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Swimming With a Hook in my Mouth – Poem of the Month – January 2023

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Swimming With a Hook in my Mouth

In this prison I am not alone
There is food and warmth
A security the body craves
but a nourishment
unable to feed the mind
Here in your jail my soul possessed
Cramped in a cell, my words stifled
Expectations to meet
A schedule to follow
Duties to be performed
Resentment builds within
I tread water to prevent drowning
in your sea of servitude
I am tired of swimming 
with a hook in my mouth


Copyright © 2023 Christine Bolton - Poetry for Healing
All Rights Reserved

Linda is hosting Open Link Night at D'Verse Poets

  43 comments for “Swimming With a Hook in my Mouth – Poem of the Month – January 2023”

  1. Susi Bocks
    January 20, 2023 at 6:05 pm

    Oh, this brings back some memories from my first marriage. Well written, Christine!

    • Christine Bolton
      January 21, 2023 at 3:08 am

      Thanks Susi! I’m happy it resonated with you but it saddens me that you too were in that position 🥲

      • Susi Bocks
        January 21, 2023 at 1:26 pm

        I feel there are so many who were or are still in that position. 🙁 But it is how I learned never to be “swimming with a hook in my mouth” ever again. Life lessons. 🙂

      • Christine Bolton
        January 21, 2023 at 10:51 pm

        Yes, too many in that position. I have been there like you, and never again 😦 Thanks, as always, Susie ☺️❤️

      • Susi Bocks
        January 21, 2023 at 11:04 pm

        Same! You’re welcome, Christine! <3

  2. Pingback: Hidden in childhood & #RXC #poetry
  3. judeitakali
    January 10, 2023 at 5:38 am

    Captivating poem. Loved it.👏🏽

    • Christine Bolton
      January 11, 2023 at 8:43 am

      Thank you dear Jude ☺️💕

  4. rothpoetry
    January 8, 2023 at 10:00 am

    Your title says it all! What a great image of a sad reletionship!

    • Christine Bolton
      January 11, 2023 at 8:43 am

      Thanks Dwight! ☺️💕

  5. thereluctantpoet
    January 6, 2023 at 4:04 pm

    Wow! What a great poem, Christine!! Hoping this is all fiction! Inspired by a great Muse????
    😊💕🌹

    • Christine Bolton
      January 6, 2023 at 11:28 pm

      I’m not saying! It’s hard to speak with a hook in your mouth. Lol. ☺️❤️

      • thereluctantpoet
        January 10, 2023 at 6:09 pm

        Mmm, yes, I guess that is true – never tried it either. Probably wise because words and whispers echo!!!! 😊💖🌹

  6. Margaret Elizabeth Bednar
    January 6, 2023 at 1:01 pm

    So many never find freedom… powerful.

    • Christine Bolton
      January 6, 2023 at 11:26 pm

      Thank you, Margaret ☺️💕

  7. M Jay Dixit
    January 6, 2023 at 1:00 am

    Captures the feeling of being trapped and being manipulated very accurately. The line “Swimming with a hook in my mouth” is a powerful image.

    • Christine Bolton
      January 6, 2023 at 11:25 pm

      Thank you M Jay. I really appreciate it ☺️💕

  8. Sadje
    January 5, 2023 at 10:13 pm

    Christine, this is such a heartfelt and moving poem. Bravo

    • Christine Bolton
      January 6, 2023 at 11:29 pm

      Thank you dear Sadje. You are always so kind. ☺️❤️

      • Sadje
        January 6, 2023 at 11:31 pm

        You’re most welcome.

  9. Grace
    January 5, 2023 at 8:28 pm

    That is a tough situation to be in. Hopefully there is freedom at the end. Happy New Year!

    • Christine Bolton
      January 6, 2023 at 11:29 pm

      Thank you so much, Grace. I always appreciate your words. Happy new year. ☺️💕

  10. scotthastiepoet
    January 5, 2023 at 6:56 pm

    Bravo Christine, I think you capture the experience very effectively here… That said, I have never been in prison, but have visited on a number of occasions…

    • Christine Bolton
      January 5, 2023 at 7:43 pm

      Lol Scott! You know I used it metaphorically, right? 🤣

  11. kiangablog
    January 5, 2023 at 5:11 pm

    Brilliant poem that many of us can relate to Christine. Well done. Lynn

    • Christine Bolton
      January 5, 2023 at 7:44 pm

      Thanks Lynn ☺️ wishing you a happy new year ❤️

  12. kiangablog
    January 5, 2023 at 5:10 pm

    Brilliant poem that many of us can relate to. Well done, Christine. Lynn

    • Christine Bolton
      January 6, 2023 at 11:30 pm

      Thank you Lynn. I appreciate that very much. ☺️❤️

  13. Tricia Sankey
    January 5, 2023 at 3:57 pm

    The ache is so well-penned in this! 👏👏

    • Christine Bolton
      January 5, 2023 at 7:44 pm

      Thanks Tricia. Happy new year to you. ☺️❤️

  14. rogblog666
    January 5, 2023 at 3:50 pm

    nicely penned

    • Christine Bolton
      January 5, 2023 at 7:49 pm

      Thanks so much. Happy new year! ☺️

      • rogblog666
        January 6, 2023 at 3:02 am

        Happy new year

  15. Ron.
    January 5, 2023 at 3:49 pm

    Hook removal is always painful and usually leaves scars, but swimming away, freed, overcomes all negatives. Wonderful work. Thanks.

    • Christine Bolton
      January 5, 2023 at 7:48 pm

      Thanks so much Ron. Happy new year to you! ☺️💕

  16. Brendan
    January 5, 2023 at 3:40 pm

    Here’s to breaking outta there! Solitude is vastly underrated.

    • Christine Bolton
      January 5, 2023 at 7:45 pm

      Yes! Happy new year Brendan ☺️

  17. Linda Lee Lyberg
    January 5, 2023 at 3:20 pm

    The prisons we allow ourselves to be put into. Nicely done, Christine!

    • Christine Bolton
      January 5, 2023 at 7:46 pm

      I know Linda. It’s a sad situation. Thank you and Happy New Year ☺️❤️

  18. literaryscribe
    January 5, 2023 at 3:14 pm

    This is a powerful and intense situation that you’ve portrayed. It makes me hope the narrator can find some relief and break out of that confinement.

    • Christine Bolton
      January 5, 2023 at 7:47 pm

      Yes, I think she’s just about had it! Thanks, Joyce ☺️❤️

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