On the cusp of a dream achieved
Truth of inner worth freed
Bone deep self doubt revealed
Planted with every unmet needTruth of inner worth freed
A girl bred to never succeed
Planted with every unmet need
She never learnt how to receiveA girl bred to never succeed
A light shone where kind self-love breeds
She never learnt how to receive
Sorrow joy supersedeA light shone where kind self-love breeds
© REDCAT
Bone deep self doubt revealed
Sorrow joy supersede
On the cusp of a dream achieved
I refuse to let my current depressive slide stop my writing. So today I sat down to see if I could write a poem about my truth, my life, and the added stress that accounts for the current mood.
I long known I self-sabotage and have trouble receiving positive praise, but I didn’t know it ran this deep. I thought sending the submissions out where the struggle. The last weeks have shown me, that success and actually achieving a lifelong dream, with grace and real joy, is the real struggle and it’s only just begun.
This is one of my favorite linked forms, a pantoum.
My process for writing a pantoum goes something like this…
The pattern is ABCD, BEDF, EGFH, GCHA. Since line A and C becomes both the start and end I usually write the first and last stanza, then the middle ones.
Also shared to dVerse’s Open Link Night.
The world according to RedCat 
This is so sad… when you almost reach and cannot grasp the price… hope that success will come your way.
Nice description of her: “A girl bred to never succeed
Planted with every unmet need”
Over at d’Verse, we’ve written our share of pantoums. I like how that form illuminated your melancholy message.
Very well done! Don’t let the past shadow you! Live in the light of the beauty that you are and exude!
Keep in mind that line (and title) “On the cusp of a dream achieved” – Although having your eye on the prize isn’t the same as holding it, just knowing it’s within reach can lead to good things.
this is melancholic and powerful, thanks for sharing you!
Writing is cathartic, as is being true to yourself … you are healing :)
Nice job with the pantoum form. I haven’t seen one of these form poems in a while. Thanks for sharing. Hopefully you find writing therapeutic as well.
As for me, a pantoum itself is cause for a depressive slide, but you have mastered the art and delved into self-awareness as well. Hat’s off!
I think we always struggle with doubts. The process of putting our thoughts into words can act as therapy too. (K)
I love how this form is so beautifully suited with the mood of the poem. I have also been working deeply with these fragmented unmet pieces of myself, and I know other women going through the same process of discovery, reclaiming and integration. What a great time to be alive and have this virtual place where we can be raw and be met. Blessings to you!
Deep and beautifully honest. Keep searching for gratitude for in that there is a deep happiness
Self worth is powerful and in our control, unlike the praise of others.
Look at your work. You will see the beauty in it and that is indisputable.