by Ethel Mortenson Davis
One moment of madness
in a thousand is enough
when the brain slips
back into some old wound,
a wound made almost painless
by the shading of years.
Yet the old grooves
are easily found—
like a seal of shame
worn open in the sun.
And in the splitting of madness
all is lost to one emotion,
but regained
in the clear-formed thought
as seeing the precious stone
occasionally in deep rock.
fourwindowspress 
Oh wow, Ethel–this is incredibly good, and I so relate. God bless you today–love, Caddo
Self-management.
Here’s a thought-provoking article I came across today, which you might find interesting.
http://www.alternet.org/story/156037/
Don’t be put off by the headline. It is about much more than that suggests.
Wonderful and profound poem, Ethel, and I too can relate to this. Have a wonderful day. ~ Julie xox
Wounds heal but leave scars…
Ethel, I think this is a very strong image of madness and, thankfully, one that ends with clarity — the precious stone in the deep rock. It very aptly describes the “episodic” nature of dealing with difficult memories and trauma. This is a brave poem.
Ethel, I too can really relate to this powerful poem. I agree with Anna, it is a brave poem!
Love these lines, Ethel:
‘a wound made almost painless
by the shading of years.
Yet the old grooves
are easily found—’
Very deep and powerful verse.