a mask
and sometimes it is not because we
want to hide, but because we are afraid
of bothering other people.

I like the clear situations and descriptions
of sorrow here. Responsibilities in this case
are often shared.

Axilea

great verse Reg, and I have a simple answer for this, life always tries to knock our smile off, the key is being able to keep it after the slap. Actually I should be a sad person, but I chose to rebuke the devil, nothing but death is going to take my humor, smile and fun.
I love being a clown and clowing around in a decent way. My wife and I hit the door for some fun on my day off. The devil and my wife were working on me, man was I feeling bad. My wife bought this outfit, pretty but it had a glitter design on it. She glittered up the car, me and everywhere she sat. I hate glitter, anyway we visited some friends and they wanted to drive their car. She glittered up their back seat too. The car was new, our friends had the nerve to complain, we asked them to ride with us in my big Durango but no they wanted to drive their new car. I'm three hundred pound solid and big, they stuffed my big butt in the back seat, man was I pissed, I ended up telling them in a nice way that maybe they should have hung by themselves. Anyway I joked the whole evening off and it made me feel better. Got home I looked at my wife, she had glitter all over her face too. But just from making a strong decision not to act mean saved my day and I felt better defying the devil

A good moody write from one who knows moody and blue and sorrow. State of mind and neurochemicals too. Can't be just wished away. It takes hard work to dig out of the pit. You're worth it Reg. Keep plugging away at it. Liz

wow! you wrote exactly what I've been feeling lately ... But you know what, Regis? Its going to get better, it will! Wonderfully expressed ...

Sorrow- is a state of mind, to Me (anyway)
Get us and do something physical, a smile will eventually appear!
Your poem is solemn yet beautiful, that picture sure would inspire sadness, smothering, and feeling submerged to me! but, you say it all so eloquently Reg!
STay Positive!
"This too Shall Pass" and when it does, let me know :) :) :)
I know this world is going in a handbarrel, but I believe in Miracles and they will appear!
STay STrong!
Spiritually, I feel your heart! The pain will subside and happiness will come from inside!
Warmest Blessings and Inner Peace, Warrior Purple Lady Shexooo
- A Reason For Everything under the Sun - This still is a tremendous SAD "S" Poem! I was sinking.....

The last reason to smile happens when we forget how to love. R

Happiness is not how we feel, but how we think. Spiritually, let us always think ourselves happy because it's what's on the inside that when nurtured properly, AS bad times come along, and they will, we will be stronger to know how to handle them, realizing that we are not singled out. It's a thing called life that we can choose to let slap us around, or stand our ground.

blessin's to you Bro. Regis,
cynth'ya lewis reed

Thank you, Reg. This reminds me of my poem "Why Does It Hurt To Smile?" I can identify with each and every word, because I lived them for decades, not just a few years.

You have written a universe full of loneliness, isolation, sorrow, depression, and abandonment of feelings and emotions, to lead a happy life. Thank you for sharing, Reg, even though you brought back very horrific memories.

May the Lord Jesus bless you, and those whom yo ulove, and be with you always, and at your side constantly. With much love in my heart, joy to the world, peace on eaeth, & many sisterly hugs, little sister, Barbie

I love the descriptive "s" words. This poem will stick with me!

This poem of sorrow reveals that you are indeed a creatively sensitive, passionate and feeling Soul. The valley can be very low...but yet so high. We must savor and remember the valley when it is low in order to learn and grow so that we can also appreciate and be thankful when the valley is high. A beautiful write. Thank you for allowing to share the human emotion of sadness with you.

We most learn way to young how to dance as there is no tomorrow. A really good write. Understandable in life yet inside I do come around and find a reason to smile again. Lady J

I wish I did't know Dear Heart but I know all too well. Not where you lost it but where it often feels like I lost it. Deeply touching poem from an honest heart.

Total KO. You really captured the feeling of sorrow. If this is a personal journey - I hope that you know that you are loved and respected and need not travel it alone.

