‘Shackled’ and Other Poetry by Gigi Ryan

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Shackled

I crave a morning hit when I rise up,
A trifle touch to take the edge away
To spur me on to get my coffee cup.
Don’t talk while I eat breakfast. Go away.

I want a bitty bit of my sweet drug.
I do my chores and have a morsel more.
Don’t tell me I’m addicted. Please don’t judge.
I’m functioning you see—I’ve mopped the floor.

I’m feeling nervous; I’ll imbibe a bit—
It’s natural to need help round this rough
Patch. My child awakes. He’s in a fit.
I’ll give him a wee sip. It won’t be much.

We go outside to play but it’s too hot
So come back in to chill and have a fix.
I’m told that I’m in bondage but I’m not.
Why do you criticize? We all do it.

After napping he’s cranky once again—
A quick sniff first, then we’ll make dinner fast.
He is so hyperactive and insane.
To pacify him I’ll give him a taste.

It will not hurt his appetite or mind.
Tomorrow we will try partaking less.
Assistance is required to unwind.
Maybe it’s a problem I confess.

The evening finds us bored. We only need
Something to relax us before bed.
So let’s consume some of our favorite feeds.
There’s nothing else to do right now instead.

Goodnight my child, goodnight my precious phone.
Let’s recharge. Tomorrow we’ll repeat
Today. I doubt we’d manage on our own.
I may as well acknowledge my defeat.

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All Is in Your Hands

—a villanelle

Lord, all is in your hands and not in mine
I cannot see forever as You can;
The future will by promise always shine.

I am prone to worry and repine
When upended are my perfect plans.
Lord, all is in Your hands and not in mine.

The days of darkness cause me to remind
Myself that You are God and I am man.
The future will by promise always shine.

Your touch healed sinners bleeding, broken, blind;
I need to trust and not to understand.
Lord all is in your hands and not in mine.

Your open hands gave blood to be my wine
And made for me a mansion on Your land,
The future will by promise always shine.

If I but let my fingers intertwine
With Yours Your strength enables me to stand.
Lord all is in your hands and not in mine
The future will by promise always shine.

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Gigi Ryan is a wife, mother, grandmother, and home educator. She lives in rural Tennessee.