I pause by the stand of ancient trees
©RedCat
Breathing shallow, beset by old nightmares
Inner demons that won’t let me be
Harmful self-thoughts that long had me ensnared
Breathing deep among trees, sets my mind free
I’m still standing, whatever was done to me
When I read tonight’s prompt at dVerse, a song directly popped up in my mind and I knew I had to incorporate it somehow.
I’m still standing – Lyrics
You could never know what it’s like
Your blood like winter freezes just like ice
And there’s a cold lonely light that shines from you
You’ll wind up like the wreck you hide behind that mask you useAnd did you think this fool could never win?
Well look at me, I’m coming back again
I got a taste of love in a simple way
And if you need to know while I’m still standing, you just fade awayDon’t you know I’m still standing better than I ever did
Looking like a true survivor, feeling like a little kid
I’m still standing after all this time
Picking up the pieces of my life without you on my mindI’m still standing (Yeah, yeah, yeah)
I’m still standing (Yeah, yeah, yeah)Once I never could have hoped to win
You’re starting down the road leaving me again
The threats you made were meant to cut me down
And if our love was just a circus, you’d be a clown by nowYou know I’m still standing better than I ever did
Looking like a true survivor, feeling like a little kid
I’m still standing after all this time
Picking up the pieces of my life without you on my mindI’m still standing (Yeah, yeah, yeah)
I’m still standing (Yeah, yeah, yeah)Don’t you know that I’m still standing better than I ever did
Looking like a true survivor, feeling like a little kid
I’m still standing after all this time
Picking up the pieces of my life without you on my mindI’m still standing (Yeah, yeah, yeah)
Source: Musixmatch
I’m still standing (Yeah, yeah, yeah)
I’m still standing (Yeah, yeah, yeah)
I’m still standing (Yeah, yeah, yeah)
I’m still standing (Yeah, yeah, yeah)
I’m still standing (Yeah, yeah, yeah)
Writers: John Elton / Taupin Bernard J P
Lyrics to: I’m Still Standing © Hst Publishing Ltd., Rouge Booze, Inc.
Image credits
First: Photo by veeterzy on Unsplash
Second: Photo by Zoltan Tasi on Unsplash
The world according to RedCat 
Cool…
Thank you!
Yeah yeah yeah. Bravo you are still standing
Happy Monday
Much❤love
Thank you! ❤️
Trees and nature do help.
I think this song was in the back of my mind–thanks for bringing it forward!😀
They help more than I ever thought as a child when my vivid imagination made me fear the big forests a bit.
That song is awesome for getting in a better mood. 😀
Aww–I never thought of it like that. Then again, I don’t remember going into big forests as a child either. 😀
Trees are our great protectors. I believe they give us strength when ours is depleted. All that matters is that you are still standing, you’re right. I’m glad you are <3
Thank you! ❤️
Sometimes I still need to remind myself of that fact, and the fact that whatever my inner saboteurs tell me I’ve come a long way since.
I’ve always sought out the woods when I needed to think or just relax. Since I’ve learnt to meditate their effects have multiplied.
You’re very very welcome and I’m glad you at that place both physically and spiritually.
I am too. And I must confess finally finding the courage to write and the way back to my muse has pushed me further along than I ever thought possible.
Don’t you think that when writing pulls it out of you, it becomes more real, and once acknowledged as real it can dissipate? The muse is the beautiful cushion that helps us land safely <3
Such a powerful and heartfelt poem. Nature really does help when we are at our lowest point. Glad you’re still standing with us—It’s not an easy road, it can get pretty dark at times, but we keep fighting, keep persevering. ❤️❤️
Thank you! ❤️
I’m glad to have Nature’s help. And I’m glad to have found that solace when I need it. As you say it’s not always easy but giving up is not an option.
A great song to include with your quadrille. Those who come through such ordeals stand the strongest in the end!
Thank you! ❤️
Someone once told me to remind myself just what I’ve already overcome when the memories and flashbacks makes me feel weak as hell. Because there just phantasms by now and can’t really hurt me unless I let them.
That’s exactly right!
Very positive indeed. Nothing soothes and heals like deep breathing in deep forests. Salute!
Thank you Ron! 🌹
Such a wonderful song, and your poem is enchanting.
I really liked this! Particularly the line break in “won’t let me be / Harmful self-thoughts” — very powerful
remember hearing that song on the radio as a teenager. your poem has added another layer to its memory. hang a hammock in the trees. its a great place to soak them up and watch the stars. a good head place for me.
“I’m still standing, whatever was done to me”
Beautiful.
Oh those trees can teach a thing or two, weathering the storms, losing a few branches but never letting go. I’m glad you found strength in them.
And standing may we remain Helene! Excellent writing! 👍🏼🙂
I’m so glad you’re still standing, Helene!
<3
David
Nature can be a great healer. To be standing despite everything…says all. ❤️
Ah the trees! I love it, breathe deep there, in that moment only that breath. Only that breath.
Nature heals all wounds. Lovely!
Powerful last line. Endurance is strength. Well-done.
One of my favorite Elton songs and as you say …. breathing deep among trees, sets my mind free!!! And yes, still standing strong / straight / YOU.
That song takes me back. And a great anthem for your quadrille. I agree, nature can be such a powerful healer.