Sanja xo

'Like a drowning soul in a sea of sin'---- I LOVE THIS!!!!!!!!! Liana Margiva

we can offer all the smiles, prayers, hope and good wishes, but the end result...its all in the mind, heart, and belief of the sufferer where change occurs.

Regis, you write eloquently on the symptoms, but are elusive about the cause. Your words are deeply moving -- "surrounded, smothered, swallowed, submerged" by sorrow -- describing in painful detail the emotional experience. As you continue to reveal your inner life, eliciting great empathy on the part of your fan base, remember the light is within and we all share your pain.

God bless,

ra

Regis,
I definitely think this poem is linked to your last offering. I know this feeling you write about too well. Sometimes, to snap out of it, I like to write dark poetry. You know your gift is still there because you wrote this intensely sad piece. Somehow I'm positive that nothing we say can cheer you up. Regis needs to go looking for Regis! Maybe now is the time to do some dark writes...get those feelings out before they take over. Your mood reminds me of how I was feeling when I wrote "The War Within". I don't usually plug my own stuff...I just wanted you to know that this mood and writing come hand and hand. We all understand it when it's happening to someone else. We don't understand it when it happens to us. You are talented and that shows regardless of what mood has you. This piece pulls on the heart strings! Love, Hugs & Smiles from NH, USA:)
Sheila

Within the poem you've poignantly written, is another poem for me to ponder...

...in asking...the blue within you...perhaps the color seeking hope...will in new light be found...
sincere pen of sadness Regis...well written...
John

((((( Oh Regis )))))
This one is gut-wrenching sad!!! I hope you are well!!!

Sending you all my love,

Sandie May Angel :o)

Keep smiling my friend. I love the flow of words here.

I know that it is hope that causes the downtrodden to still sing--a deep write

Personally I KNOW very little other than the fact that you are the best at this poetry business...;) e

Ah, but sometimes the seeds of renewed happiness are sown in that first, forced smile that gradually becomes genuine with practice. How can anyone claim to know true happiness until they have known true sorrow?

Well Sweets, Start dancing, your answer will come. Love the honesty in your poetry my friend.

Janet xoxoxo

Searingly honest, Regis. Yes, I think we can all admit to knowing how and why you "lost" your smile, cos we have done the same thing... only, like you, we're pretty good at donning the mask or borrowing the "spare" that hangs in the corner and is ALWAYS in demand. Bless you for this. Your integrity sears our souls and all we do is to nod along in agreement. You hit the spot ALWAYS. This is what poetry's all about... Love Kate xx

Much SORROW and feelings of hopelessness are emitted in the lines of the poem. I think many have expierenced those feelings some time in their lives. A new day can bring hope for new tomorrows........M

Sorrow at this depth can be crushing...and yet we are resilient creatures...a wonderfully if not distrubingly accurate description of despairing sorrow. It is hard to believe, but the sun will rise again on the morrow.
Always good wishes to you, Reg,
Jim

Sorrowville… we’ve all been there…the beauty is that we have it within our power to relocate, to move out, vacate - look in the mirror and marvel your own creation, watch a sunrise or sunset, revel life… very deep poem and well written. Thanks for sharing. Blessings, Janice

Only one who is deeply sad,can find sorrow in everything.It becomes all there is,and that is a troubled place to be in! I hope you are not that person,and I pray whomever it is, will soon find the way to a smile or two,so as to change the downward spiral that gloom can manifest...Superb poem!

Love,
ET

REG - WELL DONE! I would guess - a LOST LOVE?

JUST GET BACK UP ON THE BIKE!

A 'NEW' LOVE SPORTS A SMILE, A SONG, A DANCE!

