tara caribou
poetry & short story author – artist & nature lover
The Thin Veil
At the edge of tomorrow,
there stood a moment,
stretched out before me,
the veil between this life and the beyond
spread thin.
A separation of body and spirit.
I wrestled.
On the one hand,
peace and rest.
On the other,
small hands and tearful eyes and
memories that will never be forgotten.
The moments wore on
as the battle surged
this way, then that.
I want the release.
I don’t want it.
I held on to the physical realms.
I implored into the spiritual one.
Give me wisdom and courage,
I have none.
Three times
I have stood here.
Three times
I came back.
Twice I wanted release
and was denied it.
The third,
well,
circumstances have changed.
I don’t love this world any deeper,
it holds nothing for me,
but I DO Love.
Update:
it’s tomorrow.
I’m still at the edge,
though now I’m kneeling
rather than standing.
Healing, perhaps
maybe I’ll even slowly back away
from this edge soon.
Priorities and responsibilities,
they never stay the same.
With each passing moment,
the veil thickens again.
tara caribou | ©2021
26 Comments on “The Thin Veil”
tara caribou 
ultimately the world holds nothing for anyone … sometimes it seems like it comes down to how well we embrace and ride out the delusion for all it is worth, but then maybe baruch spinoza was on to something …
i liked the scope for interpretation with this one – it doesn’t have to mean the same to the reader as it did to you, but it is clear it meant something to you and i found it had resonance with my experience. who knows what intersection might live in such interpretations …
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You know, I had a feeling you’d understand this one just fine. Thanks so much for reading.
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skydancing green curtains
mark the trailhead
your wyrd has yet to meet
the trail’s end
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It could be just that, yes. Sometimes it feels I’ve come to the end of the line and I’m just extending it out.
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To the edge and back (a little, a lot?) how many times? Never forgetting long that the edge is there, offering destruction or healing.
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You can say that again.
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Reblogged this on cabbagesandkings524 and commented:
Tara Caribou – On edge at the edge
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I find I don’t know how to comment on the deeply personal, as this poem is, I guess because how I read may not be as you write, I wouldn’t want to read you wrong… guess that’s me and my English ways.
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Mostly I write to get something out… but I also know that art is subjective and anyone could read it as any of a thousand different ways. I just appreciate you taking the time to read at all.
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Truly and deeply beautiful.
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I appreciate you taking the time to read it.
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This is, both literally and figuratively, very close to the edge, Tara. We cannot always tell exactly what it is that leads us there – or indeed brings us back. Certainly it becomes part of who we are (perhaps it is that part of us that shows us the edge?) but does it alter what comes next? I’m not sure. I do think, however, that having had one foot across the line heightens and intensifies what we feel. Maybe, as writers, that is what we are trying to do – exorcise this part of us whilst keeping it close (which I feel is key).
Anyway I’m rambling. Great piece, Tara.
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Not rambling at all. You really see through to the heart of the matter and I truly appreciate your insight and comments. It means the world to me.
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☺
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That moment in the darkness in which I might just let go… over the edge, not pull back. Yet in the morning the temptation begins to subside. But for how long? I feel this, Tara.
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Thanks Chris. I sure appreciate you. 💕
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Absolutely fabulous ❤💜💙
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The spiritual and the physical — feels like a never-ending dance; some might even argue that’s where the beauty lies. My personal take is “There is value in being aware of the spiritual and the physical” whatever it may mean to the individual. Being aware of our hidden and seemingly endless potential as well as our fragility and mortality.
Made me think. Well penned, Tara.
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Thanks so much for reading and for the deep thoughts, OD. I actually do appreciate it.
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Also, I want to comment on your unpopular opinions.. but for some reason it’s not letting me 😞😩
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I think that was a minor glitch. You should be able to comment now ✨ looking forward to it.
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Struggles at the precipice of life…
I love it!
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You got it! I appreciate you reading and commenting.
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You are very welcome 😊
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The photograph as poignant, intimate and raw as the words. The words paint a visceral edge…..
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Thank you so very much.
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