survival by Stephen House

woven angst strangle

intervene thought relieving

grasp dragging suffocate

abnormal squirm wallow

tread beat relentless

nil flicker revival

exist sharp pain wrapping

clamp usual becoming

breathe in healing question

is flee black obtainable

light darkness twin opposite

rationale spells is possible

rally slow rising

take step glimpsing courage

recovery game muster

slide hopeful to stronger

walk lone swim coastline

reflect silent gift union

nurture preen calm trust

survival will can me be

Stephen House is an award-winning playwright, poet and actor. He’s won two Awgie Awards, Rhonda Jancovich Poetry Award, Goolwa Poetry Cup and more. He’s been shortlisted for Lane Cove Award, Overland Fiction Prize, Patrick White Playwright and Queensland Premier Drama Awards, Greenroom acting Award and more. He’s received residencies to Ireland, Canada, and India. His chapbook “real and unreal” was published by ICOE Press. He is published and performs often.