Sorrow's depth seems to know, no limits. And yet, we permit it to envelope and control our emotions. Were we to quckly wash our hands of it. We could be done with it and returned to happiness. Sad poem by a master, Reg. Jon Michael Willey

Sometimes, we allow a situation to rule our moods and we find a certain comfort or safety behind a black veil that we wrap around our world. In a way, this seems to preserve the memory of the better times, though it can leave us sitting beneath the waterfall of sorrowful emotions as well. The truth of the matter is that no one or no situation can make us feel bad (or good for that matter) without our consent; happiness and love are gifts that we give to ourself. This is an excellent exercise in sadness, though I hope that you have not written it about yourself, Reg.
Take care,
Sherry

A poem on sorrow, something poets have strong access to. A sad story, but well told.

Cheers,
Dan

My dear Regis, how sad this write. But when life gives you lemons, make lemonade!
I ALWAYS have a song in my heart ... even if it doesn't leak out to be shared with the world.
I'm alive! I have a blank canvas, the means and the will to create a brand new day ... not just for me but for those whom I love.
Today I will sing to you, make you laugh, giggle and feel truly alive, like a youth in the springtime. Listen for my song in your heart.

Love always,
Sandy

The best medicine to cure the sorrow
Is to write your feelings in poetry and talked
To a best friend!
I strongly agreed with Jill Eisnaugle
Don't keep it bottled inside!
Smile and the world smiles with you!
Sending you my healing energy its very strong today
Because today is my B-Day!!
Love Peace And light and a true friend..Morning star

oh, how aching it is to lose your reason to smile, when i do, I simply go close to the mirrow and create a fog with my breath...yes, there's every reason to smile a little because we're still alive

Writing is the best mechanism for venting one's sorrow. When we release our sadness or frustration through our words, we no longer keep it bottled inside and thus, we're able to heal. I know I've done this and I've always felt better for it. I've spent time on the bathroom floor, crying, too. Writing is better, though.

Thanks for sharing this poem, which is very true in its representation.

All the best,
Jill

People smile in spite of sorrow because of Jesus my friend. He suffered too, and knew the greatest sorrow there is. But He promises to be there with us in our times of sorrow, speaking to our hearts, encouraging us, loving us through it. He is the reason I am alive today. When I lost my Dad, Grandma, Aunt, Uncle, and 16 year old cat in the space of 5 months 3 years ago, I couldn't cope. If it were not for prayer, and some tremendous Christian grief counseling I don't think I would be here today.

This is a stark, poignant piece Reg. Startling simplicity, yet so very deep.

Love,
Michelle

I wonder how some people can sing
In blissful oblivious oblivion.

Here's a thought! Some people sing out their sorrow. Just as you write about it, they sing it. It helps to vent.

This write is a wonderful collection and we have all felt it from time to time. With faith, it will pass.
God Bless,
Lew

The photo makes me think of one stripped of everything,, Not a good feeling,,We need resources.. books, church, friends,,, etc to begin to clothe our soul. Hearfelt Write Reg.
Love to you, Christine

Dig Deeper Regis and you will find it. Reach out to others and it will be there. So sad but wonderful write. Love, Bonnie

Very strong and potent write that says it all, and the graphic is stunning and very applicable to this work of art.

Fee

Since sorrow is mental suffering caused by loss, disappointment, sadness, grief, or regret, and you've chosen to use a female photo to exemplify sorrow, I wonder if the poem is related to her sorrow or yours. There's a bit of a puzzle here. Could it be that the two of you lost each other. Sorrow, too, shall pass.

Sorrow, only those that have dipped their heart in the blues can say, "yes, I know"
Regis, you got that finger right where it hurts.

Georg

No 'perhaps' about it
I think you know.
Nothing quite like bearing your soul
And exposing the truth in how you feel.
Doug

i empathize with this revealing poem ... well expressed query into the mind & soul, Regis ...

