Secret Place

Author: Martin Derksema
Word Count: 210
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My head was a castle
with more than a thousand rooms.
One for cat,
one for goldfish
one for teddy bear.
I dreamt of wings and talked with fairies,
and filled my chambers with the incense
of defenceless innocence.
But, like vipers,
hiding in a fresh green field,
there were the others too.
Frosted shadows,
growling, grinning,
firing burning arrows of contempt,
for which no bear could be my shield.
When I got hurt
I went downstairs,
where, in the cellar,
light was never seen.
There, in a dungeon,
was my secret place, where
I locked away the weight of a burden
my little feet just could not bear.
Since then I saw the sun rise
fourteen thousand times, or more.
I bought new lamps,
I found new friends,
and, in the evening,
lit a fire.
But, when the wind starts howling,
and the moon projects a shadow play
of fingers piercing through the wall,
I notice something deep beneath.
Like stumbling feet,
a desperate voice
crying loud to be released?
My hands are tied,
I must endure.
Oh, long ago,
on a dark day,
when things got worse than ever,
I stashed my burden,
locked the door,
and, driven by my burning fear,
I threw away the key,
forever.

Secret Place

A couple of weeks ago Deborah Parkin: asked me if I wanted to collaborate on a competition on the theme Secret Place. This competition is an initiative from WitheringMoon

I felt honoured Deborah asked me, because I am a great admirer of her work and her pure and mind-enhancing vision on childhood and life in general. As soon Deborah showed me the image she had in mind, the words started flowing. I want to thank Deborah for the pleasure of working together and for being such an inspiration. You will find our complete project here

Also, I want to thank Mawaho for proof reading and her valuable comments.

shanghaiwu, 9 months ago

flyboy

have read this a few times….......quite incredible/ such a message for us all.
Elaine van Dyk, 9 months ago

Wonderful writing, FlyBoy….........you are a truly multi-talented person.
Martin Derksema, 9 months ago

@shanghaiwu: the human soul is a big building where one can hide a lot. When it is hidden so good you can’t find it back yourself, then you reach the point where you have to bring a lot of money to a shrink .. ha ha.
Martin Derksema, 9 months ago

@ whirligig: thanks a lot. You are a great support to me.
Deborah Parkin, 9 months ago

Hi Martin – just wanted to say publicly what a great poem this and how you have encapsulated childhood thoughts so beautifully – thank you so much you are an inspiration to me.
Martin Derksema, 9 months ago

Thanks, Deborah. It was such a great creative adventure to work together on this.
Sorina Williams, 9 months ago

This was so beautiful to read. I needed something like this today. Thanks!
Martin Derksema, 9 months ago

Thanks a lot for your support, sorina.
marco britti, 9 months ago

Enjoyed it very much as it does take you to places and a happy ending.Can`t really judge as I am not a regular poem reader but…I enjoyed reading it.Hey this could be a begining for me!!!
Thanks Martin!!!
Martin Derksema, 9 months ago

My pleasure, Marco. I am very glad you enjoyed it.
madvlad, 9 months ago

daringly expossing the under current of all our life,s, very moving to read this, we all have stories, that we hid, this is open and brave,well done, as all your efforts! at showing your self in art of color,or line!
Martin Derksema, 9 months ago

Thanks Vlad, really appreciate your comment.
MaryO, 9 months ago

Thanks for your courage and brave heart facing the dark and rising from it like a phoenix.
And thus bringing wonderful beautiful stories into this world.
Martin Derksema, 9 months ago

Thanks for your beautiful words, MaryO. Yeah, well, you know me like no other.
concha, 9 months ago

this is lovely flyboy
Martin Derksema, 9 months ago

Thanks conga.
loramae, 9 months ago

Intense!...moving my heart…
Martin Derksema, 9 months ago

Thanks Loramae, for your generous comment.
Jeff Burns, 9 months ago

Wow this is amazing writing. I absolutely love this. I didn’t even notice your writing I was looking at your artwork. LOL
Great work! Double threat
Martin Derksema, 9 months ago

Thanks Jeff for your support.
maka1967, 6 months ago

immensely inspiring work. i always felt there were strangers in my head, and I threw away the key once and again. thanks for sharing.
Joyce Dickens,..., 6 months ago

Wow this is awesome; I guess I missed this side of you :-) So intense and yet so familiar at the same time; extremely well written.
helene ruiz, 6 months ago

wow!!!!
N♥RIN ISM♥IL, 4 months ago

I LOVE IT…. VERY CLEVER, AND YOUR WORDS ARE WELL KEPT..WELL DONE
Mark Jones, 4 months ago

Very good piece of work. I could almost be there as I read it.
BLYTHART, 4 months ago

This is really good writing and I am pleased it has been published in Deborah Parkin’s book too.
Paul Vanzella, 2 months ago

in awe of the way you write – just sensational!