This is very sad. If we stop dancing, we have lost that part within us that still hears music, a real tragedy, because it's everywhere. Sometimes people dance BECAUSE there is sorrow everywhere, just think of things like WW2, all the great swing music, people need a diversion. That is the beauty of music. I would miss laughter, and that is the best part about the sound of a child's laughter, it can be contagious. We sing to remember, we sing to forget, we sing and write to cope with sorrow. A dirge is never fitting, it's more of a neccessity no one really likes. Get out your paddle and start rowing your way out of the sea of sin-you are the person who can save you, not anyone else. What was your last reason to smile? I can give you one: you are a talented writer. That should make you smile, because some people suck at writing. Hope to see you with paddle in hand soon and posting poems about the way the sun reflects off the sea- my blessings and prayers to you, my friend, Michelle

YES: Satan Devil Smiles And I As (God) TRASK Laugh Last...

People Since Childhood Ask Me Why Don't I (You) Smile,i.e. Now You Do Know...I've Been In This Evil World Longer Than Most And I Will Never Be Host To It Or Evil....

Any Human Who Smiles At Me My 1st Thought Is: Just What Do You Want!

You're Good Person Regis= Hang In There Regis It Is Gonna Get Worse...

TRASK

You sound so very down, disheartened and perhaps disgusted with life in general. I learned a long time ago that no matter what, smiling, laughing and finding joy in the little things would get me through any hurdle. Keeping you in my thoughts and prayers I hope you will find solace and comfort through faith....

Be always safe,
Karen

"Perhaps you know" is the base of this poem where the sorrow is concentrated and that is the bottom of the sea of sorrow imn which this unfortunate souls is wading in. Thanks dear Regis and please make us smile next time.

Your expressions ARE sorrowful, Reg. What can we do to help? I know...go find and buy Herbie Mann's cd MEMPHIS UNDERGROUND...some REALLY GOOD jazz on this, especially his rendition of Battle Hymn of the Republic. Then get up and shake yer booty to the music...all by yourself! Ya gotta get out of this funk, dear friend. No pressure...just MOVE IT! And Smile...Smile...Smile. Makes every one around wonder what yer up to! Love ya! - Micke

I know this feeling, I've lived a good portion of my life this way,
but I'm better now, As Joni Mitchell said "Laughin and cryin, you know it's the same release" Great poem.

Take care, Pierre

Kindred Poet, Kindred to Sorrow, Kindred in expressing it for me this night. But your not alone and neither am I........Deborah:)

Cause when we look around Regis
we see and hear that too many people
just don't care..
Stay safe
Ron

Reg, I find this poem to be filled with yearning for sadness and sorrow to be released, and a reason to smile again to take it's place. You wrote this very well. I can feel it down to my bones.
Peace, love, and light,
Amber "V"

Excellent writing Regis,enjoyed as always...stay safe and well...Hugssss

Regis now you this "Sorrow" truly breaks my heart.
Do hope you are not really sad though.

Wishing you lots of love and happiness as always,
~Gwendolyn

Regis,

We all wear a smile "mask" from time to time when we feel sorrow inside. Your not alone. Some people cannot bare the truth. Sorrow is a needed emotion to bring us to humbleness within ourself like an empath who feels another.

I Love The Photograph You Have Chosen. I myself do not show all my grief to just anyone. If I did...oh goodness, I just couldn't. I think thats actually called self control & not playing an actors role. There is a big difference & I do not see you as a player at all!
Love You & Miss You
XOX
Embraced ~ Embrassé
Vickie


bzzt

There are times when sorrow seems to be our only friend...but sorrow isn't much of a friend at all. I hope that your heart feels lighter soon.
Hugs,
Cryssa

When it comes to sorrow, I always remember this quote “keep your pecker hard and your powder dry and the world will turn”. Its from an old army fic, can you tell

Powerful write, mon ami; c'est tres bon!

(((HUGS))) et amour, ton ami dans Texas, Karen Lynn. ;(

Many can relate to sorrow; howevew it is just a state of mind. Every min one is full of sorrow wastes valuable time, and time goes by too fast.

I didn't read your poem, instead I stared at the photo you thought was so poetic . . .

Regis,

A pointed question you ask, wondering where it all went - many of us can identify. Hits a little too close to home - excellently expressed poignancy. Well done.

(((HUGS))) and love, Karla.